A Lifetime of Service: Joe Orban on the past, present, and future of the Taber Lions Club

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Taber Times

Southern Alberta Newspapers

For nearly six decades, Joe Orban has worn his Lions Club pin with pride. He joined the Taber Lions in 1968, back when meetings filled a hall and projects transformed the town. This past March, the Taber Lions Club marked its 90th anniversary, a remarkable milestone that reflects how deeply the organization has been woven into the community’s history.

Today, at 87 years old, Joe is still working the fundraisers, still selling raffle tickets, still manning the booth at Cornfest—determined to keep the Lions legacy alive in Taber.

Building a Community, Brick by Brick

The Lions Club has been part of Taber since the 1930s, and its influence is felt everywhere. Joe’s earliest memories as a member are tied to one of the town’s largest projects: the construction of the Taber Community Centre in the 1960s. 

“We were instrumental in getting it built,” he says. “Then, when it burned down in ’69, we raised money for years to rebuild it. That was close to a $2 million project back then. You couldn’t even think about starting for that today.”

The Lions also operated the arena concession booth for 35 years, with volunteers working every shift and every dollar flowing back into the community. That booth alone helped fund local hockey programs and even paid for new curtains in the auditorium—$14,000 worth. Add to that the Lions swimming pool—complete with the famous children’s L-pods—and ongoing support for the hospital foundation, schools, and sports groups, and you begin to see the scope of what the Lions have accomplished.

The Fundraising Engine

Even today, the Taber Lions continue to punch above their weight. Despite dwindling numbers, the club raised nearly $20,000 last year, all of it directed back into community causes.

Key fundraisers include:

• Casinos – Held every three to four years, these events bring in $30,000–$35,000.

• Cornfest – A community tradition, with Joe himself still selling corn each summer. Last year, with help from St. Mary’s students and parents, the booth brought in over $4,300.

• Christmas tree sales – Once a regular source of around $3,000 each winter, though currently on hold.

• Hockey and football pools – Joe still makes the rounds to local businesses, the Oilmen’s, the Royal Hotel, and the seniors’ lodges to sell tickets.

“It’s not glamorous work,” Joe admits, “but every dollar goes right back into Taber.”

A Shrinking Membership

The Lions’ biggest challenge isn’t money—it’s membership. In the 1970s and 80s, meetings drew 30 to 40 members. Volunteers ran the concession stands during junior and senior hockey games, and every month the club was able to give back to local projects. Now, the roster has dwindled to just seven members, with most over 60. The current president is moving to Pincher Creek for work, leaving another gap to fill.

“The town has more people than ever, and yet the smallest number of Lions we’ve ever had,” Joe says. “Back in the day, there were the Lions, the Kinsmen, the Kiwanis. Everyone pitched in. Now, there are too many small groups and not enough people to carry the load.”

What’s at Stake

The Taber Lions Club’s future is uncertain. Without new members, the group may not be able to sustain its programs or its most valuable resource: the casino license, which generates tens of thousands of dollars for community projects every few years.

Joe sees possibilities for collaboration. Groups like the Taber Titans are active, and he wonders whether a partnership—or even a merger—might secure the Lions’ future. But he believes the simplest solution is for more people to get involved. “Why not join forces? Instead of everyone struggling on their own, maybe some of these younger groups could become part of the Lions. That way, the legacy continues.”

Service Above Self

At 87, Joe remains the face of the club’s fundraisers. He still helps with every event, but he knows the responsibility can’t rest on just a handful of aging members. 

“If you’ve ever thought about giving back, now’s the time,” he says. “We’ve built community centres, supported hospitals, helped sports teams, and raised hundreds of thousands for Taber. That’s worth saving.”

For Joe, the Lions Club’s 90 years in Taber represent something larger than any single project. They represent a spirit of generosity and service that has carried the town through decades of change. 

“It would be a real shame if this club folded,” he reflects. “There’s too much history here, too much good work that’s been done.”

A Call to the Next Generation

The Lions’ motto is “We Serve.” That motto has guided the club through 90 years of community service, and it can guide us for decades to come. But only if new members step up to carry the torch.

The Lions Club is open to everyone. You don’t have to be young—just willing to help. Whether you’re a parent, a newcomer, or a longtime resident who wants to make a difference, your involvement matters. As Joe puts it: “Look, anyone’s welcome. If you care about Taber, if you care about community, come join us.”

Editor’s Note: The Taber Lions Club meets twice monthly and welcomes new members of all ages. For more information on how to get involved, contact a Lions Club member or attend their next meeting.