May 18, 2024, Gaspé, Quebec, Canada
Following a recommendation from Mr. Antoine Nahas, Regional Manager in Canada (CA2C) for Lions Clubs International and former Chairman of the Board of Governors, the governor of Lions Club in District U-3 decided to integrate a peace march, in partnership with UPF, into its convention in Gaspé. Indeed, the Lions Club International has recently added to its mandate the goal of contributing to a world of peace.
Isabelle Laurin, coordinator of UPF Québec, and her husband, decided to drive the 960 km from Montréal to Gaspé, providing an opportunity for Isabelle to discover the Gaspésie, a magnificent region of Quebéc that she was unfamiliar with.
They arrived in Gaspé on Friday 17 May, where they met with Ms. Elsa Cotton in charge of the walk and with whom Isabelle had coordinated the event.
The walk started from the Luc-Germain Recreation Center and ended at the Birthplace of Canada landmark. About 70 people including Lions Club members, their families, and Gaspé citizens joined in the march. Robert Lapointe, Lions Club Governor of District U-3, Daniel Côté, Mayor of Gaspé, and Isabelle Laurin launched the walk together.
Prior to the walk, each of them said a few words and Isabelle, on behalf of Mr. Franco Famularo, UPF Canada President, presented Mr. Lapointe with a Certificate of Appreciation for his diligent dedication to his community.
An evening gala presented an opportunity to network with the officials of the region and to appreciate Gaspésien culture.
This event enabled UPF Québec members to appreciate once again the fraternity of the Lions community, a community with which UPF is developing a very significant partnership. It is the spirit of service to others which unites men and women who occupy central positions in their communities, businessmen and women and anyone ready to offer his or her time, expertise or money to support local or international causes.
This friendship agreement with the Lions Club encourages us in our mission to build with greater strength a world where everyone can be free to live in peace, and where cooperation and prosperity will be equitably shared with all.