Ed Hazlett is an 84-year-old, former employee of Dufferin Construction Co.  His 40-year career included various professional roles including being equipment operator, foreman, superintendent and project manager.  In 1972, Edmoved to Niagara to manage two large QEW projects.  Shortly after relocating to the region, he was informed by locals that to enjoy life in Ridgeway, there were only two requirements.  Firstly, he needed to buy a snowmobile, and secondly, he had to join the Ridgeway Lions Club. Fortunately for Ed, the owner of the local snowmobile shop was a member of the local Lions Club.

Ed was a member of the Ridgeway Lions for three years.  To raise funds to support local community needs, the Ridgeway Lions Club worked hard in partnership with the Ft. Erie Lions Club, to run several major bingo events each year at the Ft. Erie Racetrack, attracting busloads of players from New York State.

Ed very much enjoyed “Lionism” and giving back to the community.  However, upon completion of the QEW projects in 1975, Ed was required to relocate back to the Toronto area for his career. This move, along with the demand for ongoing work travel, temporarily ended his membership with the Lions.

Ed moved back to the Niagara region in December 2016 to live with his daughter in Fonthill, after his wife of 59 years passed away due to heart complications.  He loved living in Fonthill but felt he should be doing something to meet new people and help the community.

Then one day, he met Lion Dennis Craddock.  Dennis suggested that Ed should reconsider joining the Fonthill Lions as a way to use his spare time to help others.  He was told he would never regret it.  After meeting with District Governor, Fred Arbour and Doug Gaylor, Membership Director, Ed decided to become a Fonthill Lion.  Fortunately, this time he did not have to buy a snowmobile.

He is still currently living with his daughter “as long as I behave”, said Ed mischievously.  “I enjoy being a Lion because of the fellowship and the fact I am able to help our local community. Being retired, it also gets me off my butt to do something other than watching TV all day.  I admit that, being the new kid in town, I don’t have many connections, but I support the Lions work in any way I can.”

The Fonthill Lions have the unique distinction of being “The Motto Makers” for Lions International.  In 1954, Fonthill Lion Doug Stephenson’s motto of “We Serve” was chosen from 6,000 entries as Lions International’s global motto.

New members are always welcome to the Fonthill Lions Club.  If you are interested in finding out about becoming a Fonthill Lion to help serve your local community, contact Steven Pellerin at 289-673-2933.