Lions History
Lions serve. It’s that simple, and it has been since we first began in 1917. Our clubs are places where individuals join together to give their valuable time and effort to improving their communities, and the world.
Before there were over 1.4. million Lions around the world, there was one man with a vision. He was a salesman from Chicago, Illinois, USA, named Melvin Jones. Driven by a dynamic personality and a heart filled with kindness, he helped create a service movement over 100 years ago that’s still thriving today.
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. That’s Lions. Being a Lion is about leading by example, building relationships and improving the world through kindness. It’s 1.4 million caring men and women serving together so they can make a lasting impact and change more lives.
When you become a Lion, you become part of a global network of volunteers working together to make a difference. Here are just a few of the great benefits you can expect.
For more information, go to lionsclubs.org
1917 in Chicago, Melvin Jones called together a group of men who wished to serve and lit the flame of Lionism. on behalf of our founder.
In 1920 just three years after founding, the association of Lions clubs becomes international when the border cities in Windsor, Canada is established. At this time, Lions were active in 23 U.S states with a total of 6,400 members. Our International President was Jesse Robinson of Oakland California. During this time our Oakland club was the sponsor to many clubs in our District.
In 1925 Helen Keller addresses the Lions at the International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, USA. She famously challenges Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness. This begins a century-long mission to help hundreds of millions of lives through vision-related projects.
1945 Lions and other representatives from 48 nations meet to help establish the NGO section of the United Nations underscoring Lions International’s commitment to a certain and lasting peace for the world. Lions continue to work with the UN at annual Lions Day with the United Nations events.
1957 The Leo program is developed to provide the youth of the world an opportunity for personal development through volunteering. 200,000 Leos worldwide
1968 Establishing our Lions Foundation
1985 LCIF awards its first Major Catastrophe Grant of $50,000 for earthquake relief in Mexico. Today we continue to step up in time of crisis by offering grants to support our disaster relief efforts
1987 Lions International voted to include women to join the Lions family. Today women are the fastest growing segment of Lions with more than 425,000 serving around the world.
1990 Launching SightFirst to help restore sight and prevent blindness on a global scale. More than 488 million people have been impacted over the last 30 years.
Lions District 4-C3 Lion History
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