In 1917, a Chicago insurance man named Melvin Jones dreamed of an international service club. With the support of several like-minded individuals, Lions was born. Three years later, in 1920, Lions became international with the first club in Canada. At the Lions Clubs International Convention of 1925, keynote speaker Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become “knights of the blind.” To this day, Lions continue to work to aid the blind and visually impaired locally, as well as throughout the world. Lions Clubs International has grown to over 1.4 million members in 46,725 clubs in 210 countries and geographical areas, making it the largest service club in the world. The Lions have been recognized by the United Nations for their services to humanity. There are several Lions Clubs on the south Island, from Sooke to Sidney.
The Central Saanich Lions Club, chartered in 1969, continues the tradition of service established 100 years ago and is open to men and women of all ages interested in serving their community. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday of every month between September and June at the Lion’s Hall on East Saanich Road. The meetings have regular guest speakers as well as building a sense of fellowship. Club projects are all based on serving the community, but with fun and enjoyment for the members. The Lions Club can be found at many events with its traditional pancake breakfasts and barbecues to raise funds for various community projects. Service to the community includes more projects than can be listed in this article, but to name just a few:
• Two scholarships for Stelly’s Secondary School grads, supporting prostate cancer research initiatives, eyeglasses for children and many local charitable needs.
• A recent donation of $50,000 to the Greater Victoria Hospital Society towards the “green light” treatment equipment was generated by reclaiming salvage brass from discarded water metres.
• A firewood project continues to be the major source of funds for the Club’s charity support.
The Central Saanich Lions are always open to new members. If you would enjoy working to improve your community and have fun along the way, call Terry Bain at 250-475-6890 or email tbain57@shaw.ca.
The Lions motto is “WE SERVE.”
