A perspective on the Lions Centennial

From Lion Elvio Munzone

Centennial Coordinator

Lions District N5

Fellow Lions, Lioness and Leos

Our Centennial Service Challenge goal of serving 100 million people by 2018

I fear that few people when asked to give a definition of greatness would speak of service to others.  Our Clubs have excelled in service to others. We are not just another volunteer group in our community, but we are at the centre of community life, caring about and looking after one another.

Our service shines a powerful light of hope that has often created positive change in people’s lives. Yet what’s interesting about our clubs is that we are really not much different than any other Lions club.

Most clubs have a core group of members with extra motivation, passion and leadership that lifts up the other members.

We all work together as a Club, dedicated to our mission of service in helping people in need. But one thing is clear: that our members have taken “that Lions’ Spirit” to new levels of service.  Our Lions family is a true “light of hope” and we know that, as Helen Steiner Rice Wrote:

“Time is not measured by the years that we live, but by the deeds that we do and the joys that we give.”

How do we maintain our enthusiasm if we find ourselves in a down cycle?  What helps maintain your enthusiasm in Lions is a little different for each person for each Club?  I would like to offer some suggestions.

• Visit another club.  Other clubs can give us ideas about how to improve our own clubs; they may also highlight the good things about our club.
• Go to a Zone, or District meeting.  Get to know other Lions, enjoy the “family reunion” and find out what is going on outside your own Lions world. Each club has a uniquepersonality and different ways of contributing to Lions and the community.

There’s never been a better time to “Serve” than now! For nearly 100 years Lions have served their communities, and to celebrate our Centennial Service Challenge goal of serving 100 million people by 2018 we are asking all Lions Lioness and Leos to assist.

Many of our Clubs have already committed to participate in the “Centennial Challenge” four core projects: Engaging Our Youth, Sharing the Vision, Relieving the Hunger, Protecting Our Environment. Please maintain your enthusiasm, keep up the good work and commit to our Centennial Goal.