History from 1993 - 2008

In 1993 a group of Lions from other Clubs along with other concerned citizens met in the basement of one of our member’s house as an information meeting and decided to form a Lions Club. At that meeting a mini executive was elected to guide the formation of the Club. 

Our charter President was Bill Bannan, charter Secretary Jim Stewart and charter Treasurer Lorne MacLean. We were granted a charter from Lions International in November 1993 with 21 members. We were very proud to have Stamford Lions as our Sponsor Club. Our charter night was held at Stamford Lions Hall. 

We first met in Jack’s restaurant on Bunting Road and then moved around until a home was found at the Imperial Veterans Club. In our early years we held small fundraisers to get our feet wet and over the years we progressed to having larger fundraisers such as Bingo and a Food Booth at Merritton Lions Carnival. The time came when we were getting some enquires about accepting ladies into the club and the membership agreed to become a Co-ed Club which was one of the best moves that the club made, the Lady Lions have brought a different way of doing things. 

Over the years the club has had a big representation at the District level such as Cabinet Secretary, Cabinet Treasurer, Zone Chairman (3), Region Chairman (2), Committee Chairman (6) also we have 2 Past District Governors (from previous clubs). 

The Garden City of Lions

We have sown the seeds,
In the garden of lionism,
Waiting for the lions to sprout,
As we water them with humanitarian tears,
Feed them with spiritual fertilizer,
And warm them with the heart's sun.
They will sprout into a garden city
Ready to serve their community.

-- Lion Scott D. Young
Smithville and District Lions Club

This poem was presented on January 14th, 1994 at the Garden City Lions
Club of St. Catharines Charter Night

Why I enjoy being a Lion

We were chartered in November, 1993 as The Garden City Lions Club. Many of our founding members had served a number of years in other Lions Clubs so that we already knew the value of active membership, and carried with us the spirit of Lionism.

Being a Lion, gives me a vehicle to offer service and contribute in a meaningful way to the community in which my family and I live.

There are many highly beneficial personal "spill overs" that have brought friendship into my life, allowed and sometimes, forced me to grow in ways that I might not otherwise have done. I have discovered talents that I did not know I possessed and have received recognition from others of skills and abilities that were a part of me that I really just took for granted. In a nutshell, it has increased my confidence as well as, added immeasurably to my self esteem. Honest realistic pride has grown within myself as a result of being part of something that is greater than each one of us individually.

Smiles and laughs are more frequent than the occasional sigh when we meet, share and work toward building our communities by helping to take care of those who truly need assistance.

Strong business connections are often made when individuals, who might not otherwise cross our paths, do so, as the result of coming together as Lions club members.

In the past, lions clubs have been the sole preserve of males. Today, Lions clubs are welcoming both men and women, people who are ready to commit to community service and enrichment. By empowering others within their communities, Lions also, gift themselves in ways that are immeasurable. 

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.