It’s clear what’s important to Jenn and Jerry Rebidoux: faith, family, and friends. Interviewing them via Zoom on a wintery evening, they sat together in their kitchen with these three words stencilled in black cursive writing over the windows behind them.
Jenn and Jerry have been married for 27 years, raising four children (now adults) and enjoying three grandchildren. Jerry is a busy project coordinator at Rogers, often managing 50+ projects simultaneously. Jenn jokingly refers to herself as the "Lead Chaos Coordinator."
Being active in the community and helping others has always felt natural for Jenn and Jerry. They wanted more than a place to live; they wanted a place to belong. When they moved to Phelpston, a small hamlet in central Ontario, they saw an opportunity to put down roots, get involved and make it their home. Balancing their professional and family responsibilities, they’ve always found ways to contribute.
As their children became involved in local activities, Jenn and Jerry naturally followed suit, finding more ways to give back. Through involvement in his kids’ activities, Jerry caught the attention of someone who recognized his dedication and invited him to join the Elmvale Lions Club. While work and family kept him busy, the Lions Club offered Jerry a chance to meet new people, build friendships, and continue giving back while also carving out a little time for himself.
He officially joined the club in 2010, and while serving as Club President, Jerry was approached by the Region Chair at the time, who encouraged him to take on a leadership role outside of his club at the district level. Even though Jerry wasn’t sure exactly what that entailed, he accepted.
“That’s just who Jerry is,” Jenn says, smiling. “He steps up, gives it his best, and figures it out as he goes. I’ve always admired that about him.”
Jerry’s leadership journey continued as he took on various roles, ultimately leading him to serve as District Governor of District A-12 in 2023-24. Motivated by a desire to serve and a deep commitment to community, Jerry followed the example set by many mentors he met along the way. He continues to serve as the Immediate Past District Governor and Global Membership Team Coordinator for District A-12, supporting clubs and advancing Lions International’s missions on a broader scale.
“The more involved you are in serving others, the happier you become,” Jerry explains. “Volunteering isn’t just about helping others; it’s good for your mental health too. It feels good to see someone smile because of something you did.”
Jenn’s interest in Lions was sparked – and assumptions challenged – when she accompanied Jerry to his first district event. “I never realized that women could be part of Lions until that day,” Jenn shared. “It completely changed how I saw the organization.”
The incoming District Governor’s wife, who was about to be inducted as a new member at the event, invited Jenn to join. This invitation planted the seed, and ultimately, she asked Jerry, the President of his club at the time, if he would sponsor her into the Elmvale Lions Club.
“We are stronger when we work together,” says Jenn.
One of their key projects is serving CNIB Lake Joe as Knights of the Blind. Together, they promote service projects at the camp, hosting wildly popular bingo nights, organizing work weekends, and providing an army of volunteers for major special events. Jenn serves as a leadership volunteer on the Lions MDA/CNIB Joint Committee, while Jerry, District Governor of District A-12, played a crucial role in making Lake Joe’s need for a new minibus a reality.
“We were looking for a project that Lions could relate to and clearly see the impact of,” Jerry explains. Knowing the transportation challenges people who are blind face in getting to Canada’s only camp designed for them, fundraising for a fully accessible minibus was an easy decision.
“After all is said and done, people can’t benefit from camp if they can’t get to camp,” Jerry states matter-of-factly.
Jerry and Jenn promoted the project tirelessly, spreading the word to anyone who would listen and leveraging every opportunity to emphasize the importance and impact the new bus would have. They needed to raise $80,000 to qualify for a matching grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), and once the wheels were in motion, the support began pouring in.
“We asked, the Lions Clubs eagerly replied, and their donations really added up,” Jerry recalls with a smile. “Lions love to support projects especially when they understand the impact it will have.”
He gives full credit to all the Clubs in District A-12 that listened and contributed a collective $45,000, over half of the required funding. He also acknowledges the incredible support from all of MDA (Multiple District A), with Lions across Ontario and Quebec coming together to help raise over $90,000, surpassing the initial goal!
The LCIF grant application was submitted, and in May 2024, they approved the request and matched the funds. With all necessary funding secured, the brand-new, fully accessible minibus was ordered, ensuring campers could safely travel to and from CNIB Lake Joe.
In recognition of his leadership in this successful campaign, Jerry received the 2023/24 CNIB District of the Year Award. In recognition of their dynamic teamwork, Jenn and Jerry were honoured with the CNIB’s prestigious Colonel Baker Award.
The minibus is expected to arrive in June 2025. Its impact will be felt for years to come as Lions continue to support CNIB Lake Joe and its mission to empower individuals with sight loss.