Since its inception, the Cardigan Lions Club has been active in the following areas: the purchase of uniforms and equipment for various little league baseball teams, girls’ softball teams and minor hockey sweaters, supplying a raft for the Red Cross swimming lessons, purchasing play- ground equipment for the school, sponsoring Red Cross blood donor clinics, holding benefit concerts for fire victims and co-operating with the Cardigan Recreation Commission in sponsoring minor sports.

In addition to this, the Lions hold senior citizens’ parties, costume parties for the children at Halloween and a Christmas party for the children of the community.

Fire Department

The Cardigan Fire Department is a volunteer organization consisting of 12 full-time volunteers. The new fire hall was officially opened in November 1979. The department has two fire trucks. Prior to this, the fireball was located behind R.J. MacDonald’s store. At one time, the only fire equip- ment in Cardigan was a pumper and old army helmets, but as the village grew the need for better equipment was met.

There have been several disastrous fires in Cardigan, including ones which destroyed R.J.’s store and the feed mill. A number of people have also lost their homes due to fire. However, other potential tragedies have been averted due to these men who give freely their time to the community.

Community School

Community school was first established in Cardigan in 1968. It was held in the old three-room schoolhouse. Noel Wilson was its first chairperson. The community school lapsed in Cardigan in 1970 and was revived by Noel Wilson’s daughter, Paula Wilson, in 1984.

Girl Guides

In Feb. 1970, a Brownie unit was formed under the leadership of Florence Brothers, Adele Webster and Patricia Altass. In 1971, Girl Guides, the second level in the Guiding movement, began with Sandra Hodge as cap- tain and Helen Wilson as Lieutenant. In 1974, the third level, Rangers, began under the leadership of Mary Jo Trainor, Evelyn McQuaid and Kathleen Rafuse. In 1980, the Pathfinders were formed under Georgina MacEachern. Though Rangers and Pathfinders are no longer active in Cardigan, Brownies and Guides still function under the capable leader- ship of volunteer women from the community.

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