The District A4 Lions Memorial Forest is located in a tranquil rural setting at 9478 Russell Road in Ottawa between Navan and Vars. The forest is on the grounds of Innovative Community Support Services Farm (opened in July 2009) where many clients visit and work.
The entrance to Memorial Gardens with Lion Any Etherington and an ICSS representative)
Dedicating a tree in the Memorial Forest is a unique way to celebrate the life of a loved one and honour their memory. As a symbol of strength, shelter and durability, a living tribute can be a source of comfort and meaning. The Memorial Forest program was established in 2015 when the District acted on a request from Multiple District A for each District to have their own Memorial Forest site as the Breslau site was running out of space. After exploring several sites, District A4 (Stittsville and District Lions Club falls under this umbrella) were able to join forces with Innovative Community Support Services who operates several group homes in the Orleans area including a farm where the Memorial Forest is located.
(The Fringe tree dedicated to Lion Ted Martin. L to R: Lion Helen Burke, Lionette Vicky Potter, Lion Marilyn Southall, Lion Ron Armstrong, Lion Jack Burke)
(An Ivory Silk Japanese Lilac tree was dedicated to Lion Don Redtman. L to R: Lions Helen Burke, Jack Burke, Ron Armstrong, Marilyn Southall and Lionette Vicky Potter)
The Memorial Forest currently generates funds for the maintenance and improvements of the District A4 Memorial Forest. Trees planted in the Memorial Forest are in memory of a Lion or Innovative Community Support Services family or friends. The name of the deceased is inscribed on a plaque and placed at the base of the tree.
(Lion Paul Riddell will be remembered with a Pagoda Dogwood tree. L to R: Lionette Vicky Potter, Lions Helen and Jack Burke, Lions Marilyn Southall and Lion Ron Armstrong)
An In Memoriam certificate, stating that a tree is planted in memory of the deceased, is sent to a designated family member or friend on the donor’s behalf. Each year a dedication service is held at the Memorial Forest and a dedication service brochure is printed with the names of those for whom a tree has been planted in the preceding year.
Innovative Community Support Services (ICSS) is a non-profit charitable organization. It is committed to creating and providing families & individuals with innovative, high quality and cost effective community based programs and services while promoting a strong sense of well being and bringing a positive contribution to our culturally diversified community. To learn more about this remarkable organization follow this link http://www.icss.ca.
If you are interesting in reading more of the incredible work that the Stittsville and District Lions Club has done for our community and beyond, please see their web site at https://stittsvillelions.com/.