Bonnyville Lions Club donates water fountain at Slawuta Pond

Features multicoloured lights for nighttime viewing

BONNYVILLE - “We serve” is more than just a motto for Lion’s Clubs throughout the world. It is what members embody through a variety of community-based initiatives, projects, and activities. The Bonnyville Lions Club is no exception.

Even though the number of members has dwindled in recent years to only a handful, the desire of these members to serve the community is stronger than ever. The most recent example was the purchase of a $14,000 water fountain in Slawuta Pond. Club President Joe Schafer said the club was the original contributor of the first fountain placed in 1995.

“Now that the town has done a major renovation to the Slawuta Pond location, we in turn have purchased a new larger fountain which has more eye appeal, and it is also equipped with red, white and blue lights to enhance the nighttime appearance.” Schafer said it is also an aeration fountain as the pond is stocked with rainbow trout which allows kids and seniors to fish for free. “The installation of the two walking bridges certainly enhances the appearance and functionality of the pond and provides great viewing options for the fountain.”

Liz Reed and her husband Al are long-time members of the club. “Our son used to fish here,” remarked Liz. Now, her 10-year-old grandson Camden is fishing for rainbow trout that is stocked by the Town of Bonnyville.

The Reed’s along with Schafer say they are happy to help the town. The Bonnyville Lions Club was established in 1971 and has contributed to different organizations in the community, including the Bonnyville Soccer Association, Bonnyville Community Health Centre, STARS and Boy Scouts. Schafer said the last big project the club completed was a Lions Memorial Park in 2008.