As a service organization, the Civitan Club of Perth is always
looking for ways to contribute to the well being of the Perth community. Most
community events are supported either with a donation or by our participation. The
following list includes some, but far from all of the local events or organizations which
we support.
Seniors Christmas Party
Each year, in early December, we invite approximately 300
senior citizens from the Perth community for dinner. Seniors are bused from their homes to
the Perth Civitan Hall where we provide them with a traditional Christmas dinner of turkey
with stuffing and all the fixins'. Entertainment and small party favors are also supplied
by the club. There is no cost to any senior attending this event.
Special Olympics Winter Games
Late January or early February each year sees the Civitan
Club of Perth play host to Special Olympic athletes from across Eastern Ontario. Tracks
are laid out in both the front and back yards of the Perth Civitan Hall and the athletes
compete in either cross country skiing or snow shoeing events. Lunch is supplied by
the membership. All athletes receive awards for their efforts and leave for home later in
the afternoon with promises to return again next year. Hugs are in great abundance
throughout this day.
Medical Lending Bank
As we are all aware, medical appliances are extremely
expensive. The Civitan Club of Perth has instituted a medical lending bank for the
benefit of our community. Wheelchairs, scooters, canes, crutches and other necessary
appliances are available for loan through the club. There is no cost for this service but
the equipment is expected to return in the same state that it was received.
Life Skills Bus
In the year 2000, the Life Skills Program of the local
hospital approached us in hopes that we might be able to assist in a small way with the
acquisition of a new bus to transport their clients. Their old bus was getting very old
and was going to require major work just to keep it on the road. The Civitan Club of
Perth came through for them and with $30,000 from the club and the other $30,000 from the
Ontario Ministry of Community and Social services they got their new bus.
Adopt a Highway
The Civitan Club of Perth, in conjunction with the County
of Lanark, is participant in the adopt a highway program. Twice a year Civitans along with
their Junior Civitan partners are out in the ditches along side of County Road 43, picking
up litter discarded by motorists. We maintain a two kilometre stretch of Highway 43
which runs past our hall.
Parades
The Civitan Club of Perth is an active participant in all
parades held in Perth. We usually ride the Bicycle Built for Thirty in the Perth
Fair parade and provide a float for the annual Santa Claus parade.
Minor Sports Organizations
The Civitan Club of Perth takes great pride in supporting
minor sports in our community. Minor hockey, baseball and soccer and the youth they
work with have all benefited from the generosity of our club. We are also supporters
of the Perth Blue Wings Foundation, keeping Junior "B" hockey in Perth.
Conlon Farm Recreation Facility
The Civitan Club of Perth has been a supporter of the
Conlon Farm Recreation facility since the inception of the idea. In the beginning we
provided $75,000 for the construction of a baseball diamond and provided an
additional $30,000 for a skateboard park.
Perth Downtown Core Beautification
The Civitan Club of Perth contributed $20,000 to the
beautification of the Tay Basin area of the Perth downtown core. This contribution was
rewarded by the Town of Perthg when they decided to name the area directly in front of the
Crystal Palace as "Civitan Court".
Miscellaneous Donations
No one really knows the needs of their community until they
have spent some time in a service oriented organization. We have met the needs of
many individuals in the Perth area by providing funds for such things as medical travel,
eyeglasses, summer camps for children, relief workers to relieve the stress of dealing
with a disabled child, support for fire victims and many other causes which have been
deemed worthy. We do not ask for thanks or recognition but seek only to make life easier
for those less fortunate than ourselves.