Bruce Whitmore, RTO Past President, John Maaskant, Chair of the Lions’ Newcomers Fund Project, RTO Community Grant Chair Jean Weigand, RTO President Willi Laurie

Following a successful spring clothing drive for Ukrainian refugees by retired teachers and education workers in Huron-Perth, RTO District 9 discovered there were other urgent needs for Ukrainians struggling to get a foothold in our area. The Goderich Lion’s Club had already set up a Huron County Newcomers Fund to help not only Ukrainian, but other newcomers as well, for times when government grants run out and groceries and daily living expenses become too much for them.

Then President Bruce Whitmore, Jean Weigand and the late Bill Black, of Goderich Lions Club partnered together on a community grant application from RTOERO national. The grant conditions stipulated working with another community group, and Goderich Lions has many retired teachers in its club. So, the partnership was a good fit.

In October District 9 RTO Huron-Perth was informed that it had been successful in securing a $4,000 Community Grant to help with Ukrainians and other newcomers with groceries and daily living expenses.

John Maaskant, chair of the Huron County Newcomers Fund project with the Goderich Lions stated at the RTO Fall AGM that there is an ongoing need for funding for newcomers especially Ukrainians, as they try to get a start in the country.  Goderich Lions are also partnering with the Huron County Immigration group. The Lions Huron County Newcomers Fund is handing out about $4,000 a month to people who need help. Housing is the biggest difficulty for newcomers.  District 9’s community grant will help to finance about one month of assistance.

As the need continues, John Maaskant indicated that the Lions are always fundraising. Anyone who wants to further help this cause can donate on the Goderich Lions website.

RTO District 9 Huron Perth represents about 1100 retired teachers and education workers in the two counties and beyond.   Each year the national organization RTOERO donates to many community grant projects across the country.