It’s a busy time of year for Bill King as Christmas approaches. As president of the Fabulous Fenwick Lions, King has a hand in two popular sponsored events which bring out local families.
“We’re not really planning to add any events this year, but simply do an even better job of the ones we currently offer,” he said. “We have ten new, young members who are doing a great job for us.”
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting took place in downtown Fenwick on Saturday, November 25, replete with Christmas carolling and festive music. Santa made an appearance, and there were complimentary hot dogs, hot chocolate, and apple cider.
Families will also flock to the Santa Claus Parade in Fenwick this Saturday, December 9 at 1 PM, hosted by the Fenwick Lions with support from the Town of Pelham. The parade starts at Bethany Christian Reformed Church on Balfour Street, and proceeds down Canboro Road, through the downtown core of Fenwick to Church Street. The parade finishes at Centennial Park.
Businesses, non-profit organizations, and community groups that are interested in participating in the parade can complete an application form available on the Fenwick Lions website at https://forms.pelham.ca/Christmas-in-Pelham/2023-Santa-Claus-Parade-Application.
In addition to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa Claus Parade, the 48-member strong Fenwick Lions are well known in the community for their annual classic car raffle, carnival and parade at the end of May, and their Friday fish fries held April through October. These events allow the Lions to support a host of local charities, including Pelham Cares and Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
"We have ten new, young members who are doing a great job for us.”
“Since 2003, we’ve raised $235,000 for the Guide Dogs alone,” said King.
Born in London, England, the 75-year-old King arrived in Canada in 1957. His career involved work in retail store design and construction, and visual presentation management within the stores. He worked with Reitman’s, which sells ladies’ clothing and apparel, then spent six years with Nygard International, the international women’s clothing chain headed by the infamous Peter Nygard (recently convicted on multiple sexual assault charges dating back several years). Next came a stint managing Costco Stores in the GTA. King retired in 2003, the same year he and his wife relocated to Fonthill. He has been a Fenwick Lion since 2011.
Service clubs often have reciprocal support from local government, and the Fenwick Lions have benefitted recently from their close working relationship with the Town of Pelham.
“The Town received grant money to upgrade the washroom facilities at Centennial Park,” said King, “and we’re also getting a new canopy on the food booth.”
The new year will bring more Fenwick Lions events, said King, starting with Groundhog Day at Centennial Park on Friday, February 2, and an appearance by Fenwick Flossie, Pelham’s furry weather prognosticator for almost 30 years. Children from local elementary schools will be at the park for the event, which will get under way at 10 AM. Everyone is welcome to attend.
