Lions donate $15,000 to bridge
Exeter Lions Club supports Jones Bridge project with $15,000
Community campaign to build pedestrian trail bridge surpasses $200,000 in donations or pledges with $90,000 more to go to turn dream into reality
The Exeter Lions Club has donated $15,000 to the campaign to make the community safer and more active with a new pedestrian trail bridge on the South Huron Trail. The Exeter Lions Club commitment has helped the campaign to build Jones Bridge to surpass $200,000 donated or pledged by the community to date. The community fundraising partners hope to raise another $90,000 to make the bridge dream a reality in 2018.
The bridge is to be called Jones Bridge and it is dedicated by Donna Jones, in loving memory of Ted Jones. Ted Jones was a long-time member of the Exeter Lions Club and a dedicated community volunteer and conservationist.
“I would like to personally thank the Exeter Lions Club for their generous support of the project to build a new pedestrian bridge on the South Huron Trail,” said Kate Monk, Manager of Stewardship, Land and Education with Ausable Bayfield Conservation. “Their commitment and vision bring the community closer to the achievement of a bridge that will provide a safer and more scenic alternative to walking beside vehicle traffic in order to enjoy both sections of the trail.”
“On behalf of the Exeter Lions Club, I would like to say how proud we are to support this worthwhile project which will make our community safer and more active and will offer health benefits for local people and visitors to our community,” said Dan Turkheim, President of the Exeter Lions Club. “The new trail bridge will be a fitting way to remember the legacy of Lion Ted Jones and his love of nature and his community involvement.”
Right now, some trail users have to walk beside vehicle traffic on the roadway over Morrison Dam in order to enjoy both sections of the South Huron Trail. A new pedestrian bridge can change that by offering a safer, more scenic alternative. A new pedestrian bridge would be located west of Morrison Line and link the north and south sides of the South Huron Trail. The proposed bridge will be suitable for pedestrians, cyclists, strollers, wheelchairs, the South Huron Trail Mobile (for people with limited mobility), and winter visitors.
Donations to the project, made directly to Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation, are eligible for charitable gift receipts for income tax purposes. To learn more, or to donate, visit abca.ca or phone 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610. You are also invited to contact any of the members of the community working group. Their names are in the bridge brochure available online and in printed copies.
EXETER LIONS CLUB DONATES $15,000 TO JONES BRIDGE – PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ON THE SOUTH HURON TRAIL: The Exeter Lions Club has generously donated $15,000 to the project to make the community safer and more active by building a new pedestrian bridge on the South Huron Trail. Presenting the ceremonial cheque (from left to right in photo) are Exeter Lions Club members Paul Scott, Co-Treasurer; Dan Turkheim, President; and Chris Keller, Secretary; and accepting the donation on behalf of Ausable Bayfield Conservation are Kate Monk, Manager of Stewardship, Land and Education and Brian Horner, General Manager and Secretary-Treasurer. The Lions Club donation has helped the community surpass $200,000 in donations and pledges made to date and the bridge project community fundraisers hope to raise $90,000 more to make the bridge dream a reality in 2018.