Heather is the newest member of the Fonthill Lions Club. Heather and her husband moved from Pickering to Welland in 2017, shortly after retiring, to be closer to her son, daughter-in-law and their 3 adorable grandchildren.

Heather’s introduction to Lions was through her brother-in-law Don McGovern (sister Debbie), who was a long-time member of the Knowlton Lions Club in Quebec.  When Don moved to Ontario, he transferred his membership to the Ajax Lions Club and suggested that Heather and her sister join him at a meeting.  Heather soon found herself volunteering at several Lions events before deciding to join and become a full-fledged member, sponsored by Don.

During her 9 years with the Ajax Lions Club, Heather reintroduced the annual Walk for Dog Guides and assumed the position of Secretary when sadly a fellow member was diagnosed with a terminal illness.  She was also instrumental as a co-chair, along with her sister, in organizing a highly successful fundraiser, their Annual Victorian Christmas Tea, which supported various Women’s and Men’s shelters.  Heather served two terms as Club President, before leaving the Ajax Lions due to a personal tragedy.

After graduating High School, Heather attended nursing school but surprisingly didn’t follow that path.  Meeting her husband on a graduation trip to the Quebec Winter Carnival in 1971, they married in 1974. Two months later, Heather joined the Consumers Gas Company, starting in Credit & Collections then a year later moved to their in-house Litigation Department, becoming a paralegal and later a Litigation Supervisor, representing the Company in Small Claims Court actions. There she remained for 8 years until the birth of her first child. Heather was a full-time mom of two for 15 years, but she was able to continue working on contract for many years. During her stay-at-home time, Heather volunteered at the local food bank, helped run a reading program at the kids’ school, volunteered with the Church, and became a co-convener with the Pickering Baseball Association’s Select Baseball League for 10 years.  Community service has always played a very important part of Heather’s life.  She believes we all have a part to play in helping lift up our communities and those less fortunate.  She has always been a role model and instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of giving back.

Once settled in Welland, Heather sought out the “perfect fit” Lions Club and found her new lair with the Fonthill Lions, again  sponsored by Don McGovern, her brother-in-law, for the second time.  “Being a Lion has given me an opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and give me a sense of gratitude and accomplishment, all while serving our community”, Heather says.

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.