Monday January 01, 2024
To the Valued Members and Supporters of the Queen Elizabeth Lions Club,

As we close another remarkable year, it is with immense pride and gratitude that we reflect on the extraordinary impact the Queen Elizabeth Lions Club has made. In 2023, our commitment to service and community engagement reached unprecedented heights, touching the lives of many across various communities.

This year, our collective efforts led to the incredible feat of distributing approximately $5.2 million dollars’ worth of food and drinks. This remarkable achievement was not just a demonstration of our commitment but also a testament to the power of collaborative effort and generosity.

Our outreach encompassed dozens of different church groups of all denominations, diverse community groups (Ukrainian, Chinese, Philippine, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, etc.), shelters, Sikh and Buddhist temples, and significant initiatives like the Greater Vancouver Boxing Society, Cadets, Scouts, East Vancouver Boys Club and Delta Boys Club. We’ve also made meaningful contributions to the Men’s Shed, Tonari Gumi, Heads Up, several First Nations groups, and many more, ensuring that our impact is as broad as it is deep.

A special note of appreciation goes to Brad & Richard Newell from King of Floors, whose relentless efforts and contributions have been foundational to our success. Dave Sandhu of Sandhu Winery has been a pillar of support, generously contributing to our cause. Rick Diamond from Diamond Delivery has been instrumental in ensuring timely and efficient distribution of resources. Steve Wong from Vandula Farms and Tyler Hepelle from Hepelle Potatoes and Wade Pugh of Chewters Chocolates have provided invaluable support through their generous donations.

These individuals, along with a host of other faithful partners, too numerous to mention, have been the backbone of our successful outreach. Their unwavering commitment has not only enabled us to reach our goals but has also inspired us to set higher benchmarks for the coming years.

Moreover, as we express our heartfelt thanks to each member of the Queen Elizabeth Lions Club for their exceptional contributions in 2023, it is essential to highlight some remarkable statistics that showcase the impact of our collective efforts.

This year, our club achieved the extraordinary milestone of rescuing 1,320,320 equivalent meals. This incredible number not only reflects the volume of food and drink we distributed but also represents the countless lives we’ve touched and the substantial difference we’ve made in combating hunger in our community.

Furthermore, in our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we successfully averted 2,168,970 KGs of greenhouse gases. This achievement underscores our club’s dedication not only to immediate community needs but also to the broader issue of environmental conservation and responsibility.

Additionally, the club managed to facilitate thousands of donation pickups in 2023. This logistical feat, made possible by the tireless efforts of our members and partners, has been a critical component of our success, ensuring that resources, large and small, reach those in need promptly and efficiently.

Our profound thanks go to Queen Elizabeth Lions and honorary members; Alan Cheng, Amar Johl, Amar Tiwana, Andre Ferrigno, Anna Ferrigno, Arka Chorbajian, Bal Gadey, Bino Singh, Bonnie Marchinkow, Carlo Fierro, Darcy Marchinkow, David McKnight, Doug Corkery, Frank Tallarico, Geoff Cortright, Geoffrey Soo Chan, Grant Zhang, Herb Binning, Indy Panchi, Jesse Johl, Jimmy Crescenzo, Joe Tortora, Johnny Gosal, Laurie & Karen Marchinkow, Loan Tuye Pham, Lloyd Dong Woo Chung, Manny Sobral, Marco Lee, Mark Benning, Marko Markowitz, Massimo Rossetti, Mathew Dhillon, Maurizio Camparmo, May Hamanishi, Paul Dmytriw, Peter Thanas, Quan Trinh, Raj Basra, Randy Huynh, Remi Camparmo, Remo Masterpieri, Rominder Bhatha, Sim Johl, Steve Mah, Steve Tsao, Sunny Basi, Susana Chong, Tabitha Tsao, Ted Nita, Todd Constant, and Vardip Dhaliwal. Your efforts, large and small, have been vital in achieving these impactful results.

By way of reflection on these significant achievements, let us also renew our commitment to continue this vital work in the coming year. Together, we have demonstrated what can be achieved through dedication, teamwork, and a shared vision of a better community.

As we step into another year, we carry with us the lessons, experiences, and triumphs of 2023. Our journey has been remarkable, but it is far from over. The needs are great, and our resolve to meet them is even greater. We look forward to continuing this journey with you, fortified by our shared values and united by our common goal of service above self.

In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt thanks to each member, volunteer, and supporter. Your dedication, hard work, and belief in our mission have been the driving force behind every achievement. Together, we have not only made a difference but have also set a shining example of what community and collaboration can accomplish.

With immense gratitude and admiration,

Jesse Johl President,
Queen Elizabeth Lions Club

Club Mailing Address:
1275 West 6^th Avenue, Suite 300
Vancouver BC, V6H 1A6