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Central Elgin, ON – The Municipality of Central Elgin thanks the Port Stanley Lions Club for their generous donation of a 2026 Can-Am Defender Max XT Utility Vehicle (UTV) to Central Elgin Fire Rescue Services. The donation highlights the longstanding partnership between the Port Stanley Lions Club and Central Elgin Fire Rescue Services, rooted in a shared commitment to community service, volunteerism, and public safety.
As part of celebrating the Club’s 65th anniversary in 2025, the Port Stanley Lions Club identified an opportunity to continue its support of Central Elgin Fire Rescue Service through the donation of a replacement utility vehicle. The new 2026 Can-Am Defender Max XT will replace the existing unit, previously donated by the Lions Club 15 years ago, and ensure Central Elgin Fire Rescue Services continues to maintain reliable and effective access to beaches, trails, and other remote locations.
The utility vehicle supports emergency response along the Port Stanley shoreline, rapid access to areas inaccessible to traditional emergency vehicles, technical rescue and medical incidents in remote or restricted locations, public safety coverage during special events and peak seasonal periods, and daily support for beach rescue supervisors and rescue operations.
“We are grateful to the Port Stanley Lions Club for this generous donation and for their ongoing support of Central Elgin Fire Services,” said Mayor Andrew Sloan. “This contribution is another example of the strong partnership between the Lions Club and Central Elgin Fire Rescue Services. Their continued support directly enhances first responders’ ability to respond safely and effectively, while also helping to reduce capital costs for the Municipality.”
“The Port Stanley Lions Club is proud to support the community and Central Elgin Fire Rescue Services,” said Lion Allan Koivu, Port Stanley Lions Club President. “We have had a strong relationship with the Municipality of Central Elgin and Fire Rescue Services for many years, and we are pleased to continue that partnership through this donation. Supporting initiatives that enhance public safety and benefit the community is an important part of what the Lions Club stands for.”
The donation also provides significant financial benefit to the Municipality by eliminating the need for a capital replacement purchase. Ongoing maintenance and operational costs will continue to be managed within the existing Fire Rescue Services operating budget.
The Municipality of Central Elgin extends its sincere appreciation to the Port Stanley Lions Club for its continued generosity and dedication to supporting the community.
About Central Elgin Fire Rescue
The Municipality of Central Elgin, located in Southwestern Ontario on the picturesque shores of Lake Erie, is a vibrant community made up of several unique neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and attractions. Central Elgin Fire Rescue is made up of over 100 dedicated volunteer firefighters, 25 lifeguards, a full-time fire chief and fire services coordinator. The department provides essential emergency response, fire prevention, and public safety services to keep residents safe.
About Port Stanley Lions Club
Chartered on January 20, 1960 by a group of 30 dedicated and community-minded men, the Port Stanley Lions Club has raised and channeled hundreds of thousands of dollars into the communities of Port Stanley, St. Thomas, and Elgin County.
The Port Stanley Lions Club has supported the Fire Rescue Department and broader Central Elgin community for decades. One of the Club’s earliest contributions to the department was the donation of a Scott Air Pack, demonstrating an early commitment to firefighter safety and operational effectiveness. Approximately 15 years ago, the Lions Club donated the department’s first utility vehicle after recognizing the challenges firefighters faced responding to emergencies along the Port Stanley shoreline and in other difficult-to-access areas. That vehicle has played a critical role in supporting emergency response operations where traditional fire apparatus cannot operate.
2026 Can-Am Defender Max XT donated by the Port Stanley Lions Club.
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