It seems the metaphorical dust has begun to settle around Lake Orion and we can finally begin to see the damage coronavirus has had on businesses, clubs and other entities throughout the area.

One club that was not exempt was the Lake Orion Lion’s club. Each year, the Lion’s Club hosts the Jubilee in downtown Lake Orion. The Jubilee is the club’s largest fundraising event bringing in the most money for the club. Despite the cancellation of the Jubilee, the Lion’s club has kept their foot on the gas during the past several months with different fundraising and volunteer projects.

In June, the club held their annual Flare Night on Lake Orion, selling a record number of flares.

Several Lions also headed out to Lions Bear Lake Camp to aid in a late spring cleanup of cabins and the grounds, including improvements to the Adventure Trail.

Recently, the Lion’s were approached by Sherry and James Gillen of Liberty Way Realty about putting together a can drive to help offset some of the cost of missing the Jubilee. One month and thousands of cans later, the Lion’s Club had raised over $5,000 in cans alone.

“Buckhorn Towing loaned us their truck and driver, Lion Chris, to haul the sorted returnables to Powers Distributing. Powers helped by accepting everything in bulk so we didn’t have to put them in machines one at a time,” said Lion’s Club member Roger Brodeur. “A huge thank you goes out to all of these local family companies for their ongoing support. This money will be used to support eyeglasses and other needs in our community, as well as our annual Christmas Basket program where we provide food for over 200 families and seniors.”

Finally, last month the Lion’s had the opportunity to further improve the area by holding a clean up or Orion Rd. to Clarkston Rd.

If you would like to become a volunteer for the community, the LO Lions always welcome new members. You can reach them on their Facebook page or at contact@lakeorionlions.org. — M.K.