Redwater Lion receives Melvin Jones Award

By Brandie Majeau
On February 11, the Redwater Lions held their monthly meeting. This particular
Wednesday included a special acknowledgement and celebration as part of the regular
agenda. The Redwater Lions proudly presented the Melvin Jones Award to Lion Gerald
Whaley. Lion Gerald began his service as a Lion 45 years ago, on June 11, 1980, in
Peace River. Over the past four decades, he has served as a Lions Club member in
several communities, including Gibbons, Drayton Valley, Fort Saskatchewan, and finally
Redwater. Lion Dave McRae, spoke genuinely to Gerald, expressing the honour and
privilege it has been to serve the community alongside him. He reflected that Gerald is
part of an elite group, as only 475,000 people have received the Melvin Jones
Fellowship Award, the highest recognition from Lions Club International, honouring
individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to humanitarian service.
The presentation of the award was a deeply emotional occasion, as each Lion
took a moment to honour Lion Gerald Whaley. “It’s difficult to acknowledge this award
the way it should be,” Gerald said, a sincere admission that words could not fully
capture the depth of feeling accompanying such recognition. The atmosphere was both
celebratory and solemn, as Lion Gerald had also announced his retirement from the
Redwater Lions. “I’m over 80. I’m going to be more at home now.” In his heartfelt
reflections, Gerald shared that his many years of service began in Peace River. “It
moved my heart.” He fondly recalled how the Peace River Lions initiated the safe grad
program, cherishing memories of local RCMP officers finishing their shifts and then
volunteering with the Lions to ensure safe grad was just that, a safe experience for all
who were celebrating.
As the Redwater Lions Club becomes a chapter that comes to a close for Lion
Gerald, it serves as a reminder that it may be the beginning of a new chapter for others.
The Lions Club of Redwater supports the Ochre Park Hot Lunch Program, Redwater
Food Bank, Pioneer Club of Redwater, STARS Foundation, and numerous other
programs and organizations. Members also volunteer at community events throughout
the year and have often been spotted handing out free bags of popcorn. With Gerald’s
retirement, the club is reflective of declining membership and the need for new
members to maintain the viability and continuation of these important programs and
services.
Becoming a Lion is an excellent way to get involved in the community, contribute,
and meet new people. Current members have joined for various reasons: they were
invited, have family members who were Lions before them, or simply found their calling.
The Redwater Lions welcome anyone interested in joining to visit the Pioneer Club on
the second Wednesday of each month at 7:15 p.m., when they host their monthly
meetings. Guests are encouraged to attend, learn about what it means to be a Lion, ask
questions, and get to know the Redwater Lions. For more information, contact Redwater
Community Services or Lion Larry Bucholz at 780-240-7826.