The Lloydminster Lions Club used a visit from its District Governor this week to send a clear message about where the organization is headed: growth, renewal, and opening the door wider to new members.
District Governor Brian Starkel, who oversees the northern half of Saskatchewan, was in Lloydminster as part of a tour of clubs across the region. His role, he said, is about more than formal visits. It is about keeping local clubs connected to the broader Lions network and encouraging members to see leadership as something within reach.
Starkel’s district stretches from Yorkton to Meadow Lake and includes Lloydminster, covering communities separated by long drives and, at times, flights. That scale makes local engagement critical, especially as service clubs across the province work to attract younger members and sustain their work.
“You want to get out, visit clubs, and bring the news from Lions International,” Starkel said. “The more people get involved at the club level, the more likely they are to step into leadership roles down the road.”
A major focus of his visit was recruitment, particularly encouraging clubs to listen to new voices rather than defaulting to how things were done decades ago. Starkel said younger members often bring different ideas and expectations, and clubs need to support that shift if they want to grow.
“If they’re willing to try something new, let’s support them,” he said. “Let them lead sometimes, and let us follow.”
Starkel also highlighted the global scope of Lions work, noting the organization has about 1.4 million members worldwide and is aiming to reach 1.5 million by 2027. Locally, that growth translates into practical support during emergencies. He pointed to Lions Clubs International Foundation funding that helped communities during last year’s wildfire season, including support for evacuees and frontline firefighters.
At the club level, Lloydminster Lions president Darryl Oster said having the district governor in attendance reinforces that local efforts matter.
“It gives us a chance to show what’s going well here and to feel that support from leadership,” Oster said. “And when it comes to members, the more people we have, the lighter the work becomes.”
That message landed with at least one familiar face. Travis Niekamp rejoined the club after stepping away for a few years due to time constraints. Now, he said, he is in a position to give back again.
“I can dedicate more time now,” Niekamp said. “It feels good to come back and help the community.”
Between leadership presence, returning members, and an open invitation to new ones, the evening underscored a common theme shared by everyone involved: service clubs survive and thrive when they adapt, listen, and keep their focus on the community they serve.
For the Lions, that adaptability may be the key to ensuring the next generation is not just attending meetings, but shaping what service looks like in Lloydminster and beyond.
Read more: Lloydminster Council Monday: Bravery to borrowing millions
