The Lions Club of Portage la Prairie has a new vice president for their local program who assumed the role in July of this year. Anita Hart says the position lasts for one year, and explains she joined the Lions because she likes helping people.

"I joined in Beausejour during my first post with the RCMP. Then when I was transferred to Clear Lake I ended up living in Elphinstone. I became secretary there, and then when I transferred again to Portage I emailed them, saying I'm joining your club, When is your next meeting? I love being able to help people. I guess that's also why I joined the RCMP, of which I'm no longer a member due to an illness that I have. The Lions are in 160 countries around the world. We've reached a number of over 1.4 million members worldwide, and next year we're going to be turning 100 years for Lions International."

Hart says she enjoys all of the opportunities to do things in the community for others. "There are so many things for me to learn including leadership, negotiations, and working within groups and that sort of thing. I just thought Lions is the perfect fit for me and my personality."

She adds she's looking to be president next year, and notes they prefer a person to act as vice president before elected as president, seeing as the absence of the president has the vice president step in to chair the meeting in that position allowing a person to learn the ropes. However, she notes, if you're willing to take the position they are glad to see you in place. Hart says she looks forward to the role of vice president and see the organization grow, and get more involved in Portage, as well as make more ties and connections with service groups and other clubs.

Hart says the local Lions are the best-kept secret in Portage la Prairie, and she's hoping to spread the word around and get as many new members as she can. She says she started a Facebook page for the club, and you can find them at: https://www.facebook.com/Portage-la-Prairie-Lions-Club-122835518135581, and join their efforts or contact them for any help you might need in a local community project. You're welcome to attend any meeting on the first Thursday and third Thursday of each month in the Lions Den behind Splash Island from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00, and it's a supper meeting where you can enjoy a meal. Hart adds to just give them a shout beforehand so they can mark your name down.