Lions Clubs International is the world’s oldest service organization with over 44,500 clubs and 1.3 million members in 206 countries worldwide.
Melvin Jones, a Chicago executive, found the organization on June 7, 1917. Jones asked, with regard to his colleagues, "What if these men who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?" Jones' personal code, "You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else," reminds many Lions of the importance of community service.
The Lions motto is “We Serve.” Lions volunteer to fight blindness, but we also volunteer for many different kinds of community projects including hearing and speech conservation, diabetes awareness, youth outreach, international relations, caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.
The Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club has proudly served the Richmond west community since 1972. Club members volunteer for community services activities and fundraisers to assist the needy. The club provides support for such activities as:
- No cost eye examinations and eyeglasses
- Canine Companions
- Virginia Voice
- Blind Bowling League
- Lion Cochlear Implant Program
- International Youth Exchange Program
- Bland Memorial Music Contests
- Virginia Victory Games
- ElderHomes Wheelchair Ramp Projects
- Scholarships
- and other community and individual causes
Lions are an international network of 1.3 million men and women in 205 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world.
