The Lions Club of Lake Lenore has been garnering lots of attention of late.

According to Lions Club President-Elect, Beryl Bauer, the club's 9th annual Ice Fishing Derby has really upped the ante this year as far as prizing goes, and has also received some promotion from the Rick Mercer Report on CBC Television.

Many businesses in the area are contributing cash and goods prizes including a snowblower valued at $1200 from Farm World. Bauer says there are cash prizes for largest fish (approx. $8,500) and for second and third largest fish and even one for the smallest. Walleye, Northern Pike, and Perch are weighed and released before determining the winners.

Months of planning have gone into securing prize donations from both small and large businesses in the area, and the Lions Club attributes more advertising this year with the event gaining "significant sponsorship."

"It shows they believe in our organization; what Lions do. The companies that support us are certainly increasing. They support the cause and the community....it's gratifying," says Bauer.

675 registered fishermen were looking to score some of these prizes, and Bauer says the derby on Saturday received its "biggest turnout ever" this year.

The event attracts fishermen from all over the province, including northern Saskatchewan, Warman, Saskatoon, Regina, and local ice-fishing enthusiasts around the Lake Lenore area. Despite the recent extreme cold temperatures in the area, Bauer is grateful for the milder weather the day of the derby.

"It's almost like somebody upstairs said, 'we'll send these guys some good weather because the cause is good!'"

The Ice Fishing Derby is the biggest fundraiser for the Lions Club of Lake Lenore, which gives back to the community and other charitable groups. Bauer says the Lions have helped fund new playground equipment at the school and they often work with organizations like the CNIB, Canadian Diabetes, Guide Dogs, and relief effort to communities in Canada. However, Bauer says most of the funds raised through the club stay in Lake Lenore.

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