CHUBBUCK — Out of more than 6,000 Lions Clubs across the United States, the Chubbuck Lions Club has been honored as one of just six recipients of the prestigious Kindness Matters Service Award, presented by Lions Clubs International. This award celebrates exceptional service projects aligned with global cause areas, including diabetes, hunger, vision, environment and childhood cancer.

The Chubbuck Lions Club was recognized for its dedication to carbon monoxide poisoning awareness and prevention through its sponsorship of the Bill Parrish 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, held annually at Idaho State University in Pocatello. This two-day event draws between 80–100 teams in a bracketed, double-elimination format and raises approximately $20,000 each year. Proceeds support the NoCo Foundation, an initiative founded by club members to distribute carbon monoxide detectors to households in need. The NoCo Foundation website is cokills.org for more information and to request a detector.

“The Kindness Matters Service Award is a challenge for Lions and Leos to develop exceptionally innovative and creative service projects with the aim of leaving a positive impact in their communities,” said District Governor Lisa Allen. “When caring people join together, roll up their sleeves and take action to make their community better, it’s a beautiful thing — and an incredible feeling for everyone involved.”

Founded in response to the tragic loss of Bill and Ross Parrish and two of their children due to carbon monoxide poisoning in 2014, the NoCo Foundation has since placed nearly 2,000 detectors in homes across eight U.S. states and Canada, regardless of residents’ ability to pay. The Foundation also conducts education campaigns in schools, neighborhoods, businesses, and service events to promote safety and save lives.

The project thrives through partnerships with local fire departments, First Alert, ISU Portneuf Medical Center and major sponsors, such as Toyota Regional Dealership, Idaho Central Credit Union, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s and many local businesses.

Every July, the Chubbuck Lions Club saturates the community with awareness, participating in the Fourth of July Parade, distributing over 500 T-shirts bearing the Lions logo and leading a region-wide advertising campaign through newspapers, radio, TV and social media.

“Visibility matters,” said Club Secretary Paula Turner. “Our vests, our signs, our voices — all of it helps build a safer, more informed community. We are honored to be recognized for this work and proud to carry on the legacy of our friends through service.”

For more information about the Chubbuck Lions Club or the NoCo Foundation, or to request a detector, contact Craig Parrish at 208-234-1234.