Don’t let the “for sale” sign fool you. The Lions Club of Liverpool is not throwing in the towel. At least not yet.
“It’s a shame to have to sell our building, but we can’t keep it,” said 40-year member Malcolm Stewart. “However, we want the public to know there is no intention of the Lions Club folding.”
The 4,569-square-foot building at the corner of Church and Gorham Streets is listed at $134,900 and has been on the market since June 7.
“Lots of ideas for this property exist,” says an online real estate listing, “including turning the building into apartment rentals which are in high demand in Queens County, a place of entertainment, or whatever business venture one can imagine.”
Hall rentals have decreased dramatically over the years, while the expense of operating the building has increased, said club member Terry Whynott. Sewage system upgrades, heat pump replacements and a recent fire have all taken a financial toll.
Ideally, the Lions would like to retain use of their club room under a new owner. This would give them a dedicated space to hold meetings and to operate their radio bingo fundraiser. However, if a prospective owner wants use of the entire building, the club will rent a space somewhere else in town, said Whynott.
Like many service organizations along the South Shore, the Lions’ membership is dwindling and getting older.
At present, there are only 17 members, many of whom are elderly and unable to perform the type of work required to run the club effectively. “Any new members that come join us would have an opportunity to serve the community,” said Stewart. “But they would also get to help us choose which local causes to support.”
The Liverpool Lions have been a fixture in the community for nearly 54 years. Over that time, they have supported a wide array of local groups and initiatives, including the Hospital Hustle, the Privateer Days parade, Air Cadets, Brownies, Girl Guides and Cubs.
“We are a humane service club,” said Stewart, pointing to other projects such as helping low-income residents purchase eyeglasses and providing those in need with food, transportation funding for out-of-town medical appointments and assistance with power and heating bills.
The club also provides high school graduation bursaries in Caledonia and Liverpool, supports the annual Queens County Music Festival and has made major financial contributions to local institutions such as Queens General Hospital and Queens Place Emera Centre.
Proceeds from the sale of the building will go to local causes and to sustaining the club’s operations. However, without new membership, the Lions’ long-term future appears bleak. “If nothing changes, the club will eventually fold,” Stewart said.
LighthouseNow Progress Bulletin
July 4, 2018
Scott Costen 