A STORY OF SERVICE

DOWN MEMORY LANE

The International Association of Lions Clubs was founded in 1917 by Melvin Jones. The Association will include one million members from all over the world - 1969 being the MILLIONaire year. It is non-political and non-sectarian. Its purpose is the good fellowship and cooperation among its members and the direction of their organized efforts toward useful service. Its objectives include improvements, citizenship, patriotism, education, sight conservation, and aid to the blind. The motto is "Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nations Safety" - the initial letters forming the word LIONS.

Since its inception, the Lions International has grown rapidly. Its clubs span the globe - over 149 countries. Its community service is valued everywhere. Orangeville is no exception. Fifty years ago a group of enterprising and civic-minded citizens became the first Charter Members and this founded the first Lions Club in Orangeville on April 29, 1949.

*The above was edited from the 25th anniversary booklet.

During the second half of the fifty years of Lionism in Orangeville, many projects grew, while others changed or were replaced.

The Light Bulb Blitz found all Lions meeting at the Orangeville Transport garage before canvassing the town. All proceeds were donated to the library for children's books.

The old Food Booth has been replaced with a "State of the Art" new one. The potential has increased and so has its use. Functions such as: Orangeville and Founders Fairs, Motocross racing events, as well as others requested by the community, have made this project very profitable.

The Village Fair saw all members meet at the old swimming pool storage prior to set up at Alexander Park. With the weather being unpredictable in June, the event was moved to the Sports Complex. Unfortunately, it lost some of its "fair" appeal and was later replaced by the Fish Fry. This only lasted a few years as it had run its gammit.

Today, as its replacement, we have a very successful Home and Garden Show at the Agricultural Fair Grounds. This three day event attracts more business than the Lions can accommodate.

TV Bingo was a project initiated to provide entertainment for Orangeville's senior citizens. Since the viewing area has expanded immensely, the whole Lions Club is involved as teams on a monthly basis. This has turned out to be a lucrative project with all Lions involved.

Youth Exchange has been a large project with money and time commitment by many Lions and their families. For several years, Orangeville Lions provided leadership in coordinating incoming and outgoing youth. Many young people from around the world resided in Orangeville for five weeks during the summer. Also many Lions assisted with the camp in St. Mary's, Ontario. LIONS QUEST in the elementary schools has been added.

In 1980, Lobsterfest, the largest fundraiser, was initiated to increase our budget by fifty percent. Now the whole community looks forward to this summer feast and dance. The Lions have this monstrous one day event honed like a well-tuned violin. All Lions wives and families make this day a total success.

Murray's Mountain, after many metres of soil and hours of stone picking, has provided a winter wonderland for all ages. Families spend numerous hours tobogganing down this slope during the cold winter days.

One of the Lions projects that changed over the last fifty years has been the old swimming pool. As the new complex developed, the old pool saw minimal use. Thus, the Lions filled it in and made a tennis court in its place. The "change area" is now a kennel club for dog lovers. Thus, nothing remains constant with the Lions Club or Orangeville.

The community supported the above projects knowing all the proceeds would be returned to the community via service club work.

Along with the above projects, the Lions found time to have fun. The past District Governors namely: Morley McLean, Ron Finlay, Wally Pugh and Wayne White, provided not only honour to Orangeville Lions but also a time for cohesiveness and fun. Attendance, enthusiasm, visitations and socials were all enhanced at the A-9 Conventions.

In order to keep Lionism growing, Orangeville did its part. The following Lions Clubs were either sponsored solely or in part: Grand Valley, Caledon, Shelburne, Stayner, Rosemont, Mono Mills, and most recently Amaranth. Along with these clubs, a Leo Club was sponsored to encourage the youth of today in becoming community minded.

The above projects and formalities would not have been possible without the help of the "Lions Ladies". Their support at major fund raising events, such as Lobsterfest, is much appreciated by all. So to say thank you, Lions and Ladies have enjoyed such events as car rallies, theatre and casino nights, dances such as Harvest Moon Ball, Valentines, St. Patrick's as well as the renowned Christmas party, with its local entertainment. Thanks Ladies for 50 years of support!

Where would the Orangeville community be without 50 years of Lionism?

• Would the Headwaters Health Care Centre have its amenities, if the Lions hadn't spearheaded and donated $175,000.00 to much needed equipment, as well as bricks and mortar?
• Would our lives be as safe, through the Orangeville Fire Department, if the Lions hadn't provided the Jaws of Life?
• Would the youth of today be as well informed and able to make decisions, as self-esteem is enhanced by the donation of $50,000.00 to Lions Quest?
• Would Orangeville minor sports programs namely - soccer, hockey, baseball, lacrosse and swimming be of the same quality, if the Lions hadn't provided annual funding?
• Who would have thought the Orangeville Sports Complex consisting of two arenas and a swimming pool would have grown to its magnitude, without the Lions spearheading the initial donation of $100,000.00?

Over 50 years, the Lions have touched needy families in the area. No deserving person has been refused. We hope we are never in a position to receive, but always in one to give.

Orangeville Lions are pleased to continue to make financial contributions to Brownies, Scouts, Foot Care Clinic, Milk Fund, St. John's Ambulance, and DACL as well as to sports and recreation.

With our symbol of a LION looking to the past as well as the future, we look back and are proud to have served the Orangeville Community for the past 50 years, but also look forward to upholding our motto "WE SERVE" into the future.

MAY THE NEXT 50 YEARS BE AS SUCCESSFUL AS THE LAST!

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