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Natural-born leader': Georgetown Lions Club member celebrates 65 years of service Fred Zorge was instrumental in establishing the Lions Guide Dog School, among many other notable achievements
February 4th 2025
A local Lions Club member is celebrating a milestone that very few ever obtain.
Fred Zorge was recently honoured by Lions International for 65 years of volunteer service with the Georgetown Lions Club.
"Fred joined the Georgetown Lions Club in 1959, and his usual dedication and enthusiasm soon became a legend in the Lions culture," the club said in a press release.
"He has served in every position in the club, including president and multiple terms as treasurer and secretary. A natural-born leader, he has chaired many of the club’s biggest projects including the Santa Claus Parade, the Lions Rodeo, Grey Cup draw and organized the first Citizen of the Year Award in 1973."
In 1971, the Lions Club undertook the construction of new change rooms, a utility room and the Lions Hall located behind the Memorial Arena - a project funded in whole by the Lions. Zorge, with his building background, directed Lions volunteer during the project.
Zorge served the broader Lions organization as a regional chair and was elected governor of the district twice.
"He brought his humour, work ethic and enthusiasm to over 86 clubs and hundreds of members," the club noted in a press release.
"His most lasting contribution to the Lions organization was the establishment of the Lions Guide Dog School in Oakville. He encouraged Lions Clubs across Canada to provide funds to build and operate the school. He served as director and chair of the board for eight years."
The school now trains dogs for all types of needs, including eyesight and hearing loss, diabetes, epilepsy, PTSD, autism and more. The dogs and training are provided for free supported by Lions across the country.
Zorge, now in his 99th year, still attends Lions meetings. He has received every major Lions award from the club level to international awards.
"The Georgetown Lions are proud and thankful that Lion Fred chose to serve our community so well for 65 years."
Zorge was born in Holland and emigrated to Canada in 1952 with his wife Rita, where they joined his older brother Jon.
He and his brother started their own contracting business. One of their colleagues suggested they go the Georgetown as it was in the midst of a building boom. Developer Rex Heslop had bought thousands of acres of land and was building a fully integrated community; the brothers worked on those homes for over 10 years.
Zorge remained active as a residential and commercial building contractor. His company built prefabricated churches, including St. Andrew’s United on Mountainview Road South in Georgetown. Zorge also built apartments in Guelph, which he managed for many years before retiring.
A local Lions Club member is celebrating a milestone that very few ever obtain.
Fred Zorge was recently honoured by Lions International for 65 years of volunteer service with the Georgetown Lions Club.
"Fred joined the Georgetown Lions Club in 1959, and his usual dedication and enthusiasm soon became a legend in the Lions culture," the club said in a press release.
"He has served in every position in the club, including president and multiple terms as treasurer and secretary. A natural-born leader, he has chaired many of the club’s biggest projects including the Santa Claus Parade, the Lions Rodeo, Grey Cup draw and organized the first Citizen of the Year Award in 1973."
In 1971, the Lions Club undertook the construction of new change rooms, a utility room and the Lions Hall located behind the Memorial Arena - a project funded in whole by the Lions. Zorge, with his building background, directed Lions volunteer during the project.
Zorge served the broader Lions organization as a regional chair and was elected governor of the district twice.
"He brought his humour, work ethic and enthusiasm to over 86 clubs and hundreds of members," the club noted in a press release.
"His most lasting contribution to the Lions organization was the establishment of the Lions Guide Dog School in Oakville. He encouraged Lions Clubs across Canada to provide funds to build and operate the school. He served as director and chair of the board for eight years."
The school now trains dogs for all types of needs, including eyesight and hearing loss, diabetes, epilepsy, PTSD, autism and more. The dogs and training are provided for free supported by Lions across the country.
Zorge, now in his 99th year, still attends Lions meetings. He has received every major Lions award from the club level to international awards.
"The Georgetown Lions are proud and thankful that Lion Fred chose to serve our community so well for 65 years."
Zorge was born in Holland and emigrated to Canada in 1952 with his wife Rita, where they joined his older brother Jon.
He and his brother started their own contracting business. One of their colleagues suggested they go the Georgetown as it was in the midst of a building boom. Developer Rex Heslop had bought thousands of acres of land and was building a fully integrated community; the brothers worked on those homes for over 10 years.
Zorge remained active as a residential and commercial building contractor. His company built prefabricated churches, including St. Andrew’s United on Mountainview Road South in Georgetown. Zorge also built apartments in Guelph, which he managed for many years before retiring.