Saturday, January 1, 2005

History


The Lions Club is the largest service organization in the world. Membership: 1,370,040 Clubs 46,795 Districts 739 Countries with Lions Clubs 193
Our Redmond Lions Club was established on October 13, 1947. It is the oldest service club in Redmond.

HISTORY In 1917, several small independent service clubs in Chicago led by Melvin Jones, assembled and established the Lions Club. Helen Keller was involved in the organization and developed the major goals of the club of sight conservation and helping people in need. Sight conservation remains one of the primary activities of the Lions Club-- now an international organization providing service to local communities throughout the world.

GOALS OF THE CLUB: The primary goal of the Redmond Lions Club is to provide service to the Redmond Community. The Lions Club raises funds for its service activities with various fundraisers such as support of the Redmond Bike Derby, White Cane Days, and with Bike Derby and Easter weekend pancake breakfasts. All proceeds are put back into the community. One major fundraising activity is White Cane Days during the first Friday and Saturday in May. Funds received during White Cande Days are donated to the Lions Sight Conservation Foundation which funds the Lions Eye Bank in Seattle and provides donor corneas for Washington, Idaho and Alaska. The Lions Sight Conservation Foundation also funds the Lions Screening Van and provides help for people with limited means to obtain eye glasses and eye care. We also support the Lions Low Vision Clinic in Bellevue, which provides low vision aids and assistance to children and adults.
Our Lions service programs have expanded to include the hearing impaired, support of the Redmond Food Bank, support for diabetics, C.A.R.E., the Redmond YWCA, support of local Boy Scout Troop 423, and helping the Salvation Army with their annual bellringing fundraiser.

MEETINGS: There are regular membership meetings twice a month, at noon on the first and third Wednesdays at the Redmond Methodist Church, where lunch is provided. During these meetings, exciting and interesting speakers present programs to the membership, with lively discussion and participation. On the second and fourth Wednesdays, the membership is encouraged to attend the business meetings at a local restaurant.The Lions colors are purple and gold. The name "Lions" stands for liberty intelligent, our nations' safety. The Lions pin depicts a lion, with the face of the lion looking both ways, through the past and into the future.

NEW MEMBERS: We are actively seeking new members to join our Club. We encourage your interest in our activities and community service. Men and women who live or work in the Redmond area are welcome. Please contact one of the local Lions members, and join us at one of our weekly meetings. We encourage your participation and involvement. Members are required to attend meetings twice a month, to work on Club projects, and to pay minimum semi-annual dues of $45.00. Our service activities include: White Cane Days Eggstravaganza Breakfast with Santa Derby Days Pancake Breakfast Redmond School Scholarship Program

Write for further information:

Hiroshi Goto hiroshigoto@mercury.ne.jp