May 2017
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Celebrating 100 years of community service By Ellen Cohen For 100 years, among many other oaths, Lions members around the world have sworn to follow a code of ethics that includes the following: to always bear in mind obligations as a citizen of their country and their community; to give freely of their time; and to aid others by giving sympathy to those in distress, aid to the weak, and their substance to the needy. As Lions International, the largest service club in the world, and their 1.35 million members from every corner of the globe celebrate their 100th Anniversary, there is ample evidence that Lions take those oaths seriously. A local example is the 25-member Washago Lions Club. In an interview with Jim Rice, a 17-year member and current president of the Washago Lions Club, he explained that some of the initiatives they get involved in are causes taken up around the world, and some are strictly in support of a community, local families, causes or events. In any case, the impact is clear. In the early 1960’s, the Lions Club of Washago purchased land on Lake Couchiching at the bottom of Quetton Street. In 1967, the year of Canada’s centennial, they donated that land to the Township of Severn. It is known as Washago Centennial Park and it’s a remarkable community facility.
Many people beyond our community boundaries also benefit from the generosity of the Lions Club, mostly offered to those in need without fanfare. “We are very lucky to be able to see the results of our service. We support four children’s camps: a CNIB camp on Lake Joseph; Camp Huronda in Huntsville, for kids with Type 1 diabetes; a camp for the deaf in Parry Sound; and a dialysis camp in Dorset,” said Jim. “We know our contribution helps these kids.” The Washago Club also helps the Lions Foundation of Canada in providing service dogs free of charge for those who are sightimpaired, have autism, diabetes, or suffer from seizures. Jim said the need is great – and growing. The benefits, Jim says, are immeasurable. Emergency aid is also important to Lions. When a tornado touched down in Beeton, Ontario, the local club raised emergency funds totalling $10,000 in a matter of hours. The same thing happens when there is local flooding and a need for water or other emergency help. Jim said that even after 100 years, with 46,000 clubs around the world, all Lions follow the code of ethics, and continue to embrace the founder’s vision. That founder of Lions International, Melvin Jones, a 38-year-old businessman from Chicago, would be proud.
The Lions Club of Washago in 1951, celebrating their official charter. In 2017, the club’s 25 members, along with 46,000 other Lions Clubs worldwide, celebrate Lions International 100th Anniversary. The Washago Lions hope that the celebration of Lions International 100th anniversary and the description of some of their accomplishments are inspirational. Jim Rice says that their club welcomes new members of any age or background. He can be reached at wjrice@hotmail.com. Donations to the International Lions Club for any specific international initiative can be made at www.lcif.org. Continued on page 10
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