History of the Lions Club

The Lions Club International is one of the largest clubs in all of the world that is devoted to making the world a better place. The history of the non profit organization is long and rich, however, through every year that the club had been organized, they have maintained that their main goal is to help the communities that they are a part of, as well as helping to global community at large. With the idea of helping others, the club is one that is very popular with those that want to make a difference in the world. It all began in 1917, when a Chicago businessman by the name of Melvin Jones, wondered how people could put together their wants and needs to help the community, and the idea of the Lions Club was born. From 1917 to 1920 the club was basically centered in the United States, however, that all changed when they opened up their first chapter in Canada in 1920, taking the club International. They followed up in 1927 with a chapter in Mexico, thus searing their image of an International club in the world.

The club has been involved with many cases and situations in which they have devoted themselves to helping the world. One of the most notable cases came in 1925 when Helen Keller talked to the club and challenged them to help those who are blind. From that point on, and still today, the club is known to be involved in helping those that are blind throughout the world, through raising awareness and other aspects related to getting these people the help that they need.

In 1945, the club became involved with the United Nations, and were even a part of making the charter for the United Nations. And this is one of those programs that they have continued to be a part of for the greater good of the world. They are the first non-government organization that was asked to help with the program, and it is an honor that they continue with today.

The year of 1957 was when they started to organize many of the youth programs that are still in work today. It was called the Leo program in which youths were encouraged to join and expand their world through volunteer work. It is still one of those programs that many youths try to get into today. In 1968, they established their Foundation work that is meant to help the entire world through humanitarian works that work on both the global and community level.

In 1990, building upon their dedication to the Helen Keller, they established the SightFirst program, which is meant to help prevent blindness in people all around the world. They are promoting the eye exams of people to catch these problems and possibly prevent the person from developing blindness later in life.

The Lions Club International is involved in many aspects of life, whether it be sight, health, youth programs and helping with the elderly. They are one way in which people can really make a difference in not only others people's lives, but making their life and contributions to the world to mean more. For more information visit WestCharlestonLions.com.