The Portage la Prairie Voyageur Lions Club was out on the streets Friday collecting food donations.

It was all part of one of the new clubs’ first initiatives. The Voyageurs knew there was a need for food in Portage, so they held a food drive.

Club advisor Anita Hart explains the event.

“We were set up in front of the Great Canadian Dollar Store on Saskatchewan Avenue here in Portage. Our food drive was for the Salvation Army food bank and Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). We had a fantastic response from the community for both of the organizations. We’re so pleased that we’re probably going to do it again next month.”

The Voyageur Lions Club formed in 2020 as a branch of the Portage la Prairie Lions Club. Hart says it gives her goosebumps to see the impact the club is making.

A truck load of food taken to the food bank.

“I love the enthusiasm of this club, and this is what Lions is all about. Every service club has its niche and its passions. Our motto is: we serve. And this is a need that is required within our community. We’re just so happy that we can help fill that need.”

This is the second food drive they’ve held. Hart says that PAWS is thrilled to receive donations because of the pandemic. She says she was on the phone recently with Salvation Army's Major Brenda Hammond the other day and the donations are going a long way.

“She is so thrilled that we are choosing her organization to give a hand because she’s told me they’ve had an increase of people who are needing their services. Unfortunately, they’ve had a decrease in donations.”

The Voyageur Lions Club currently has a call out to the public for any ideas you have of how the club can help the community.

You can keep up to date with them on their Facebook page.

Winner of the basket draw, Gene Lacroix. The basket was bought at Mil-Jeanne's in Portage la Prairie. All who made a donation were able to put their names in for the draw.