Letter to the Editor: The Lions Christmas Ship Return

The Orcas Island Lions would like to thank all of our sponsors that contributed to the return of the Lions International Christmas Ship. A special thanks to the all the crew on the Victoria Express, owned by San Juan Cruises of Fairhaven, Washington,  and the Lions from District H and I. On the island a load of thanks and much appreciation to the Orcas Village Store for the grand cookies and cider, the Orcas Hotel for the coffee that kept us going, Island Charters for providing a space to keep us dry, the Orcas Community Band for providing the music, San Juan County for the use if the building and from me, a special thanks to all the Lions who help bring off the event. Pictures of the event should be uploaded to the site by Tuesday and can be seen at OrcasLions.org.

This was the 63^rd sailing of the Christmas Ship to many of the Canadian and US Island in the North Puget Sound and marks the return to Orcas Island after a long absence. The ship served some 650 kids on its journey and had a crew of 55 men and women from many different Lions Clubs in Lions Districts K and me. The ship arrived from the West after stopping at Waldron Island and docked disgorging its cargo of Santa and Mrs. Claus followed by a parade of clowns, pirates and elves. The Christmas Ship got its start in 1947 when islanders ask a captain if he could bring Santa to the island as transporting the children to the mainland was difficult. Over the years the ship has been sponsored by the Eagles Lodge, the Jaycees and in starting in 1996, but the Bellingham Lions. On its journey the ship covers 2,500 mile leaving Bellingham on Saturday and returning on Sunday night. For many islanders the Christmas Season doesn’t start until the ship docks.

The Lions Club meets every Wednesday at the American Legion Hall, with lunch served at 12:00pm. We invite you to stop by and introduce yourself and perhaps become part of our group. The Lions Motto is “We Serve” and the Orcas Club more than lives up to that motto. Through the Clubs two major fundraisers, the Annual Salmon BBQ and the rental of tents, the Club returned approximately $12,000 to the local community.  Among the project we sponsor and support are the Lions Health Screening Van (next van May 9&10), Local Blood Drives, help with sight and hearing issues, Elder Baskets and the Annual Easter Egg Hunt. From bequests to the Lions Foundation the Club was able to provide $8,000 in scholarship.  Stop in, say “Hi!” and maybe become part of our organization.

Lastly we would like to thank the Community for their support and for attending our Community Events. And a special thanks from Santa Claus to the 49 kids that showed up despite the bad weather.

Happy Holidays to all from the Orcas Island Lions Club.

Jim Biddick for the Orcas Island Lions Club