Lions are…

LIONS ARE individuals that make up the world’s largest and most active service club organisation.

LIONS ARE people who have decided to give something back to their communities, who are dedicated to seeking out people in need, and who meet those needs in an efficient, dignified and caring way.

LIONS ARE men and woman who believe that, by working together with other people and uniting in the bonds of friendship, they will be able to accomplish far more for their communities than would be possible alone.

LIONS ARE dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical and moral standards in their Club—and in their personal and professional lives.

LIONS ARE people who cherish the friendship of their own Club, and who also feel a close kinship with Lions of other nations in 180 countries and geographical locations throughout the free world.

LIONS ARE aware that the friendships made through Lionism last a lifetime because they are based on a common commitment to service.

LIONS ARE very serious about their commitment to humanitarian service, and certainly don’t mind having a lot of fun and excitement along the way.

LIONS ARE …or perhaps could be…someone just like you!

...yes, but what’s in it for me?

Benefits...

There are so many benefits. For some it is simply to have a sense of belonging—or to be part of the team. For many there is the desire for altruism—the need to give to others. Opportunities abound where you can associate with new found friends and where the emphasis is pure fun. You will receive thanks from those you serve and from your fellow Club members too because you will have touched so many lives in need.

The origins of the International Association of Lions Clubs began in the United States of America in 1917 when a group of independent clubs responded to an ideal presented to them by a young Chicago insurance agent, Melvin Jones.

The Ideal...

The ideal was one of service as a group to others without regard to politics, religion, race or in any way the personal interests of the members. This was heralded as a departure from the trend, current at that time, of forming clubs basically with a commercial motive. A conference was convened with some twenty five independent clubs in attendance on June 7th 1917 and from this meeting, the Lions organisation was born.

The concept of Lions Clubs spread throughout the world and the first Lions Club formed in South Africa was in Cape Town in 1957. We are now approaching more than 50 years of our service to the communities of Southern Africa. Today there are some 1.425 million members in approximately 43,370 Lions Clubs in 180 different countries and geographical locations throughout the world. A tribute indeed to the testimony of one man’s dream and the global need for service minded people to aid the one motto—   We Serve.