Lion District Governor Chris Barnard Presenting Hank Klassen With His President's Medal

 

He's known for spear-heading initiatives like Southeast Helping Hands, Agape House and the Community Christmas Project.

Now, Hank Klassen is being honored for that work by the Lions Club.

This week Klassen was awarded the President's Medal handed out by the international President for Lions Clubs.  It's a presitigious honor and one that is not given very often in this area according to local Lions Club President Dale Foreman.

"It's only been given once before in this district in the last five years," says Foreman.

Klassen was interviewed Tuesday at the radio station for a story on Southeast Helping Hands and didn't even make mention of the fact he'd received this award.

Foreman says that's typical Hank.

"He isn't one to blow his own horn.  He's done so much work in this community and that's why he was honored, not so much for his work in Lions although, he has been a tremendous Lion.  We call him Mr. Lion."

Through his community work, Klassen annually raises over $75,000 soliciting donations from people and businesses.  All told, Foreman figures his contributions to the community have raised over a million dollars through the years.

And according to the local President, he's not an easy guy to deny.

"I don't know of anyone whose ever been able to say no to Hank when he's looking for money for someone who's less fortunate."