Aims and Objectives
Leadership
Leaders .... Are the Born or Made?
The Art of Leadership
Grooming and Training
      Potential Leaders
How to get along with People
Your Club and You
Your Club and the District
Our Lions Emblem and Club Supplies
Club Leadership Means Involvement
Organizing Effective Club Meetings
Proper Introduction of Guest Speakers
The Club Membership Director (CMD)
Retention
Advantages of Becoming a Lion
Club Visitations
Motivation
Our Code of Ethics and Club Objects
Proud to be a Lion
What our MD"A" Dues Pay For
What our International Dues Pay For
History of MD"A"
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Do you have a desire to serve as a District Officer?  First of all there is no truth to the story that every Lion receives a jar of marbles when he or she joins the club, and as you progress through Lionism you lose a marble here and there, and once you lose all you marbles you are ready to serve as a District Officer.

Lionism faces many challenges as we enter the new century.  All the challenges will be met through leadership; leadership at Club, District and International levels.

Melvin Jones once said, "It is not given to a great many in the ordinary conduct of their lives, to exercise leadership within a group, and yet every member of a Lions Club has that opportunity."

I would like to suggest that the position of a district officer is one of the most critical leadership positions in our association in meeting the challenges before us.

Before we look at the specific role of a District Officer we would do well to have a role model.  Think of someone who you admire.  Think about what that individual has done as a leader to gain your admiration.

Now lets spend a few momemts and try to define, in a rather broad sense, the role of a District Officer.  Should they be a good communicator - motivatior - team builder - administrator - source of knowledge.

Think again of your role model, and the broader role of a District Officer that we spoke of earlier.  What kind of qualifications would be desirable to meet the challenge to become the best District Officer you can be.  Should they be committed - motivated- knowledgable - team builders - flexible - communicators - positive thinkers - goal setters and organized.

When we look at this list we discover that none of these qualifications are unique to certain individuals.  All are skills that can be learned.  Each of you are encouraged to continuourly upgrade these skills by becoming part of the District Leadership Team.

How can you prepare yourself?  The key word in that question is YOU.  "How can YOU prepare".  Too often we hear Lions say "they" should provide better training, or should develop vdeo material that will prepare us; it seems we expect someone else to make us better leaders.

"IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME"

You are encouraged to make personal commitment to attend training sessions, conventions, workshops and to ask questions, to discuss issues, to become informed and inspired.  The most frequently asked question is "What's it going to cost me?"  There is no precise or easy answer, for there are many variables that will apply to each of you and your particular District.

Your employment status will impact on personal financial implications, for example are you self employed or working for others.  Your vacation entitlement - your time off - with or without pay.  The geographical size of your Zone, Region and District and where you live in that area will determine the travel time required.

The Rules of Audit will apply to many of your expenses.  It will be in your best interest to understand the rules and to keep accurate records.  The current rules of audit should be discussed with a current officer and I can assure you that the gains will certainly outweigh the costs.

We have talked about preparation, about the commitment of time, and the financial obligation.  Let us now look at some of the rewards available to those who serve as District Officers.

The opportunity to work with Cabinet Members to establish meaningful goals for the District, and working together to turn them into reality, is a wonderful experience.  Club visits provide many new friendships and greater appreciation of what Lionsism is doing in every community.  The leadership experience gained will serve you well in all future endeavors.

Finally a successful year as a District Officer will make our world a better place because you gave of your time and talent, because you prepared yourself to be the best District Officers you can be.

You want to be a District Officer?  GO FOR IT!
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HISTORY OF DISTRICT A-5
Written by PCC Lion Gerry Albert

Let's start with how Lionism was introduced to Northern Ontario.  The first three clubs were the Lions Club of Sudbury, started in 1924, the North Bay Lions Club, started in 1925 and the Sault Ste. Marie Lions Club, started in 1936.  At the time they were part of District "A" which covered the whole province of Ontario from 1924 to 1938.

On July 1, 1938 District "A" had 74 Clubs and it was decided that it was too big for one District Governor to cover.  So it was split up into three Districts, A-1, A-2 and A-3.  This is when we became a Multiple District and our three Northern Ontario Clubs as mentioned above, then became part of District A-2 and had boundaries from Gravenhurst north.

On July 1, 1940 we had seven Clubs within our present boundaries and because of that growth we became part of District A-4 which covered an area as far as Ottawa.

On July 1, 1942 because of continued growth, District A-5 was formed with 46 Clubs, with boundaries that covered from Gravenhurst to the Arctic Circle.

On July 1, 1945 Clubs north of us became District A-6.

On July 1, 1972 when District A-12 was officially formed, our boundaries were established from White River to Mattawa from Temiskaming on the north to Emsdale on the south.  Encompassing 53 Lions Clubs.

At first our complete district was Region 14, then as we grew in a few years Region 17 was established, soon followed by Region 31.  On July 1, 1983 Region 14 had grown to 22 Clubs and it was decided to form a new Region.  This is when Region 47 became a reality s it is today.  As you can see any Clubs have been moved around to different Districts, Regions and Zones because of growth.

On July 1, 1999 the 24 Clubs north of us in Region 15 and 20 from District A-6 became part of District A-5.  District A-5 then had 77 Lions Clubs with approximately 2,000 Lions, 21 Lioness Clubs and 9 Leo Clubs in 6 Regions and 14 Zones.  In the year 2000, in the month of October, a new Club was formed in Sheguiandah with 31 members.  As of March 1, 2001 District A-5 has 78 Clubs.

As of March 1, 2001 the combined 54 Clubs of District A-5 and the 24 Clubs of the former District A-6, a total of 78 Clubs, were started in the following order.
A-5 LEADERSHIP
INFORMATION MANUAL
MARCH 1st, 2001.
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1 )
2 )
3 )
4 )
5 )
6 )
7 )
8 )
9 )
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
22)
23)
24)
25)
26)
27)
28)
29)
30)
31)
32)
33)
34)
35)
36)
37)
38)
39)
Sudbury
North Bay
Schumacher
Timmins
Sault Ste. Marie
Kirkland Lake
Powasson
Burkes Falls
Little Current
Wawa
Kapuskasing
Sundridge
New Liskeard
Virginiatown
Thessalon
South Porcupine
Espanola
Mattawa
Iron Bridge
Chaput Hughes
Garson
Sudbury North East
Larder Lake
Iroquois Falls
Argyle
Blind River
Cobalt
Temagami
Ferris
Widdifield
Smooth Rock Falls
Onaping Falls
Elliot Lake
Serpent River
South River
Cochrane
Hornepayne
Coniston
Capreol
1924
1925
1935
1935
1936
1936
1938
1938
1938
1940
1943
1944
1945
1945
1946
1946
1947
1948
1950
1950
1951
1951
1951
1951
1952
1953
1953
1954
1955
1955
1955
1956
1957
1959
1960
1962
1962
1964
1964
40)
41)
42)
43)
44)
45)
46)
47)
48)
49)
50)
51)
52)
53)
54)
55)
56)
57)
58)
59)
60)
61)
62)
63)
64)
65)
66)
67)
68)
69)
70)
71)
72)
73)
74)
75)
76)
77)
78)
Kerns Central
Magnetawan
Trout Creek
Moosonee
Valley East
Whitefish
Callander
Chelmsford
Bruce Mines
Haileybury
Azilda
Moose Factory
Waters Township
Dunchurch
St. Joseph Island
Central Manitoulin
Temiskaming
Bondield
White River
Copper Cliff
South East Manitoulin
Emsdale
Warren
Dubreuilville
Killarney
Charlton / Englehart
Gore Bay
Earlton
Noelville
Restoule
Goulais
Hudson
Elk Lake
Kearney
Sudbury Suomi
Wahnapitae
Matachewan
Massey
Sheguiandah
1965
1966
1966
1966
1967
1967
1968
1969
1970
1970
1971
1971
1972
1972
1972
1976
1977
1978
1978
1978
1979
1979
1979
1980
1980
1980
1982
1982
1984
1985
1985
1985
1985
1989
1989
1995
1996
1998
2000
The Clubs in Region 14 were started in the following order.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
Sudbury
Little Current
Espanola
Whitefish & District
Waters Township
Central Manitoulin
Copper Cliff
South East Manitoulin
Killarney
Gore Bay
Sudbury Suomi
Massey
Sheguiandah
September 24, 1924
November 3, 1938
December 12, 1947
December 1, 1967
February 3, 1972
October 14, 1976
October 6, 1978
May 29, 1979
August 14, 1980
October 18, 1982
November 27, 1989
April 13, 1998
October 23, 2000
Region 14 has had 15 District Governors from the following Clubs.
Two from Espanola


One from Little Current

One from Waters Township

Two from Whitefish


Nine from Sudbury
PDG Robert Lynch
PDG Lew Blum *

PDG David Kaichin *

PDG Don Raymond

PDG Ted Beynon
PDG Jack Oatway

PDG W. T. "Shorty" Green *
PDG Sam Rothchild *
PDG Dr. M. Mitchell *
PDG Arne Ritari *
PDG Robert W. Pearson *
PCC Gerry Albert
PDG Bill Ross
PDG Rolly Albert
DG Bill Coles
1960 - 1961
1961 - 1962

1953 - 1954

1996 - 1997

1981 - 1982
2001 - 2002

1938 - 1939
1940 - 1941
1951 - 1952
1957 - 1958
1974 - 1975
1977 - 1978
1984 - 1985
1995 - 1996
2002 - 2003
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The Clubs in Region 15 were started in the following order.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
Kirkland Lake
New Liskeard
Virginiatown
Chaput Hughes
Larder Lake
Cobalt
Temagami
Kearns Central
Haileybury
Charlton - Englehart
Earlton
Hudson
Elk Lake
Matachewan
November 12, 1936
February 16, 1945
March 20, 1945
May 8, 1950
March 30, 1951
February 28, 1953
February 17, 1954
November 18, 1955
February 23, 1970
May 22, 1980
May 13, 1982
September 19, 1985
December 30, 1985
May 28, 1996
Region 15 has had 18 District Governors from the following Clubs.
One from Chaput Hughes

One from Charlton - Englehart

One from Earlton

Two from Haileybury


One from Kearns Central

Five from Kirkland Lake





Four from New Liskeard




Two from Temagami


One from Virginiatown
PDG Henry Chenier *

PDG Mike Ryan

PDG Hartley Houston

PDG Gordon Flemming *
PDG Patrick O'Shaughnessy *



PDG Frank Benoit *
PDG Frank Benoit *
PDG Frank Benoit *
PDG Frank Benoit *
PDG Sidney Menard

PDG Cecil Connelly *
PDG Cecil Hawn
PDG Alf O'Riley
PDG Howie Bradford

PDG Clifford Cox *
PDG Clifford Cox *

PDG Jurgis Gedmintas *
1962 - 1963

1984 - 1985

1987 - 1988

1957 - 1958
1966 - 1967



1956 - 1957
1970 - 1971
1974 - 1975
1980 - 1981
1998 - 1999

1953 - 1954
1965 - 1966
1985 - 1986
1997 - 1998

1958 - 1959
1963 - 1964

1977 - 1978
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The Clubs in Region 17 were started in the following order.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
North Bay
Powassan
Burks Falls
Sundridge
Mattawa
Argyle
Ferris
Widdifield
South River
Magnetawan
Trout Creek
Callander
Dunchurch
Temiscaming
Bonfield
Emsdale
Restoule
Kearney
March 2, 1925
October 17, 1938
October 22,1938
May 30,1944
May 17,1948
April 29, 1952
September 22, 1955
November 17, 1955
January 10, 1960
October 25, 1966
November 24, 1966
January 25, 1968
March 9, 1972
January 30, 1977
January 25, 1978
June 25, 1979
May 11, 198
November 22, 1989
Region 17 has had 14 District Governors from the following Clubs.
One from Argyle

Four from Burks Falls




One from Dunchurch

One from Ferris

One from Magnetawan

Three from North Bay



One from South River

Two from Sundridge
PDG John Moody

PDG Stan Darling
PDG Dr. Bev Hallam *
PDD Dick Hyndman
PDG Earl Box

PDG Harold Gibson *

PDG Lloyd Martin

PDG Bob Newell

PDG Doug Harrison
PDG Bob Hannigan
PDG Merv St. Amand

PDG Mike Laraochelle

PDG Dr. W. J. Copeman
PDG William R. Copeman
1990 - 1991

1947 - 1948
1962 - 1963
1967 - 1968
1976 - 1977

1979 - 1980

1973 - 1974

2000 - 2001

1969 - 1970
1971 - 1972
1988 - 1989

1975 - 1976

1966 - 1967
1993 - 1994
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The Clubs in Region 20 were started in the following order.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
Schumacher
Timmins
Kapuskasing
South Porcupine
Iroquois Falls
Smooth Rock Falls
Cochrane
Hornepayne
Moosonee
Moose Factory
February 3, 1935
Marcy 28, 1935
June 11, 1943
December 13, 1946
December 3, 1951
December 11, 1955
March 22, 1962
March 28, 1962
January 19, 1966
February 25, 1971
Region 20 has had 19 District Governors from the following Clubs.
One from Cochrane

Three from Iroquois Falls




Two from Kapuskasing


One from Moose Factory

Two from Schumcher


Three from South Porcupine



Six from Timmins
PDG Jack Tallon *

PDG Norman Howard
PDG Ralph Cashmore
PDG Raymond Cyr
PDG Raymond Cyr

PDG Al McDonald *
PDG Joseph Bond *

PDG Ivor Jones

PDG William K. Wylie *
PDG Ed Montigny

PDG Charles Shields *
PDG Hilton Miller *
PDG S. A. Laraman *

PDG Stan Fowler *
PDG Stan Fowler *
PDG Leo Laporte *
PDG Dave Coombs *
PDG Tom Moran
PDG Paul Tanner *

1967 - 1968

1975 - 1976
1978 - 1979
1993 - 1994
1994 - 1995

1954 - 1955
1961 - 1962

1991 - 1992

1941 - 1942
1973 - 1974

1952 - 1953
1959 - 1960
1964 - 1965

1944 - 1945
1946 - 1947
1950 - 1951
1955 - 1956
1971 - 1972
1979 - 1980
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The Clubs in Region 31 were started in the following order.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
Sault Ste. Marie
Wawa
Thessalon
Iron Bridge
Blind River
Elliot Lake
Serpent River
Bruce Mines
St. Joseph Island
White River
Dubreuilville
Goulais River
August 31, 1936
December 13, 1949
September 13, 1946
February 8, 1950
October 13, 1953
May 13, 1957
October 15, 1959
April 1, 1970
June 26, 1972
January 31, 1978
July 1, 1980
March 20, 1985
Region 31 has had 10 District Governors from the following Clubs.
Two from Blind River


Seven from Sault Ste. Marie







One from Serpent River
PDG Jean Eckle *
PDG Hillary Kiernan

PDG Bill Dew *
PDG Jack Smale
PDG Ellsworth Whalen *
PDG Hector McGrigor *
PDG John Curran
PDG Armand Jean
PDG Mark Cornish Jr.

PDG Bob Renalt
1964 - 1965
1998 - 1999

1945 - 1946
1949 - 1950
1956 - 1957
1958 - 1959
1965 - 1966
1986 - 1987
1989 - 1990

1986 - 1986
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The Clubs in Region 47 were started in the following order.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
Garson
Sudbury North East
Onaping Falls
Coniston
Capreol
Valley East
Chelmsford
Azilda
Warren
Noelville
Whanapitae
May 18, 1951
October 5, 1951
May 17, 1956
March 17, 1964
April 16, 1964
February 19, 1967
December 11, 1969
December 21, 1971
December 10, 1979
February 22, 1984
November 21, 1995
Region 47 has had 9 District Governors from the following Clubs.
One from Azilda

One from Chelmsford

One from Coniston

Two from Garson


One from Sudbury North East

Two from Valley East


One from Warren & District
PCC Cleo Roy

PDG Peter Van Der Henne

PDG Phil Gniazdoski

PDG Bill Sleaver *
PDG Marcel Preseau *



PDG Roger Brideau
PDG Norm Bigras

PDG Len Collin
1994 - 1995

1980 - 1981

1982 - 1983

1959 - 1960
1987 - 1988



1983 - 1984
1997 - 1998

1991 - 1992
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Others who have served as District Governor but whose Clubs no longer exist
as part of District A-5 or A-6.
PDG Bill Overchuck

PDG Robert G. Babcock

PDG John Forbes *

PDG J. Walter Jackson *

PDG Michel Dusome *

PDG Jean-Guy Fontaine

PDG Colyne Walford *
PDG John Avery *

PDG Mark Cornish Sr.

PDG Cecil J. Drummond *
PDG Cecil J. Drummond *
PDG Richard Taylor *
P:DG Ralph Woronchuk *

PDG Joe Rightmyre

PDG Normand Colombe *

PDG Gerald Doughty *

PDG Jack Stokes

PDG Normand Blanchard

PDG Raymond Lemoine
PDG Jean-Marc Bisson *

DG Bill Wuorinen *
D'Alembert Lions

Gatchell Lions

Glen Orchard Lions

Gravenhurst Lions

Hornepayne Lions

Lasarre Lions

Lively - Creighton Lions
Lively - Creighton Lions

Minnow Lake Lions

Noranda Lions
Noranda Lions
Noranda Lions
Noranda Lions

Parry Sound Lions

Rouyn Lions

Shawville Lions

Swastika Lions

Torrance Lions

Val d'Or Lions
Val d'Or Lions

Walford Lions
1992 - 1993

1963 - 1964

1955 - 1956

1954 - 1955

1982 - 1983

1972 - 1973

1968 - 1969
1970 - 1971

1972 - 1973

1942 - 1943
1943 - 1944
1951 - 1952
1960 - 1961

1950 - 1951

1969 - 1970

1968 - 1969

1949 - 1950

1952 - 1953

1976 - 1977
1986 - 1987

1992 - 1993
PCC Gerry Albert of the Sudbury Lions Club also served as Governor of
District A-6 for two consecutive terms from 1995 to 1997.

In all cases above "*" denotes a deceased member.
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The 14 Lioness Clubs in all Regions were started as follows.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
21)
Sudbury North East
Azilda
Coniston
Chelmsford
Ferris
Bonfield
New Liskeard
Espanolla
Charlton - Englehart
Walden
White River
Serpent River
Kearns Central
Rouyn - Noranda
Sault Ste. Marie
Haileybury
Smooth Rock falls
Sundridge
Noelville
Iroquois Falls
Iron Bridge
November 21, 1977
January 30, 1978
May 23, 1978
June 14, 1978
September 29, 1978
January 28, 1980
1980
February 18, 1981
1981
February 9, 1982
August 19, 1982
January 30, 1984
1984
1984
January 13, 1985
1985
1985
May 19, 1986
July 3, 1986
1986
December 12, 1988
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SO, YOU WANT TO BE A DISTRICT OFFICER
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INCREASING CLUB MEMBERSHIP BY SELLING LIONS
In order to help your Lions Club grow, you will need to get all your members motivated to "sell" the advantages of being a Lion.  None of us like to be "sold" but all of us like to use the title of Lion once we learn what it's all about.

So how do we move our prospective members from not knowing who we are to wanting to be apart of our organization?  We need to "sell" them on the benefits of being a Lion.

The following sales process will be recognizable to anyone who has had some sales training, and can easily be grasped by anyone else who wants to help their Lions Club grow.  By following these steps, you can build a healthy, striving Club to grow in no time at all.
A:



B:


C:



D:
Belief in your product:  In order to be successful in selling any product, you must velieve that it is the best product.  Do you believe in Lions and what Lions can do for our communities.

Knowledge of your product:  Learn as much as you can about Lions, so that you can present the benefits of being a Lion.

Target your audience:  Talk to people who you feel would fit into your Club's personality and to those who you feel could add strength to your Club's future growth.

Follow the Four Step Sales Process.
1)Create or discover a need?  People have a natural need to associate with others.  Most people (especially business people) also have a desire to help their community.  We fill both of these needs in Lions.
  Approach:  As part of your conversation, you want to raise questions like these... "John are you active in any civic or volunteer orgainzation?"  "Have you ever thought of getting involved in one?"

2)Fill the need with an Idea!
  Approach:  Try to build up general images of what a good Club would be.  "Do you think you would enjoy working wiht other prople like yourself to help better our community, while having a lot of fun?

3)Describe a Specific Solution!
  Approach:  Here is where Lionism comes in.  Here is where that knowledge about what we do will pay off.  "You know John, I've recently been involved wiht a great group of people who are doing some wonderful things for children and families who suffer from child abuse.  We meet every two weeks for a meeting and take part in some fun and some easy group projects to help those kids and their families.  In addition, I've made some good friends and some helpful contacts for me personally."

4)Move them to Action:
  Approach:  Here is where the rubber meets the road.  You've got to ask them to join you.  "John, I would like to have you join me this week for dinner so you can meet some of the members and find out a little more about Lions.  I'll even drop by and pick you up.  what time will you be ready?"

  If I have made this too complicated for you, no need to worry.  If you know your prospect well you may be able to cut through the "philosophy of a sale" and just invite him or her to the meeeting.  "Hey John, how would you like to join me for dinner, it will give me a chance to introduce you to a few friends of mine."

  You don't have to make it diffucult, it isn't.  It really is something you should want to do, and it certainly isn't like selling a used car.  You already know that you are part of a great organization.  So why not share it with others???

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD HUNTING
WHY DO WE NEED MORE LION MEMBERS
Within all our communities there is a need.  A need that goes far beyond the criteria of any government agencies.  And there is always someone who wants to help, but they can't as an individual and they've never been asked to join a service club.

For the past 84 years Lionism has meant the gift of sight, community service and community leadership, assistance to people in need, etc..  Lionism has grown to be the largest service organization in the world.  Did you ever ask yourself WHY?   The answer is SERVICE.

Recently a Lion called me on the telephone wanting me to cancel their Charter.  They couldn't raise any big money anymore.  My answer was very simple.  You can't evaluate the head of a family by the money that he or she has.  I know a lot of good fathers and mothers who are very poor and yet they are terrific parents.  Compare this with your Lions Club.  Humanitarian service might really be needed in your community.

Did you know that baby blindness was cured by Lions research 50 years ago?  That the white cane week was started by a Lions Club in 1954? 

That more than 11,000 corneal transplants in North America last year were the result of the efforts of many Lions Clubs?  New members will bring in new ideas, enthusiasm, fellowship and young legs.

No matter how satisfied we are with our Lions Club, we can't let it remain the same year after year.  We lose members through transfers, deaths and for many other reasons.  Our Clubs keep getting smaller, and older and therefore we do less and less for our communities.

Clubs under 20 members.  Statistics show that last year in North America we dropped approximately 300 Lions Clubs and all of them were Clubs with less than 15 members.

What is the average age of your members?  Do you have women in your Lions Club?

How Do You Get New Members?

You should have a goal and plans to reach that goal.  Also the desire to work your plan.  Your plan should have the support of every member of your Lions Club.

Have every member commit to bringing in one member this year.

Ask your next door neighbors.

Ask prospects to help you at some of your Clubs activities.

Bring in a group of 3, 4 or 5 prospects who know each other.

Have a seven day program.  This is where every member of the Club commits to asking at least one prospect every day for seven days to come to an information meeting.  Then have an information meeting and invite all the interested prospects.  Get a qualified speaker who can motivate these prospects and I assure you that you'll get  50-60% result.

The above can also be done with letters of invitation to a prepared list of prospects.

Have a "Contact Day."  This is where you prepare a list of names and then working in pairs you call on these prospects asking them to attend an information meeting as mentioned above.  Again you will get results.

Send a letter to the wives and husbands of prospective members.

Show a need for growth.

Have the Board of Directors approve a prospect list before asking them.

The Membership Director should speak at meetings to ask for names and leads.

Last but not least... Invite them... Invite them... Invite them.

How to Keep Your Members?

By being an active Lions Club.  By being necessary to your community, your neighbors and to the less fortunate.

Have fun at your meetings.  Make them short and interesting.  Work should be done at your Board and Committee Meetings.

Have a good Tail Twister.  Have members want to come to meetings.  Have interesting programs.  Personal histories.

Let your members know what your Club is doing.  Your Club's accomplishments will make them proud.

Lions want to volunteer and they want to do things that they like doing.

Build enthusiasm.  Enthusiasm rubs off.  Enthusiasm is contagious.

Involve them in your activities.  Go on visitations:  to Zone Meetings:  to Cabinet Meetings:  to Conventions.  How do you do this?  Take them with you.

Make them feel needed and wanted.

Many Lions want to do a great job when appointed -- but a lot of them don't know what is expected of them and no one takes the time to show them how to do it.  And remember many Lions are too shy to ask for directions or help.

Success is really very simple.  It's confidence, enthusisam, positive thinking and motivation.

Tell stories of your local activities.  Make Lions work real and alive in the minds of your members.  Tell your story, simply, often and convincingly.

Involve their wives and hsbands and families.

Involve older members.  Find little jobs for them.

Communications is the Key to a successful Lions Club.  We have to sell the sizzle.
LIONS RESOURCE CENTRE
A Dream comes True

In 1973, frustrated by the lack of support services for the deaf  in Sudbury, Roger St. Louis, a long time resident of St. Charles who was deafened at the age of seven during a bout of meningitis and who was well aware of the problems and needs of the deaf in the north, decided to do something about it. He went to Toronto to meet the President of the Canadian Hearing Society to discuss the feasibility of establishing a Regional Branch for the Hard of Hearing in the Sudbury Area. From this meeting, R.W. Pearson, District Governor of A-5 at the time and a member of the Sudbury Lions Club, was approached to seek support for this project.  

Lion Bob Pearson, Homer Darling and Bill Ross then met with medical, professional and business leaders to asses the support available for this venture. On September 22, 1974 an information meeting was held and in January of 1975 the first Executive Committee was chosen which included Lions Homer Darling as President, Bob Pearson, Bill Ross and Gerry Albert just to name a few.

During the next few years a hearing Bank was established and dispensed 284 hearing aids in 1980 alone. T.T.Y's (Teletypewriter and copier) and 14 new T.D.D's (Telephone  Devices for the Deaf)  were installed in many locations. This gave deaf clients direct access to these services when required. To raise needed funds for these expanded services a car raffle was started by board member Lion Gerry Albert in 1976. It was so successful that it was repeated in 1977 and in 1978. It soon became apparent that much more space was needed for these services so the office was relocated from 250 Elm Street West to much larger quarters at 176 Larch Street. 

The early 1980's were the "Coin Box" years. Members of many Lions Clubs in Northern Ontario placed coin boxes in hundreds of locations and checked them at regular intervals for donations. This provided much needed funds for all of the many activities and projects which included six Telecaptioning  Units placed in local nursing homes.

On November 23, 1981, a committee was set up with Bob Pearson as Chairman to raise funds for a Mobile Audiological Testing Van for use in Northern Ontario. It would be equipped to screen, test and provide services to areas that sorely needed it. The sum of $105,000.00 was raised and the "Mac Van" as it became known was purchased and came into use. It traveled throughout northeastern Ontario for many years and is now still in use on Manitoulin Island.

From the beginning the Sudbury Board realized that more services were desperately needed. The Group Home Committee changed direction in late 1989 when Lion Bill Ross was elected Chairperson. Through his persistence the Regional Council of Sudbury passed a motion to give the Lions Clubs a piece of  land on Paris Street for $1.00. From there the plan for the Lion's Resource Centre as you see it now, was set in motion.

Fundraising activities began in earnest. Lions Clubs in Ontario and Quebec were able to raise $600,000.00 which included a grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation of $100,000.00. The Ministry of Northern Development contributed $1.5 million. With all the required funds raised, the Sod Turning Ceremony took place on May 29, 1993 and the building was completed in December of the same year. The official opening was on Saturday, February 12, 1994.

This $2.5 million Lions Resource Centre is presently serving 135,000 deaf and hard of hearing residents in Northeastern Ontario from Mattawa to Marathon, and from Parry Sound to James Bay.  Lions, Lionesses and Leo's be proud of this Resource Centre,  after all, your efforts helped to build it.
                                                          It all started at the Lions International                                                                           Convention in Atlanta, Georgia in June of 1982.  A                                                              steering Committee was set up to study the                                                                        possibility of an all Canadian Service Activity.  On                                                                September 24th, 1982 a second meeting of Canadian Lions accepted their report.  The Board of the Foundation would consist of 13 Directors, one from each province, the North West Territories, the Yukon and one from North Western Ontario.

On February 19th and 20th, 1983 the Directors of the Lions Foundation of Canada met in Toronto.  Numerous ideas were presented.  It was finally agreed by all that the initial efforts should be in the area of assistance to the sight handicapped, with a fully Canadian dog guide school.

An ideal location was found in Oakville, Ontario.  The facility was an unused school building. A three story structure of approximately 18,000 square feet, situated 25 minutes from the Toronto airport, 10 minutes via rail transport to Toronto and on a main bus route.  The cost was $950,000.00.  The program would be designed to handle and produce up to 120 student dog units per year.  At the start the anticipated annual budget was set at $360,000.00.

Where would the money come from?  It took a while to get a Federal tax number but when the Foundation did get the number, they were able to offer tax deductible receipts to individuals, organizations and corporations.  A life membership in the Lions Foundation of Canada was also made available.  An impressive number of Lions Clubs contributed.

On January 9th, 1985, the official opening was a great success.  One year later on January 11th, 1986, Canine Vision Canada came alive as the first class of students arrived.  On February 8th, 1986 the first class of seven students graduated.

There are many corporate donors to this project, the largest of which is Ralston Purina.  They have donated all of the dog food for the school as well as the puppy program and sponsored the Walk-A-Dog-A-Thon every year across Canada.  They also donate $28,000.00 per year which is the equivalent of five dogs per year.

Who can receive a dog?  Any visually impaired person who is physically and mentally capable of receiving benefit from a dog.  What is the cost of the student?   Absolutely nothing.

How long does it take to train a dog and master?  The puppy spends a year becoming socialized.  The dog is then brought to the school for 12 weeks of intensive training.  Then there is 4 weeks of training with the student.  What kind of dogs are used?  Canine Vision Canada trains three breeds.  German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.

Since its inception in 1986, the Lions Foundation of Canada has trained more than 600 dog guides for individuals living with visual, hearing, medical and physical disabilities.  The three programs that the Foundation provides are:  Canine Vision of Canada, Hearing Eye Dogs of Canada and Special Skills Dogs of Canada.  In the year 2000, 70 dogs were trained and the Goal for this year is 95 dogs.

In order to meet the current and future demand for dog guides, the Lions Foundation of Canada Board of Directors have endorsed many fund raising programs.  The Judge Brian Stevenson Award recognizes and honors outstanding Canadian Lions for their achievements and involvement, and remains a favourite with Lions Clubs.  Life Membership Awards are also a great way to recognize a fellow member, a Past President or a family member.  A Planned Giving Program is also available.

The Walk-A-Dog-A-Thon which has raised over 2.5 million dollars since 1985 for Canine Vision of Canada has had a name change. It is now known as the Lions Foundation of Canada - Walk for Dog Guides. The new name instantly identifies the walk as a Lions initiative.

I would like to finish with a few stories. You've all heard of Special Skills Dogs I'm sure?  This is a fairly new project of the Lions Foundation of Canada and here are three examples of applications.

1)A young lad in Halifax, wheelchair bound, needed a dog to alert people if he fell from his chair or what have you.  Your Foundation was there.

2)A young lady in Toronto suffers from epilepsy.  During a seizure she had her purse stolen.  The family approached the Foundation for a Special Skills Dog.  This woman's guide dog is not a guard dog, he is trained to summon aid and stand by until the seizure passes.  Your Lions Foundation was there.

3)A family who now lives in British Columbia, but at the time of application lived in Fort McMurray has a daughter who has to be hooked to a machine about 20 hours a day.  Disconnection would cause death if the girl is left unattended.  Your Lions Foundation supplied the dog trained to respond to the machines monitor.  Now the parents can sleep at night free from worry.  Your Lions Foundation of Canada is working from coast to coast in Canada.

We've come a long way since 1986, but we still have a long road ahead of us.  For more information please contact your Lions Foundation of Canada, Club Chairperson or your District Chairperson.
WOMEN IN LIONISM
In 1987, women were invited to be Lions.  We have had 14 years to experience the growing pains, to lay the groundwork and to adjust to the change in our organization, as we have learned from each other.

Let's look at our present statistics.  To date, the MD"A" Lions have elected seven female Governors and two Council Chairs.  In this current year, three female Governors were elected and are serving on the Governors Council.

In a 1990 survey by Lions International entitled, "Young Adults", opinions of volunteering (with an equal number of males and females taking part in the survey), 70% indicated that they would like to join an organization to volunteer and socialize. Of this group, 71% strongly preferred NOT to volunteer in an organization that only admitted members of their own gender. These percentages seem to confirm that there is a vast, virtually untapped, resource of potential members out there, just waiting to be invited to become Lions. 

If this Association is truly serious about wanting more women members .... if we really do not want to leave "one half of the family brains" at home .... perhaps we need to look closely at present attitudes .... attitudes of both female and male members.

I envision attitudes of many males and female members changing much more rapidly during the next few years and all for the betterment of Lionism.  With these changed attitudes, I see our female membership numbers increasing much more rapidly than in the past few years.

Lionism can have a very bright future!  I see us improving our image, strengthening our leadership and encouraging more professional women and younger men to enter into leadership roles.  I see us improving our recruitment and retention programs, adjusting our service focus, and being much more flexible and willing to accept change as we serve with our fellow Lions. Our mission is far too important to do otherwise.

By meeting the changing needs of our immediate and global communities in a timely fashion, we will move forward.  By concentrating all our energies on our positive purpose for being, rather than dwelling on differences, we will accomplish great things.  By recognizing the benefits for Lionism that comes from treating ALL LIONS with respect and equality, we will accomplish far more.

To quote Past President Grumaldi in his inaugural address, "Through unity of action .... a clear and uncompromising solidarity of purpose .... we as Lions, will assure that any wrong in our communities or in our society will be set on a correct course.  This is our civic duty as leaders. This is the reason we are Lions. Solidarity in principle!  Solidarity in Action!  Achieve these, and our capacity as civic leaders will be unchallenged!"
LIONESS HISTORY
by Lion Sheila Hicks
In 1917, in the city of Chicago, Melvin Jones, secretary of The Business Circle, a group of men devoted to the promotion of the business interest of its members, noted their apathy and asked the question of himself, what if these men , successful in business, were to channel some of their drive towards helping to improve their community.

On June 7, 1917,  Melvin Jones met with representatives of various men's groups and Lionism was officially launched.  Within a few short years Lions Clubs were formed in Windsor, Ontario, Canada and Lions Clubs truly became an International organization.

With the launching of this new organization came the need to raise funds and the discovery that they needed help of a feminine nature, so along with the growth of Lionism grew the Auxiliary of Lions, made up of wives and friends of the Lions.

The auxiliaries worked along side the Lions raising money for their different projects, till October of 1975 when the Board of Directors of Lions Clubs International voted to give International recognition to the women who had been serving in Lions Clubs Auxiliaries all over the world.

On December 24th, 1975, the Mount Pleasant Lions Auxiliary of North Carolina was certified as the Mount Pleasant Lioness Club.  In six months over 496 Lioness Clubs were formed worldwide with over 12,400 members.  The movement continued to grow until the first Lioness Multiple District was formed in Turkey in June of 1980.  The first District in the United States was formed in the state of Oregon in January of 1981.  In 1987 the constitution was changed to allow women to become Lions and men to become Lioness.  In response to the change in 1989, International President William Woolard was inducted in the Mount Pleasant Lioness Club.  In 1992 the Directors of Lions Clubs International withdrew recognition of the Lioness Clubs.  In District A-5 and Multiple District "A" the Lions Clubs made it known that they supported the Lioness; so in District A-5 the Lioness are still strong and growing.

The Lioness Clubs are sponsored by a Lions Club and follow the same format as the Lions with the only difference being, no dues to Lions International and no voting rights for District Officers.  Lioness Clubs are made up of women interested in extending a helping hand to their fellow man be it local or Internationally.  We support Homes for the deaf, Sight Conservation, CNIB, Drug Awareness to name a few.










Our colours are Purple and Gold. Purple stands for Loyalty to country, Loyalty to friends, Loyalty to one's self and the Integrity of mind and heart.  Its the traditional colour of strength, courage and tireless dedication of cause.  Gold symbolizes sincerity of purpose, Liberty in judgment, Purity in life and generosity in mind, heart and purpose towards fellow man.  Although Lioness Clubs are not recognized by Lions International, in District A-5 we are still a strong force. As of March 2001, quarterly reports show 18 Lioness Clubs with approximately 300 Lioness and growing.  On November 1994, A-5 Governor Lion Cleo Roy became the first male Lioness in the district by joining the Azilda Lioness.  We, as Lioness continue to work toward the betterment of our fellow man, believing strongly in our Motto "We Serve".
THE FRIENDSHIP ARCH .... IT'S ORIGIN .... IT'S PURPOSE
In the December 1967 issue of "The Lion" magazine there appeared a photograph of the Friendship Arch erected by the Lions Club of Olympia, U.S.A. at the international border separating Sumas, State of Washington, U.S.A. and Huntingdon, British Columbia, Canada.  By this gesture, the Lions Of Olympia wanted to make known their friendship towards the Lions of the Canadian Province and in a much wider sense, the friendship that is to exist between the Lions of the two countries, already united to SERVE their fellow man under the same motto and the same emblem. 

The photograph and its legend inspired Past International Director John O "Jack" Filkin with the idea of having a similar arch installed in Windsor, Ontario, the cradle of Lionism in Canada to commemorate the Windsor Downtown Lions Club's 50th Anniversary in 1970.

The Governor's Council readily accepted the project outlined by Lion Jack, and gave him authorization to solicit donations from the Clubs in Ontario and Quebec to be used to purchase an arch from the American manufacturer.  The Clubs proved to be most generous and contributed an amount in excess of $3,000.00.

At the request of Past Governor Clayton Rawlings of Windsor, the manufacturer provided him with a copy of the plans of his arch as well as information as to its cost.  This cost was quite reasonable but the transportation and importation cost were rather high.  It was at this time that Lion Russell Warner, Governor of District A-2, asked the Gerotti brothers, members of the Merritton Lions Club, if they could build and arch similar, but not quite identical, to the one for which the plans had been obtained.  The Gerotti brothers submitted their own plans which were accepted.

In 1993, because of some problems with peeling and hands breaking off, it was decided and agreed on that a new Fiberglass friendship Arch would be a lot more suitable.  The advantages would be ease of shipping, handling and carrying as the total weight is only 200 pounds.

Since then Fiberglass Arches have been built and now with the previous arches can be seen in more than 200 locations in various parts of Ontario and Quebec.

At first, besides the first arch to be erected in Windsor, the funds collected were to be used to erect other arches at border points separating U.S.A. municipalities from Ontario and Quebec. However, due to numerous governmental restrictions, this soon became impossible.  The Governor's Council therefore decided that an arch could be erected in any area or location in full view of the public, in any municipality, large or small, wherever existed a Lions Club. 

The $3,000.00 raised originally enabled the committee to donate several arches but, as the requests for arches increased, PDG Russ Warner, Chairman of the committee, asked for and received authorization from the Governor's Council to hold a draw for Lions Vests covered with pins donated by Clubs, Districts and generous Lion members.  The profit from the draw would serve to donate more arches.  Since that time, the draw has been approved by each succeeding Council, year after year, including this year's Council.

Today, an arch cost approximately $1,800.00.  Inasmuch as there is a great demand for arches, the members of the Promotion and Friendship arches Committee hope that all Clubs in Multiple District "A" will sell all 30 tickets in the book they will soon receive from their respective District Governor or his appointee.  The stubs of the ticket sold, the money collected thereof, the unsold tickets, if any and the pins we hope for, are to be sent to the District "A" Office.      

Each in his turn, PID Filkin, and PDG's Clayton Rawlings and Russ Warner have passed on. Nevertheless, their project under the Chairmanship of PDG Moodie Campbell since 1986, survives and continues to grow and it is hoped it will continue for many more years.

THE FUTURE BELONGS TO LEADERS
When  Melvin Jones wrote these words in an essay the world was in the midst of World War 11.  Yet in that essay and in many others that he wrote in that period, his mind was looking ahead to the future.  He knew that the world had already changed and would continue to change.  He was also confident that Lions Clubs International would have a role to play to help the world recover from this terrible war. And he was right.

Now we too face an uncertain world.  This new Century looms with problems unknown to us now.  But whatever they may be Lions Clubs and Lion Leaders will be needed more than ever before.  When we look at where we started and where we are now, we realize that is was dedicated and committed Leaders who made the journey possible.  The men and women who came before us left their mark of greatness.

Now it is our turn.

Reprinted from PIP William H. Wunder's address when he was International President.
HEARING:  HOMES FOR THE DEAF
Back in the 1960's, Rev. Bob Rumball, a young minister working with deag people had a dream.  He and the deaf members of his church, the Ontario Mission of the Deaf were strugglilng to help hearing-handicapped children who suffered additional problems such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation and emotional disturbance.  Often these cildren did not have a family, or if they did, their families were unable to cope with them or had rejected them completely.  The dream was to provide a proper home for these children with love, affection and discipline while permittingt them to attend one of the Provincial Schools for the Deaf in Ontario.  The Ontario Deaf Mission had the volunteers to provide the parental requirements but it did not have the funds to provide the necessary facilities.  In 1967, a farm was available in Milton.  The St. Catharines Central Lions took up the challenge issued by the young minister and provided the initial financing required to establish our first group home.  It soon became apparent that this project was too much of a burden for one club to carry.  Therefore, in 1969, the present Board of Tructees, Lions Homes for Deaf Children was formed to take over the debt retirement as a Multiple District "A" project of Lions International.

This was the beginning of a fantastically successful team consisting of the Ontario Mission of the Deaf with their expertise to help the hearing-impaired, and the Lions of Multiple District "A" with their large network of manpower eager to raise funds for worthwhile projects.  Our team has now sucessfully initiated and continues to operate six homes in Milton, Woodbridge, Nairn, Sudbury and Ottawa.  We have been able to provide full-time homes for some forty childcren and several others have been accommodated on a temporary basis.  All of our children attend one of the three Ontario Schools for Hearing-Handicapped Children.

This is a most impressive record of which we can all be proud; however before we pat ourselves on the back, we must stop for a moment and reflect that although:

-The Ontario Mission provided the expertise;
-The Lions provide the funds; and
-The schools provide the education.

we have overlooked the most important influence of all in molding the lives of these children, namely, the house parents.  The Duecks, the Henshaws, the Hardys, the McMasters and the Peddes are the key ingredients in the success of this project.  Without these wonderful people, our proects would be nothing.

The original house parents's in our Milton home, Anne and Henry Dueck, together with their treee deaf children pulled up roots from Niagara-on-the-Lake and moved ito the Milton Home in 1967.  Henry gave up his employment and began working the farm for his imcome since the Mission was unable to provide funds for salaries.  Shortly after, five new family members arrived and our first Lions Home for Deaf Children was started.  In  1973, Henry and Anne were selected as the Lions' Club of Oakville Citizens of the Year for their outstanding and unselfish efforts.  Anne recently wrote the following letter to us to help tell the story of Lions Homes for Deaf Children.

"It is a pleasure for me to write this letter, not because I enjoy writing letters but to personally thank you for your interest and service to the deaf in making not only a number of Homes for Deaf children a reality, but giving assistance in various ways to hearing-impaired.

I want to take this opportunity also to thank those groups who remembered the home and children in very special ways from time to time.  It was always a very real encouragement.

When we came here fifteen years ago, we came because of need.  Today the need is still there.  Our aims are:  to provide a home with love, understanding, security and a sense of belonging; to encourage and provid opportunities to learn, to accept responsibilities, and make good decisions at home, school and community.

The method is still the same, tender loving care.  That little phrase, "tender Loving care" sounds very simple but in today's language, I would say it is loaded.

The children come from various backgrounds, with various needs.  They have been hurt, are bitter, angry, frustrated and have many unanswered questions.  The wounds are deep.  One never really knows when the wounds will open and fester, or all the pent-up feelings and emotions will erupt like a volcano.  At times like this, they need to know someone cares.  The days have not always been easy, the nights have not always been peaceful, the decisions have not always been correct --- but we have cared.

In our home alone, there have been in all twenty children, some for shorter periods, others for longer periods of time.  At the present, we have five deaf children in our home.  We still have contacts with a number of the childen who have left us.  Some come back regularly for weekends and holidays.

When one child hurts, it effects the whole family.  When a child does well, everyone is happy for him.

An one time I thought we should be able to write a success story for each child.  Today, I feel it is not for us to do this, but we work with them, loving them and trusting that the time spent in our homes will result in a positive attitude towards God, their fellow men and expecially themselves.

Thank you for everything".

Anne and Henry Dueck

In addition to serving children from Ontario and Quebec, children from across Canada and even other countries have a Mom and a Dad as a result of our six homes.  The Lions, Lionesses and Leos of Multiple District "A" continue to provide these homes where the motto is "A Place to Grow".
LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION (LCIF)
Submitted by: PRC Lion Murray Dewing

What an opportunity and responsibility each one of us has as a Lion! 

The Lions Clubs International Foundation was set up in 1968 with the mission of supporting the efforts of Lions clubs around the world in serving their local communities and the world community through humanitarian service, major disaster relief and vocational assistance programs.  We as individuals have the power and ability to participate directly in these programs and make a positive difference in the lives of millions of people worldwide each and every day.

LCIF over the years has supported many projects among which have been the teaching of employable skill to the disabled, the rebuilding of communities in the wake of natural disasters, the provision of necessary vitamins, cataract surgeries, and educational programs for our schools through partnership with Quest International.  We help provide over 3 million inoculations yearly against river blindness, train hundreds of individuals in sight saving and correcting procedures and help build eye banks and hospitals to provide these services in locations where they are needed and no facilities are currently available.  LCIF also partners with Habitat for Humanity in providing homes and shelters for the homeless in many locations around the world.

The Foundation is able to continue its humanitarian works only because of you and others like you.  All administrative and promotional costs are paid only from interest earned on investments.  It receives no part of club dues and relies solely on donations to fund every one of its grants. 







In the 1999 - 2000 Lions year US$41,607,813.00 in grants were approved by the LCIF Board of Directors, which is traditionally chaired by the Immediate Past International President.  The balance of the board members  are the First and Second International Vice-Presidents and nine other distinguished Lions from around the world.  They meet several times each year to discuss and evaluate the many hundreds of requests for aid received from all areas of the globe.  In addition to those grants which are applied for, emergency grants are also issued between board meetings as special circumstances arise.  These special circumstances are in the case of major natural disasters which must be dealt with immediately and cannot wait for a regular meeting.  Examples of this may include earthquake, tornado and flood relief.

It is worthwhile to note that since LCIF was formed more than US$1,500,00.00 has come to our own Multiple District for various projects.  Some of these grants for example have gone to the Lions Resource Centre in Sudbury, dialysis equipment for Camp Dorset, paediatric equipment, x-ray equipment, eye equipment, a cardiac catherization lab, flood relief, a guide dog facility and many other projects throughout our territory including over US$193,000.00 for Lion-Quest programs. 

Again, all these projects are paid for with funds donated to LCIF by Clubs, Lions, Lioness, Leo members and other individuals around the world.   A major portion of these funds come from the naming of Melvin Jones Fellows by our Clubs.  The cost of a Fellowship is currently US$1,000.00 and is a great way to honour a member or individual who has contributed greatly to their community.  The individual named to the Fellowship is awarded with a handsome plaque to hang on their wall and a unique pin to be proudly worn in their lapel.  The Club also receives a banner patch to show their participation and dedication to global humanitarian needs.  All Clubs are urged to pay one of their members this great honour as often as possible.  Funds may be sent to International all at once, or many Clubs find it much easier to spread the payment out over a number of years.  These unrestricted donations are monitored quarterly and as each Club becomes eligible to apply for a Fellowship they will be advised by the District LCIF Chair.

Another source of funds is through our "Contributing Member" program.  All members are urged to donate US$20.00 each year towards LCIF programs.  These members are then recognized by International and are presented with a unique lapel pin with each year's donation to show their participation. 

The success of the Lions Clubs International Foundation depends on you.  As you can see, the dollars that you and your Club contribute can come back to your area many times over.  Through LCIF we have the power to change things for the better and to make a permanent and positive difference in people's lives.  People that we know, and strangers that we will never meet but who will thank us every day for what the Lions have done.  Perhaps we have provided their shelter, their eyesight and maybe even their very lives have been saved because a Lion, like you, took time to care and believe. 

I urge everyone to participate and support the Foundation however possible.  You WILL make a difference!
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Click below to go to the following topics:
Publicizing Your Story
Building a Winning Team
Making the Best of What We Are
Youth Outreach - Lions/Quest
Diabetes
Research and Long Range Planning Committee
The Lake Joseph Holiday Centre
The Future Belongs to Leaders
The 9 Principles of Success
In itself, an arch even tough it survives the test of time and the elements, is only an inanimate object. However, one must look at it as a symbol whose purpose is to show the citizens of a community that the Lions are their friends.  The Lions emblem on an arch speaks for itself.  The clasped hands cannot be other than those of two friends -- that of a Lion and his friend, his neighbor, and particularly the handicapped, the young and the elderly.

The Arch is and remains a symbol  -- A visible and tangible sign of the Lions' Friendship towards One and All.
Our Emblem is the letter "L" standing for Law, Liberty, Labour, Loyalty, Love and Lions, on a circle representing the Lions and Lions Clubs or Lioness Clubs all bound together into one; Lions profiles looking two ways representing a Lion or Lioness looking to every direction for an opportunity to give unselfish service.  It is the unwritten obligation of every Lioness to wear and display the emblem with pride.

LCIF awards grants in nine categories:  SightFirst, Standard, International Assistance, Core 4, Emergency, Major Catastrophe, Designated, Major International Service Program and Humanitarian. 
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