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Lions build new playground thanks to generous donor

Ring family honoured for financial support for Lions playground
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John, Anne and Judy Ring stand by sign in honour of the late Walter Ring. The family donated $35,000 to go towards a new playground at The Nesting Place. Treena Mielke Photo

Rimbey Lions Club members gathered together last Monday to pay tribute to a family who financially paved the way for a new Lions playground to be built at The Nesting Place.

Anne Ring, whose late husband Walter, was a dedicated Lions member, donated approximately $35,000 for the playground.

Ring, along with her son John and daughter-in-law Judy was on hand Monday afternoon at the unveiling of the plaque erected at the playground honoring her family for their donation.

The Rimbey senior, who now lives at Parkland Manor said she was pleased to be able to donate the money. She said her three sons had spent many hours playing on the Lions playgrounds when they were growing up.

“It seemed like a good thing to do. The Lions are a good group of people and I know my husband, Walter, he’d be alright with this.”

Laverne Oberhammer from the Lions Club spoke at the unveiling, expressing the club’s gratitude for the Ring family’s generosity.

“This playground has been erected in loving memory of Water Ring. Walter was a dedicated Lion for 20 years,” he said. Walter lent a helping hand wherever a helping hand was needed. I, personally, remember him standing hours upon hours behind the French fry and onion ring fryers at the rodeo and Lions food booths.”

The late Lions member was nicknamed Lion Flush and was active at the truck museum as well as with the Lions Club.

Oberhammer said the playground, which is nestled in the centre of a loop at The Nesting Place and surrounded by trees, should be named ‘Walter’s Ring.’

“I’ve enjoyed working with this family immensely this past year to bring their wish to donate to something within the community of Rimbey that others can enjoy for generations. We know the kids are going to love playing at ‘Walter’s Ring.’

Mayor Rick Pankiw commended the ring family for their financial donation.

“What you’ve done will have an impact for generations and generations.”

Pankiw also gave credit to the Lions Club for their tireless efforts to help out the community

“Whenever you need something done, the Lions always step forward,” he said.

The playground at The Nesting Place is the fourth Lions playground in Rimbey.