Former Niagara-on-the-Lake lord mayor Art Viola traded council debates for canned goods last weekend as the NOTL Lions Club rallied donations for local food bank Newark Neighbours.
The Lions Club hosted its annual Easter weekend food drive outside Hendrik’s and Phil’s Independent stores, collecting non-perishables and cash for Newark Neighbours, which supports food-insecure residents.
“My way of saying thank you to Canada is volunteering — this country gave me a home,” said Viola, 86, a Lions member since 1976 and former lord mayor from 1997 to 2000.
Viola was the first Filipino-born elected mayor in Canada and has been honoured with the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee, Diamond Jubilee and King Charles III coronation medals.
Viola, among the club’s longest-serving members, recalled his early interactions with its founders.
“I’m now the oldest surviving member — humbling, considering how much this town has given me,” he said.
Lions Club membership has been waning in recent years, and Viola expressed his desire to see new volunteers join to continue the club’s legacy of service.
Coun. Erwin Wiens and his wife, Dorothy Soo-Wiens, also Lions Club members, relieved Viola at the Hendrik’s booth and emphasized the drive’s impact.
“We’ve amassed a ton of food over the years thanks to Tony and Phil’s support — they’re amazing partners,” said Wiens.
“Doing this reminds us neighbours here need help too.”
Newark Neighbours is the only food bank in NOTL that provides emergency food and clothing to residents in need.
