Vancouver East Lions Club: A Legacy of Service and Community Impact
Chartered in 1943, the Vancouver East Lions Club has grown into one of the most respected organizations in Lionism, often referred to as "The Biggest Little Club in Lionism." Despite never exceeding 50 members, the club’s small size has never hindered its vast contributions to the community.
In its first five years alone, the club raised and invested $141,114 into local projects. One of the most notable achievements from this period was the construction of a community center at the corner of Adanac and Commercial Drive, built at a cost of $60,000. This building served as the club's base for over seventy years.
Early Contributions
The Vancouver East Lions Club made a number of significant donations during its early years, including:
- $17,750 to the Queen Alexandra Solarium
- $101,200 to Children's Hospital
- $2,000 to Preventorium
- $2,000 to St. Christopher's School
- $2,500 to Cerebral Palsy
Easter Seal House: A Landmark Legacy
In 1947, the club established the Easter Seal House to meet an urgent community need: providing families with a place to stay while awaiting hospital care. This initiative, born out of compassion, continues to serve as a vital resource to this day.
Senior Housing Projects
The club's efforts in providing housing for low-income seniors began in 1955, when, alongside other Vancouver Lions clubs, it raised $175,000 during Carnation Tag Days for Senior Citizens Housing. By 1956, the first senior citizens’ home, Lions Manor, was completed at a cost of $163,000. This 24-suite building began offering comfortable homes to seniors in need.
The club’s commitment to senior housing continued in 1965 with the completion of a 42-suite building, Gillard Manor, named in memory of Lion Charlie Gillard. This building was brought under the club's care in 1968, marking the 25th anniversary of the Vancouver East Lions Club.
Adanac Towers and Other Achievements
In the 1970s, Vancouver saw a surge in immigration, which led to increased demand for affordable housing. Responding to this need, the Vancouver East Lions Club completed the $3.8 million Adanac Towers project in 1978. This 12-year endeavor was one of the club’s largest and most labor-intensive projects, providing more affordable housing options for low-income seniors.
In addition to housing, the club operated various community programs, such as Adult Day Care and the "Wheels to Meals" program, in coordination with Britannia. For over 25 years, volunteers also operated a bus service to transport seniors to and from club events.
Fundraising and Community Support
For over 40 years, the Vancouver East Lions Club raised significant funds for community projects. These funds came from activities such as meat draws, bingo events, casino nights, car washes, raffles, and the Ambassador program at Burnaby Bingo. Collectively, these efforts raised more than $500,000, all of which was reinvested into the community.
The club has also supported many sporting events and teams, including boxing tournaments like the Golden Gloves, minor league hockey, and Little League baseball.
Annual Events and Ongoing Contributions
The Vancouver East Lions Club maintains several traditions that bring joy to the community:
- Christmas Luncheon Party: An annual gathering for the seniors residing in the club’s three buildings, held on the second Sunday of December at the Lions Den.
- Summer Barbecue: A casual summer event for the same group of seniors, typically scheduled in July or August.
- Remembrance Day Ceremony: Every November 11th, members gather at the Grandview Park Cenotaph to honor the fallen soldiers who fought for freedom during the world wars and other conflicts.
The club also continues to provide significant financial support to a variety of causes, including:
- Lions Club International Foundation
- Vancouver Children’s Hospital
- Salvation Army and Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement
- Vancouver General Hospital
- Union Gospel Mission (Christmas turkeys)
- Scholarships for local students at Britannia and Templeton High Schools
- Prostate Cancer Society Canada
The Vancouver East Lions Club is also proud to offer its headquarters—the Lions Den—as a popular meeting space for district and zone events, as well as other community groups.
