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What do Lions Do?
This is probably the most often asked question about Lions. (And often the most difficult to answer because of our wide ranging activities and purpose.)
The Lions are a group of volunteer citizens united in many common causes. We are the world's largest service organization (over 1.4 million members worldwide, with more than 41,000 local clubs and an international headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois). Lions are apolitical, non-sectarian and do not base membership on race, color, or creed.
Lions are men and women who volunteer their time and talents to humanitarian causes in their local and world communities. By conducting service projects and raising funds, Lions strive to help those in need, wherever need exists. The Lions' "WE SERVE" is not only a motto, but a definition and a philosophy.
YOUTH - Lions make a strong service commitment to young people thorough several international programs. Each year, millions of students develop the skills and self esteem they need to live productive, drug-free lives through the Lions Youth Outreach. Lions sponsored Leo Clubs perform various community service activities and support a special Literacy and Culture Project. Through the Lions International Youth Exchange Program, students travel to and from foreign countries where they live with host families and experience cultures different from their own.
L.C.I.F. (Lions Club International Foundation) - LCIF is the charitable branch of Lions Clubs International. The foundation disburses funds in the form of grants for humanitarian services, disaster relief and vocational assistance. LCIF also helps oversee the funding and progress of projects established through the Lions Primary Program, Sight First.
EYE, SIGHT & HEARING- For more than sixty years, Lions have been recognized throughout the world for their services to the blind and visually impaired. A majority of the world's eye banks are established and supported by Lions, as are hundreds of clinics, hospitals and eye research centers. Lions provide thousands each year with free quality eye examinations, eyeglasses and eye care. We also collect and recycle eyeglasses and support research for diabetes and diabetic eye disease (which includes diabetes awareness and education at the local level).
Here in Oregon we operate the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) whose purpose is to develop and use resources to enhance vision, hearing and individual growth. We help Oregonians whether they are affiliated with Lionism or not. OLSHF pays for eye and ear surgery for people who "fall through the cracks" of government and medical insurance. Our highest priority is emergencies and children; single parent breadwinners are next, and others are assisted depending on the availability of funds.
OLSHF receives requests for grants for sight and hearing projects. We also believe that part of our commitment to ridding the world of blindness and deafness is to support research that will find the causes and cures for the diseases.
The Oregon Lions Mobile Screening Unit (MSU) is the latest way for Lions to serve Oregonians. The MSU is now traveling the roads of Oregon, stopping in towns where there is a Lions Club and providing free screening for sight, hearing, diabetes and high blood pressure. The MSU has been in operation since August 1994 and has developed some impressive statistics since then.
The Lions of Oregon helped found Oregon's statewide Eye Bank in 1975. Since operation of the Eye Bank is a medical function, we are not involved in the day-to-day operation but have pledged financial support, our Lion Volunteers to serve as eye couriers and our network of Lions Clubs to encourage the donation of eyes.
Membership in the Lions Clubs is by invitation. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact any of the Officers shown at the end of the page. Through membership, Lions not only help people in need, but have opportunities to develop friendships and gain valuable leadership skills. Through membership comes FELLOWSHIP which is at the very heart of Lionism. It exists not only at the club meeting, but particularly when Lions are working together to help those in need in their communities. The friendship made in Lionism last a lifetime because they are based on a common commitment to service.
The Madras Lions meet four times a month to socialize and plan fundraising events and local projects/activities.
The meetings are each Wednesday at the Black Bear Diner in Madras, from 12 noon to 1pm.
If you or your family have a need of our services or you would like additional information on what Lions do and how you may become a member, contact us at any of the numbers below. We don't have secret handshakes or stand on esoteric ceremonies. We have fun and fellowship, but most importantly, we serve our community.
You can too!
Contacts:
Elaine - 475-2306
Kent - 475-5656
Benny - 475-3687
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