Unfortunately, the hospital building was over 30 years old and desperately due for an upgrade. Cramped spaces, outdated clinical areas, no dedicated family spaces and very few isolation facilities caused the building to struggle to keep up with its growing demand. Lions clubs in District 202-M have always supported the Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital and helped with the fundraising for a similar facility at the old hospital about 30 years ago. When plans for a new children’s hospital with an outdoor rehabilitation and therapeutic facility were announced, Lions did not hesitate to show support and help raise funds. Led by District 202-M Lions, this ambitious initiative drew support from across the region, including from the Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust and Lions from Districts 202-D and 202-E, making up more than 95 clubs, who rallied behind the cause as well. Lions raised US$500,000 in just 12 months. To further their efforts, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) also provided a US$100,000 Matching Grant.

The design of the new Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital included Te Wao Nui’s stunning new Lions-funded Playscape. This outdoor rehabilitation and therapeutic facility has brought joy, movement and healing to the overall hospital environment. Currently, the facility provides a wide range of therapeutic, rehabilitative and developmental benefits to all young patients such as increasing physical activity, assisting with both fine and gross motor skills and cognitive development.

Playscape is both play space and a sunny north-facing outdoor area for families who need an escape from hospital life. It also has an alternative therapeutic space, with various equipment and split levels offering mobility, agility and balance challenges for children who need extra support to reach physiotherapy goals or child development milestones. The hospital’s Child Development Service,  which provides specialized care for children with physical and intellectual disabilities or developmental delays, also uses this space to help children thrive.

LCIF’s Matching Grants provide funding to help establish or expand Lions-initiated humanitarian service projects that address critical and diverse human and social needs around the globe. Learn more about how Matching Grants are changing lives worldwide.

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In 1998, Carter and I visited Mali in sub-Saharan Africa, and it was the first time I witnessed the effects of trachoma. It was heartbreaking to see children experiencing completely preventable blindness, and I knew something had to be done. The following year, I worked with Carter to establish a partnership between Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and The Carter Center to combat river blindness and trachoma in 13 countries in Africa and Latin America.

With Carter’s incredible influence, Pfizer committed to supplying the needed doses of Zithromax to help eradicate preventable and treatable blindness. This pivotal agreement offered vision-saving treatment to hundreds of millions of people. By restoring sight one person at a time, the partnership between LCIF and The Carter Center empowered Mali to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. The World Health Organization’s validation of Mali’s status in 2023 was a victory for sight and a reminder of the incredible strides long-term partnerships can make in humanitarian relief. And this is just one of the many victories we’ve been able to achieve through this partnership.

Carter opened many doors for Lions, and we cannot begin to express our appreciation for him. We are grateful for his enduring humanitarian spirit and steadfast commitment to global service. His life spanned a century, but his legacy of building alliances, championing human dignity and serving with compassion will influence Lions for generations to come.

The post Celebrating the influential life of Jimmy Carter appeared first on Lion Magazine.

In Canada, the Montreal Autism Community Lions Club (MACLC) takes a special interest in promoting inclusion. The specialty club is home to more than 30 Lions, many who are autistic or neurodiverse. Autism advocates Lori-Ann Zemanovich, whose son is autistic, and Ebohon Idonije founded the MACLC in 2021 after identifying an opportunity among neurodiverse folks and caregivers in their community hunkering down during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new club allowed its members to turn their isolation into unity by celebrating what makes each Lion uniquely themselves while raising awareness and encouraging public acceptance.

“Our focus is not simply to bring light, awareness and advocacy for the needs, adversities and challenges of the special needs community, but also to welcome them as contributing members,” said Zemanovich, the club’s president. “Our club celebrates our members’ ability to contribute to society by creating opportunities for them to use their gifts to help others and empowering them to develop their own leadership skills.”

One of the club’s largest annual service projects is a school supply drive that benefits up to 300 underprivileged students in the Montreal area. Lions raise more than CA$6,000 to purchase items for students, pack everything together, then distribute the supplies to local schools.

“Our club celebrates our members’ ability to contribute to society by creating opportunities for them to use their gifts to help others, and empowering them to develop their own leadership skills.”—Club president Lori-Ann Zemanovich

The fundraising doesn’t stop there. Each year, MACLC Lions raise a total of CA$15,000 to support inclusivity and special needs programs, autism and the arts, artistic expression and Lions International areas of service such as childhood cancer, disaster relief, vision and hunger.

“It is in the giving, that we ourselves are enriched,” said Zemanovich. “By serving those in need, we not only enrich the lives of those we serve, but our own lives for having served them.”

Organized service projects aren’t the only way Lions serve their communities. Sometimes, just being part of a club is service in itself, making Lions feel positive about themselves and accepted by their peers. That is what Lion Zachary Hazan-Decruz, who is autistic, has experienced. He joined the MACLC during the summer of 2024 after attending a program hosted by the club. He was even recommended for the club’s Leadership Training Program, which mentors Lions who embody the will and spirit of serving others.

“To be a MACLC Lion means everything to me, from the sense of community and leadership, to being part of such great work,” said Hazan-Decruz. “From the bottom of my heart, it feels like I am part of a growing family that is always by my side. Even when things come up — like everyone has in life — I have the Lions club to rely on.”

Advocates say having a sense of community is especially important for people who are neurodiverse, as social outlets can sometimes be lost in adulthood after graduating from school and lacking the daily interactions with classmates and teachers they had grown accustomed to.

“By having a community to mobilize with and to be in solidarity with, that they know supports them, is the strongest foothold that autistic young adults can have to help them take whatever next steps they need to,” explained Zemanovich. “Whether it be finding housing, jobs or even more adult learning activities for them to take part in.”

MACLC leaders believe it is important for club members to build upon skills they developed as children, so they can continue to maintain their confidence in their journey of adulthood.

“The future is neurodiverse,” said Idonije. “Our community has taught me to be more aware of our differences, to accept, care and to love each other. The point is to promote and to foster positive relationships among each other, the community and the world at large.”

“Our club celebrates our members’ ability to contribute to society by creating opportunities for them to use their gifts to help others, and empowering them to develop their own leadership skills.”—Club president Lori-Ann Zemanovich

In addition to serving others and building meaningful relationships, MACLC Lions and leaders prioritize educating people everywhere to understand how inclusivity and diversity contribute to the enrichment that life has to offer. Rather than focusing on the adversities and limitations of those who are neurodiverse, the club hopes the world can appreciate the community’s unique abilities and contributions to humanity.

Since its founding, the MACLC has helped charter similar neurodiverse specialty clubs throughout Canada and around the world in places like France, Portugal and Nigeria.

The post Embracing Neurodiversity appeared first on Lion Magazine.

“He was the kindest person I’ve ever met,” Mia said. “It never mattered if he knew you or not. It was never a matter of reciprocation. That was just who he was at his core.”

A Guiding Force

Growing up in the small suburb southwest of Chicago, Mia’s earliest memories include joining her grandfather for Palos Lions Club events and helping with service projects. She and her family fondly recall the fun of Candy Day and the fragrance of the spruces and firs at the Christmas tree sales.

Even as a small child, Mia recognized the significance of their activities. She credits these foundational moments with the Lions for instilling a sense of responsibility for her community and beyond. “I’ve always modeled everything after their exemplary service and dedication. It truly became a guiding force,” she said.

Tom was especially passionate about the Lions Recycle For Sight Program, which collects and distributes eyeglasses to individuals in low- and middle-income countries. In his 35 years as a Lion, Mia estimates that her grandfather transported hundreds of thousands of eyeglasses — meticulously cleaning and packaging each pair before driving them to the recycling center. He was well-known and loved by the partners at the many collection sites — somehow always finding time to stop and talk with everyone he encountered.

As young children, Mia and her sister relished riding along on these expeditions. And as Tom’s health declined in later years, the girls (by then newly licensed drivers) were happy to assist behind the wheel. Their mother, Gina Narciso, explained, “We saw this as an opportunity — not just for Mia and Bella to practice good highway driving — but to do a good service and have that one-on-one time in the car with my father.”

For years, Mia and Bella, along with their brothers Chance and Indy, wanted to be Lions like their grandpa. “The kids would always ask me, ‘How can we do what Papa does?’” Gina said. But at the time, she was unaware of opportunities within the organization for teens.

An Enduring Family Legacy

After Tom died in November 2023, the whole family was determined to carry his legacy of service and kindness forward. At the emotional celebration of life ceremony, during which Tom was honored with remarks from numerous Lions, Gina and her three siblings were inducted into the Palos Lions Club.

In that moment, Mia became more resolute than ever to get involved. “Watching my mom and uncles and aunt get inducted as Lions made me want to give back to the community in a way that would make [Papa] proud,” she said. Mia did her research and discovered Leo clubs, which are sponsored by local Lions clubs and open to members as young as age 12.

The honor student quickly set to work founding the Leo Club of Palos, which has rapidly grown to over 30 members and counting (including Mia’s brothers and sisters) across six local schools since it was chartered in August 2024. Mia, who is the club president, shares that local press, social media outreach and spirited weekly meetings held at the library have helped to spread the word.

But above all, Mia attributes the club’s early success to an earnest and sometimes overlooked desire among young people to give back.

“There’s a stigma around youth nowadays that we’re not as involved with the community,” she said. “But I think this shows how much we do want to contribute and, when given the opportunity, we will show up. It’s been so incredible to interact with these kids.”

A Bright Future

Though still in its early days, the Leo Club of Palos has made impressive strides — supporting the activities of their sponsoring Lions club, while establishing their own goals. Mia appreciates the way Leos and Lions collaborate and learn from one another. And that respect goes both ways.

“Mia is a great leader. She is highly motivated and has recruited members that share a spirit of service,” said Herb Schumann, past club president and longtime Palos Lions Club member. “Establishing a community-based Leo club, with the ability to recruit from public and private schools was a very good idea. As the Palos Lions Club celebrates its 75^th anniversary, our future looks bright.”

Mia has lofty ambitions — both for her Leo club and her future. The club’s short-term plans include technology tutoring for older adults, collecting gently used sports equipment for kids, organizing food and clothing drives, and more. In time, Mia hopes to partner with other Leo clubs, near and far, to strengthen their reach and impact.

“Mia has always been the compassionate child who cares deeply about other people,” Gina said. “She’s coming into her own right now and looking at colleges. I think she’s seeing that this path of advocacy is something she really wants. I could not be more proud, and I know my dad is, too.”

Learn more about Leos at lionsclubs.org/leos.

The post Making Papa Proud appeared first on Lion Magazine.

Lion Elena Gryadusha, who started the club, first learned about Lions when her husband was invited to a meeting in the city of Makiyivka in eastern Ukraine. “I learned about the projects Lions were doing all over the world, and I was very interested in establishing some projects in Ukraine,” she said.

At its height, the club had about 25 members. They were an active and thriving club — with a focus on supporting youth — until 2014, when their world came crashing down around them.

When the conflict began, the eastern part of the country, where the club was headquartered, became occupied territory. To distance itself from the danger, the club relocated to Sviatohirsk, a city in the northern part of Donetsk Region, and two years later changed to their current name, Lions Club Svyatogorsk, reflecting their new homebase.

But danger proved to be unavoidable. In 2022, the club’s headquarters in Sviatohirsk — the place for their meetings, future plans and future hopes — was destroyed in an attack. They lost all of their archives and resources, but not their desire to serve those in need. Today, the 12-member club, some of whom have dispersed to other countries, continues to meet via Zoom, another sign of their remarkable perseverance.

“Our club is like a small family,” said Club President Vira Griadushcha. “We maintain a positive spirit and we support each other no matter the distance or political landscape.”

Staying Positive

One of the club’s more recent projects was to work with the community of Sviatohirsk to create a “Fairy Forest,” a public space 20 kilometers from a combat zone with swings and other playground equipment, playhouses, and a small stage for performances.

The club built some of the amenities in the park and also raised money and sponsorships to create this space that provides respite for young and old alike.

“It was a very big project,” said Lion Elena Escot. “It gives parents a place to go with their children. Everything nearby has been destroyed.”

Continuing to thrive as a club is challenging, but the members, some who are children of the founding members, are committed to keeping their work going. The club has maintained traditions as best it can, including celebrating the Chinese New Year and holding an annual meeting in Sviatohirsk at the end of the Lions’ fiscal year to discuss upcoming projects and plans.

“This is our positive spirit and we support each other no matter what the difficulties or what the political landscape is now,” said Lion Olia Haiges.

Promoting Peace

Since 2014, the club has paid special attention to the theme of peace. It participated in a peace marathon that attracted 150 runners, wheelchair athletes and cyclists, as well as peace festivals and multiple exhibitions of posters submitted for the annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest.

One of their entrants, Angelina Harbuzova, earned third place in 2019. Her poster featured a nest holding people of many different ethnicities nestled in a colorful bed of flowers.

In a statement accompanying her entry, Harbuzova wrote, “We are people of different nationalities. The earth is our nest, and we all live on it. And people should be kind and love each other.”

Similar themes will likely be found in a time capsule dedicated to peace that the club buried in 2017. The capsule contains pieces of papers with wishes for peace written by children. The club looks forward to removing the capsule and reading those messages in 2050.

“Our dream is to read what the children wrote when peace is settled,” Haiges said. “This is our biggest and most important goal — to spread peace in the world.”

The post Serving Against All Odds appeared first on Lion Magazine.

Keller was a maverick in her own right. At just 18 months old, an unknown illness rendered her deaf and blind. Such impairments were especially difficult at a time when there was limited care and treatment for vision and hearing loss.

Still, she persisted.

At age seven, Keller met her lifelong companion Anne Sullivan, the “miracle worker” who would teach her to spell — and understand — words in sign language. With the help of Sullivan and other teachers along the way, Keller mastered the alphabet (both handwritten and in braille for blind readers), learned to read and write, and eventually speak. She went on to become the first deafblind graduate of Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Keller’s hardships motivated her to become a champion for the underrepresented. She was an activist for many causes, but she was best known for her work with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). And it was there that she made her biggest impact, advocating for the needs of those with vision loss. But she knew she couldn’t do it alone. So she turned an invitation to speak at the annual convention of an up-and-coming service club organization into an opportunity.

Standing before a room filled with energetic Lions, Keller made her appeal.

“Try to imagine how you would feel if you lost your sight tomorrow. Picture yourself stumbling and groping at noonday as in the night, your work, your independence gone! In that dark hour, wouldn’t your heart cry out for a friend to teach you how to live in the dark?

“I appeal to you, Lions — you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind — will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in my crusade against darkness?”

Moved by Keller’s words, the Lions were ready and willing to take on the challenge. And over the past 100 years, they have persisted.

Vision continues to be a leading cause that Lions around the world serve, working to improve the lives of the visually impaired and prevent avoidable blindness. But Keller’s inspiration has transcended beyond vision. Lions have taken on numerous other challenges facing our world, supporting eight official global causes and serving communities in countless other ways.

Perhaps most importantly, Lions serve the world with the same passion and boldness that Keller exuded on that stage in Ohio a century ago. Her fighting spirit will continue to be a guiding force well into the future.

Watch a reenactment of Helen Keller’s full address to Lions and hear the words that kick-started our work to serve the blind and visually impaired at lionsclubs.org/helen-keller.

The post 100 Years of Unstoppable Spirit appeared first on Lion Magazine.

And that’s exactly the experience Lions in Malaysia set out to offer in several communities — with a special Lion twist: life-enhancing service projects as the main attraction.

Lions in District 308 B3 in Malaysia created an innovative and exciting way to offer their services in communities without Lions clubs by hosting Lions Service Carnivals. These events have proven to be a great way for communities to benefit from Lions’ service and learn what being a Lion is all about.

A festival of fun and service

The Kuala Lumpur event held in September 2024 was open to everyone and included booths featuring service projects tied to Lions International’s eight global causes — childhood cancer, diabetes, disaster relief, environment, humanitarian, hunger, vision and youth.

Carnival-goers were offered an array of services. Haircuts were provided to kids at the childhood cancer kiosk, and attendees could get diabetes and blood pressure screenings at the diabetes awareness booth. There were fire prevention and CPR demonstrations at the disaster-relief station, a recycling campaign at the environment exhibit and hot food was served at the hunger booth. Vision screenings were available to all and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament was held for young people.

The carnival in Kuala Lumpur also offered peace-themed coloring contests, book exchanges for students, aerobic exercise and yoga classes, and a wheel of fortune with prizes. Other highlights included free games and food, a blood drive, an organ pledge station and complimentary legal advice. All of the service activities held at the carnival were selected based on the needs of the community where the event was held.

“This is our first time coming to the carnival,” said Soniyaa A/P Rajendra. “I came with my husband and five children. We wanted to get some medical checkups, and I brought my kids for the coloring contest. We’re all having a good time, and it’s nice to be together here as a family. Lions clubs offer a lot of benefits, and I plan to either become a volunteer for Lions or join a club in the near future.”

Opportunities for Club Growth

The carnivals are an excellent way to recruit new members, start new clubs, rejuvenate existing ones and raise awareness of Lions. To date, Malaysian Lions have held seven carnivals within their district, and all have been resounding successes. Collectively, the events have provided much-needed services to more than 2,000 people, brought in 60 new and charter members, and resulted in one new club and two club branches.

“Based on my experience helping out at the carnivals,” said Lion Serene Lim of the JB Premier Lions Club in Johor Bahru, “people really want to know more about Lions, so we need to reach out. We must open our arms and welcome everyone, which is why our carnivals are such important events. They’re 100% interaction between Lions and our communities, and we’re showing them what Lions do and how we serve those in need.”

Lion Sia Sheue Wah volunteered at the event in Kuala Lumpur.

“It was at another carnival that I got to know about Lions,” she said. “I saw that the event really brought many meaningful services to the community, so I joined a Lions club. Everyone has a job and a family, but when all of us contribute a little bit, we can make our event successful. Earlier this year, I chartered a club with 22 members and introduced my five children to Lions, too.”

Want to bring a service carnival to your community? Watch this video to get tips on hosting your own successful event!

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       • 95% feel they are making a difference.

       • 92% enjoy opportunities for fellowship and fun.

       • 91% have a sense of belonging.

       • 86% realize personal growth and development.

       • 80% feel their self-esteem and self-worth are enhanced.

While the data is pretty incredible, we didn’t stop there. We also talked with numerous members to better understand the joy of being a Lion. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Terrence “Tebo” Richards

Thistletown Lions Club
Toronto, Canada

Why He Joined:
Tebo witnessed the power of Lions at work — people of all walks of life changing the community one service project at a time — and wanted to be part of it.

What He Found:
Tebo discovered that helping others has the power to lift his own spirits. “If I’m feeling a bit down or depressed and I go out and do something to put smiles on people’s faces, it gives me a warm feeling in my heart knowing I’m making a difference as a Lion.”

Heidi Haiying

Melbourne Chinese Lions Club
Melbourne, Australia

Why She Joined:
Heidi started as a Leo while a university student living in Sydney. Ten years ago, she moved to Melbourne where she didn’t know many people. Having experienced the power of fellowship as a Leo, she knew exactly where she could make some new friends. So she joined the Melbourne Chinese Lions Club.

What She Found:
Heidi found an extended family in her club. “We spend a lot of time with each other. We learn a lot. We go through a lot together. And we have fun along the way. We attend different gatherings, have dinner and take short trips.” Most importantly, she discovered a close-knit group of people working together to make the world a better place. “Being a Lion has given me so many wonderful experiences and a great family.”

Paulo Caceres

Paiján Lions Club
Paiján, Peru

Why He Joined:
Paulo’s service journey began as a Leo years ago when his university professor encouraged him to join a club.

What He Found:
As a Leo, Paulo found it necessary to talk with authorities and others in his small town to get things done. This was a major feat for the once shy boy who was afraid to speak in public.

“I found my voice. I discovered I have something to say to people. And I fell in love with the organization.” Today, Paulo continues to use his voice as a member of the Paiján Lions Club and as a university professor, inspiring future generations to find their way in the world.

Raymond Loh

Werribee Lions Club
Werribee, Australia

Why He Joined:
As a young entrepreneur, Raymond had little exposure to the struggles faced by others in his community. That changed when his sponsor invited him to a Lions service project. Seeing families living in difficult conditions moved him deeply. From that moment, Raymond knew he wanted to be a Lion.

What He Found:
Raymond recalls making many mistakes as a young Lion but is grateful to the senior leaders who guided him along the way. And over the course of his 35-year Lions journey, he has learned how to be a great leader himself. “Great leadership gives us the confidence and courage to move past mistakes and grow.”

Today, Raymond invites others to join Lions so they too can experience the benefits of membership and ensure the organization he holds dear continues to grow well into the future.

Katie Townsend

Christchurch Lions Club
Christchurch, New Zealand

Why She Joined:
Katie, who is autistic and passionate about raising awareness of neurodiversity, joined to support causes close to her heart in a welcoming environment. She loves being a Lion because anyone — regardless of background or skill set — can be a member.

What She Found:
Katie discovered a supportive club that embraced her talents and helped her thrive. She describes her club as “one big happy family,” where people from all walks of life come together.

“My club has been really supportive and welcomed me with open arms,” she said. “When I started, I was quite shy. But now I won’t stop talking.”

Watch this video to hear why these and other inspiring members love being Lions and how service has made a difference in their lives.

The post Lions Are Spreading Joy and Feeling It, Too appeared first on Lion Magazine.