Dear editor:
As a proud member of the Cochrane Lions Club, I was disappointed with the opinion piece written in the Cochrane Eagle’s competition last week regarding the possible relocation of our rodeo grounds to a new location.
Much of the information appears to be coming from Lions members attempting to use the media to elicit a public response to influence decision-making within the club. It’s disappointing that discussions taking place within our club are being reported to the media.
Although our Labour Day Rodeo weekend is a big part of our club, it isn’t by any means all that we do for this community. To infer that our club would be less able to assist the many charitable causes we are involved with within this community simply because the rodeo grounds may move to a new location just isn’t true.
Additionally, to suggest that many of our volunteers “will not follow” should our rodeo grounds move to a different site does a disservice to the many great volunteers who make our rodeo and other events the success they are. I deal with many of our volunteers on a regular basis and have not heard any of them suggest they would stop volunteering should the rodeo grounds move.
The most disturbing allegation is that the club would make this decision based on “the lure of money”. To suggest that “the almighty dollar would become the basis of logic for most of our decision making” is an insult to our club, our volunteers and all of the work we have done and continue to do in this community. The inference that we could “loose sight of our mandate” demonstrates a profound misunderstanding on our motto “We Serve”. That is the primary reason we choose to be Lions members!
Yes, our lease on Lions Rodeo Park expires in 2019. Moving to a new location is an option we have discussed and continue to discuss at length, but it is not our only option. Much more information is needed before we make that decision. There are pros and cons for every option and there are differing opinions within our club, but in the end, the members of the Cochrane Lions Club will make a decision, as a club, regardless of any opinions that may be written.
Rest assured, we will make a decision that we feel is best for our club and this community and we will be here for many years to come, assisting individuals, community groups and events whether we stay where we are or move to Timbuktu!
Jim Thorne, Cochrane Lions Club
