Lions

From LionsClubBlackwood

Who Are Lions?

They are volunteer members of clubs grouped under an International organization, where they enjoy fellowship, develop their leadership capacities, and dedicate part of their free time to help those in need all over the world, while making their individual communities a better place in which to live.

Worldwide And In Australia

The International Association of Lions Clubs, founded in Chicago USA in 1917, has grown to be the largest service club organization in the world. Lions make a tremendous contribution to world health and goodwill and are a vital part of our community. Total membership exceeds 1,500,000.

Australia as "Multiple District Number 201", has a council of Governors from 20 districts who co-ordinate most national projects. Blackwood club is a club member of geographic "District C2" which has approximately 75 clubs with over 1,650 lion members.

A foundation to provide funds for prompt relief of national disasters and assistance with international and local community projects is now very large indeed. Some of the uses have been:

• Maitland floods - redevelopment of an entire suburb on higher ground.
• Victoria Bushfire 2009.
• South Australian floods.
• Queensland floods 2012.
• Darwin's cyclone Tracey.
• Newcastle earthquake.
• Nyngan floods.
• Tasmanian Bushfire 2013.
• Several Bushfires 2017

The Lion's National Ophthalmic research Unit in Melbourne has gained world recognition.

A chair of Ophthalmology has been established at Flinders Medical Centre and numerous country hospitals have been developed to give eye care locally.