By Tracy Vaillancourt
Valley Life
The Valley East Lions Club elected a new president at their general meeting Jan. 27. Marc Blanchette will serve as president for the 2002 to 2003 term.
Blanchette graduated from Ecole Secondare Hanmer and went on to pursue his education at Cambrian College. He graduated in 1995 with a 4.0 average in parts and service management.
In 1998 Blanchette returned to Cambrian and enrolled in the call centre representative course.
"In 1998 the mayor of Sudbury kept talking about call centres, the buzz around town was call centres, that's when I decided to go back to school," he said.
Blanchette was hired on at Teletech Canada as a customer service representative in 1999. After seven months he was promoted to Quality Assurance Specialist.
Blanchette has been involved with the Lions Club since 1996 when his father- in-law introduced him to the club.
"My father-in-law brought me in for a few meetings and then I began getting involved with the lions from there," said Blanchette.
Despite Blanchette's busy schedule, he has always found time for the Lions Club.
"From 1997 to 1998 I was a "Lion Tamer" - I greeted people at the door and took care of the equipment like the flags, it was a great way to get to know all the Lion Club members," said Blanchette.
He was a director for a few years then found himself as a second and first vice-president. He has also been involved with the Valley East Leo Club for four years.
"Ever since the Leo Club started I've been involved with them. the youth are the future of our community. they are the future Lions Club members. They will be the ones to take our places when we can't fulfill the duties anymore."
With the support of members, he decided that he would run for president of the Valley East Lions Club.
The Lions Club members take an active role in our community through fundraising. One of fundraisers they are involved in is the Lions Club Christmas Telethon which is held in December on MCTV. All the money raised during the telethon goes to help needy families during the Christmas holidays.
The Lions Club is now selling tickets for a one-minute shopping spree at Dejardin Food Basic. The draw will be held at the store March 30. Tickets are being sold for $2 and can be purchased at Dejardin Food Basic in Valley East as well from any Lions Club member.
