LAMPMAN, Sask. — Gerry Perkowitsch has been a mainstay for the Lampman and District Lions Club for over 60 years, and thanks to his many contributions, he's now one of the newest members of the Saskatchewan Lions Hall of Fame.
Perkowitsch was inducted during the District 5SKS convention Oct. 23 at the Kenosee Inn, located at Moose Mountain Provincial Park. Nearly 100 people attended the ceremony, including a large contingent from the Lampman club.
"It was quite a shock, but I really appreciate it. They had a super turnout at the banquet, and it was a good presentation there," Perkowitsch said in an interview with SaskToday.
He recalls he joined the club because he had a business in the town, Gerry's Store, and he knew the Lions did good work in the community. He has stayed in the club thanks to the social element – visiting and meeting with different people and clubs.
"I went on a lot of visitations, and I went to lots of conventions, and I met a lot of people over the years," he said.
Over the years, Perkowitsch noted the Lions played a big role in building the town's skating rink and a couple of swimming pools.
He recalls they held a fundraiser in which people paid $1 a week for 52 weeks, or $52 for the year, to be part of a weekly draw. A total of 250 tickets were sold.
"We've had our ups and downs. We've had quite a few members, and then we've got down to very few that we almost shut down, but then got a few younger ones. Over the years, it's surviving, but it seems to be a little tougher now," he said.
The Lampman Lions Club currently has 18 members, which is enough to remain active in the community, supporting such causes as the Lampman Communities in Bloom initiative, the Lampman Health Centre, the Lampman Public Library, the Lampman Fire and Rescue, recreation facilities and more. They have helped people in need, including through hamper programs.
According to a bio provided at the convention, Perkowitsch joined the Lampman club in October 1965. During his 61-year tenure, he has served as club president three times, membership chairman and chairman for Zone 7. He has recruited 17 new Lions into the club.
He also ventured outside of his club, participating in club visits. He added chairs in the back of his vehicle so all of his passengers had a place to sit. He attended multiple District 5 conventions in the Dakotas and Saskatchewan.
"Lion Gerry is known for his sense of humour. He worked his whole life in the service industry, a grocery store. He was always there for the projects and service activities in the community. He leads by example and always turns a negative into a positive. He has a 100 per cent attendance record," the bio stated.
His involvement in Lions has resulted in recognition at the club level and beyond. He has been recognized with a Garnet Davis Fellowship and a life membership at all levels of the Lions and with the Lions of Canada Foundation Dog Guides.
Perkowitsch said he will remain with the club for as long as he can, and he hopes he can get some more members to join so they can enjoy the benefits of being a Lion.
"You get to meet a lot of people over the years by going to different clubs and conventions, and it's just a great organization," said Perkowitsch.
