m.d. “a” edition september/october 2015 check your instruction manual if unsure. many cameras...

M.D. “A” Edition September/October 2015 www.lionsclubs.org

2015-2016

L IONWe ServeWe ServeWe Serve

151440 Lion MagSepOct.qxp_150142 Lion MagMarApr 2015-09-23 3:12 PM

Senior Editor: John DanielsPublisher: Herb Thompson

Production Co-ordinator: Sharon LaackmanEditor/Graphic Design: Barbara MacDonald

LIONS PLEASE CHECK YOUR CAMERA SETTINGS! When taking photos for The Lion please ensure yourcamera’s resolution is set as high as possible. Check your instruction manual if unsure. Many camerasdefault to a low resolution Web setting which is insufficient for printing! Thank You!

To: All Lions Club Presidents

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The LION September/October 2015

POSTMASTERSIf unclaimed, email us at:

GOVERNORS’ COUNCIL 2015-2016Council Chair John Johnston (Dianne Piggott) 128 Robin Ridge Drive Belmont, Ontario N0L 1B0 519-558-0068 mailto: [email protected] Mike Tuxford (Barb) 206 George Street, P.O. Box 822 Lucan, ON N0M 2J0 519-227-2252 mailto: [email protected] Stewart Patterson (Nancy) 2019 Main Street, South Jarvis, ON N0A 1J0 519-587-2772 mailto: [email protected] Janet Marissen (Harry) 10 Carla Court, P.O. Box 645 Wellington, ON K0K 3L0 613-961-0990 mailto: [email protected] Kristina Schulz (Michael) 5329 Driscoll Drive Manotick, ON K4M 1E3 613-692-8266 mailto: [email protected] Gerry Bertrand (Catherine Walton) 363 Marion Street Sudbury, ON P3E 3H3 705-674-4251 mailto: [email protected] Harold Hobson (Pat) 13395 Heritage Road Caledon, ON L7C 1V1 905-702-9216(h); 416-706-7000(c) mailto: [email protected] Joanne Klonikowski (Andy) 273 Boulton Street, P.O. Box 526 Palmerston, ON N0G 2P0 519-343-2553 mailto: [email protected] Richard Ratensperger (Mary) 59 Christopher Avenue Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1S4 705-812-2906(h); 705-429-8731(c) mailto: [email protected] Diane Smith (Paul Shutsa) 1079 Floradale Road Elmira, ON N3B 2Z3 519-669-1465(h); 519-574-0485(c) mailto: [email protected] Susan Tate (Barry) 12 King Street, P.O. Box 543 Fenelon Falls, ON K0M 1N0 705-887-5220 mailto: [email protected] John Stewart PDGTreasurer Dave Hewitt PDG

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

President Dr. Jitsuhiro Yamada, Minokamo-shi, Gifu-ken,Japan;Immediate Past President Joseph Preston, Dewey, Arizona,United States; First Vice President Robert E. Corlew, Milton, Tennessee,United States;Second Vice President Naresh Aggarwal, Delhi, India

Contact the officers at Lions Clubs International, 300 W. 22ndSt., Oak Brook, Illinois, 60523-8842, USA.Second Year Directors

Svein Ǿystein Berntsen, Hetlevik, Norway; Jorge AndrésBortolozzi, Coronda, Argentina; Eric R. Carter, Aukland, NewZealand; Charlie Chan, Singapore, Singapore; Jack Epperson,Nevada, United States; Edward Farrington, New Hampshire,United States; Karla N. Harris, Wisconsin, United States; RobertS. Littlefield, Minnesota, United States; Ratnaswamy Murugan,Kerala, India; Yoshinori Nishikawa, Himeji, Hyogo, Japan;George Th. Papas, Limassol, Cyprus; Jouko Ruissalo, Helsinki,Finland; N. S. Sankar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; A. D. DonShove, Washington, United States; Kembra L. Smith, Georgia,United States; Dr. Joong-Ho Son, Daejoon, Republic of Korea;Linda L. Tincher, Indiana, United States.First Year Directors

Melvin K. Bray, New Jersey, United States; Pierre H. Chatel,Montpellier, France; Eun-Seouk Chung, Gyeonggi-do, Korea;Gurcharan Singh Hora, Siliguri, India; Howard Hudson, California,United States; Sanjay Khetan, Birganj, Nepal; Robert M. Libin,New York, United States; Richard Liebno, Maryland, UnitedStates; Helmut Marhauer, Hildesheim, Germany; Bill Phillipi,Kansas, United States; Lewis Quinn, Alaska, United States;Yoshiyuki Sato, Oita, Japan; Gabriele Sabatosanti Scarpelli,Genova, Italy; Jerome Thompson, Alabama, United States; RamiroVela Villarreal, Nuevo León, Mexico; Roderick “Rod” Wright,New Brunswick, Canada; Katsuyuki Yasui, Hokkaido, Japan.

Contents M.D. “A” Edition September/October 2015

We ServeWelcome to the September/October Edition of The Lion. To submit stories, photos, comments or suggestions, please

contact your District Reporter (Pg 26) and please remember to check your camera settings to ensure

highest resolution pictures.

Agreement Number is:41805020*

[email protected]

We Serve

President’s Message...........................................4Message from the MDA Council Chair .................4Executive Summary International Board of

Directors Meeting ..........................................5Highlights of the September, 2015

Governors’ Council Meeting ...........................7Lions At Home Amid Honolulu’s Aloha Spirit .........8Lions in Honolulu ...............................................9Honolulu Hullabaloo .........................................9Everybody Loved This Parade............................10Here Comes Everybody....................................11Lions on Location ........................................12-14Kentucky Children Gain Better Vision .................15Lions in Nigeria Aid Cancer Patients ..................15Left Behind......................................................16Peace Essay Award Recipient............................19By The Numbers ..............................................20Multiple District A Convention

Application Form ....................................21,22What’s new at Lions Quest Canada? .................24MDA Directory Information ...............................24Important Dates ...............................................24Resource Centre Website ..................................26District Reporters..............................................26Moving Soon?.................................................26

Bancroft Lions Club ..........................................18,19Bayfield Lions Club ...............................................25Brighton Leos Club ................................................26Club Lions de Knowlton .........................................23Dundas Lions Club ................................................23Fergus Lions Club .................................................25Gananoque Lions Club...........................................18Grimsby and District Lions Club...............................25Keene Lions Club...................................................19Kincardine and District Lions Club............................20Lakefield and District Lions Club ..............................23Magnetawan Lions Club .....................................7,19Minnow Lake Lions Club.........................................18Morrisburg & District Lions Club ..............................20Paris Lions Club.....................................................25St. Marys Lions Club ..............................................23Thamesford Lions Club ...........................................25Toronto Cathay Lions Club ................................20,23Trenton Lioness Club .............................................26Trenton Lions Club .................................................25

Management Committee Lion MagazineLion John Stewart PDGLion Dave Hewitt PDG

On the cover: Multiple District 'A'Governors’ Council

For moreinformation

including contactssee the right side

of this page.

The LION Magazine, official publication of Lions ClubsInternational, is published by authority of the board ofdirectors in 20 languages - English, Spanish, Japanese,French, Swedish, Italian, German, Finnish, Korean,Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, Chinese, Norwegian,Icelandic, Turkish, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian and Thai.


4The LION September/October 2015

In Japan, our societyowes a lot to bushido,the code of conduct ofthe samurai. Samuraihave positive andnegative sides, butsamurai uphold stabilityand ensure peace. Otherpositive traditionalvalues of the bushidoare respecting one’s

elders, protecting the weak and valuing fairness andhonor.

Every culture has its own wonderful virtues, andeach of the 210 nations and geographic areas that arepart of Lions Clubs International contributes to thestrength and vitality of the association. The multi-colored fabric of Lions owes its durability and

flexibility to its disparate individual strands. In other words, our diversity is our strength. We are

not a cookie-cutter association. One size does not fitall. Clubs are free to choose their own projects andrecruit their own members. The more we valuediversity and model that in our clubs the more we willprosper.

So this year I urge clubs to continue to reach out towomen, younger people and middle-aged people todiversify our ranks. A club gains new perspectives andrenewed energy with a diverse membership.

By the same token, don’t hesitate to try newprojects. We can’t grow stale. We don't eat stale breador rice and we don’t want a stale club. We must havethe courage to turn our clubs into fresh, young andvibrant ones.

We also must work together. An ancient storyillustrates the power of teamwork. A powerful samurai

lord, Mori Motonari, took aside his three sons andeasily snapped a single arrow. But when he held threearrows together the well-muscled man could not breakthe bunch. The moral is clear. Americans even havetheir own saying for it: united we stand, divided wefall. When the 1.4 million Lions family is united, wecan deliver the light of service throughout the world.

So this year let’s embody the samurai spirit. Lions,be samurai. But when you go on your serviceactivities, please keep your sharp swords at home andcarry with you only the samurai spirit!

Dr. Jitsuhiro YamadaLions Clubs International President

Dr. Jitsuhiro YamadaLions Clubs International

President

Our Diversity is Our Strength

As we begin our newyear in MDA I ampleased to say that all ofour new Governorshave been working hardto get their Districtsready to take on thechallenges of the new-year. At the time of thiswriting many of those

Governors have already held their first District Cabinetmeeting, getting their districts off to a quick start.

Our new International President Dr. JitsuhiroYamada’s theme for this year is “Bringing Dignity toOthers Through Humanitarian Service”.

When he spoke at the convention he recounted a

time in his life when he was diagnosed with livercancer and he thought that he might not survive thesurgery or illness. A year later still fearful of dying heasked his doctor why he was still alive. His doctorreplied, “Your tumour was benign.”

It was after that moment that he resolved to providethe kind of care he expected of himself to others. Hewas going to treat people, as he would have liked tobe treated. A year later he became a Lion through theencouragement of his uncle a DG at the time. And therest they say is history.

When you hear him speak he is a soft-spoken manwho lives what he says. He is going to be a wonderfulPresident and his legacy will live on for many years tocome.

As for what is going on in MDA, we are blessed

with many new faces taking on new rolls with vigorand many familiar faces who continue to steer theHMCS MDA through all kinds of waters. Thefollowing are a few of the new committees I wouldlike to mention.

I was happy to be present at the first meeting whereall the committee members from both CNIB and MDAwere present. It was a meeting where both parties werefully engaged at developing a plan to move bothorganizations forward together to make the lives ofpeople who are visually impaired in our multipledistricts, better.

PDG Lion Peter Hammond will have updatedeveryone at our MDA Governors Council Meeting inSeptember so (if you were not there) please go to theMDA web site and read the minutes as posted.

Lion John JohnstonMD'A' Council Chairman

Well .. ALOHA Lions

About a decade ago I was privileged to visit thehome in Calcutta, India, where Mother Teresa oncecared for the desperately poor. Her love for others hada tremendous impact—not only on those she helpedbut also in inspiring others to follow her example.Mother Teresa was not rich or powerful. She did nothold office. She wielded no army. She owned next tonothing. Yet she changed the world. What a differenceone person on a mission can make!

Her life actually is ironic—and instructive—forLions. We Lions are not lone wolves. We servetogether. We join a club because we realize we canaccomplish so much more by working together. Werealize we are not Mother Teresa. That’s OK. We do

what we can with our own talents. Our limitationsactually can work to our advantage because in joiningwith other Lions we can accomplish so much morethan we can do on our own.

So, Lions, be involved with your club as much asyou can. Take part in the initiatives of Lions ClubsInternational as well. Help fulfill the centennial goalsrelated to hunger, youth, sight and the environment.Support LCIF. Recruit a new member. Join us inbeautiful Fukuoka, Japan, next year for the 99thInternational Convention. There is much more thanstrength in numbers: there is the opportunity to rebuildsociety. It’s great you are a Lion. Thank you for yourservice and dedication. But always strive to be part of

the worldwide Lions community and fully support ourmany remarkable initiatives.

It’s easy to sit back and do the usual. But now is thetime to be a Lion who goes outside his or her comfortzone and makes service more a part of his or her life.I’ve heard it said: “Life is either a daring adventure ornothing at all.” So be adventurous and daring. Be aLion.

Dr. Jitsuhiro YamadaLions Clubs International President

Embrace the Spirit of Daring



We ServeWe Serve

AUDIT 1. Reviewed the audit planning details for the June

30, 2015, financial statement audit for LCI andLCIF presented by representatives from CroweHorwath, LLP.

2. Reviewed the memorandum covering a review ofthe Service Organization Report for Paylocity, theDonor Services Audit and a memorandumcovering new procedures for the termination oftemporary employees.

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE1. Denied second vice district governor election

complaints filed in District 108-LA (Italy),District 308-A1 (Singapore) and District 322-E(India) and declared the following as second vicedistrict governors in their respective districts forthe 2015-2016 fiscal year:a. Lion Fabrizio Ungaretti—District 108-LA(Italy)b. Lion Jerrick Tay—District 308-A1 (Singapore)c. Lion Veena Gupta—District 322-E (India)

2. Upheld one second vice district governor electioncomplaint filed in District 324-A8 (India),declared the second vice district governor electionin District 324-A8 for the 2015-2016 fiscal yearnull and void and of no force and effect, declareda vacancy in the office of second vice districtgovernor for the 2015-2016 fiscal year and thatthe second vice district governor vacancy shall befilled in accordance with the International andDistrict Constitutions and By-Laws, and declared

that the filing fee less US$350 shall be refundedto each of the Complainants.

3. Censured District Governor V.S.B Sunder for hisunlionistic behavior and made him ineligible fora District Governor Team Excellence Award.Rejected the dispute filed in District 324-A1(India) under the Constitutional Complaintsprocedure related to the 2015-2016 fiscal yeardistrict elections as improper.

4. Removed District Governor S. Arumugam fromthe office of district governor in District 324-B4(India) for failure to comply with the InternationalConstitution and By-Laws and policies of theInternational Board of Directors. Declared that S.Arumugam shall not be recognized in the futureas a past district governor by Lions ClubsInternational or any club or district, and that heshall not be entitled to any privileges of such title.

5. Declared the conciliator’s report filed in District324-B4 (India) as inconsistent with theInternational and District 324-B4 Constitutionsand By-Laws and therefore invalid. Affirmed theelections of the district governor, first vice districtgovernor and second vice district governor heldon April 26, 2015 for the 2015-2016 fiscal year.

6. Declared the decision of the conciliators to declarethe second vice district election in District 301-D2 (Philippines) null and void inconsistent withthe International Constitution and By-Laws andBoard Policy and therefore invalid.Recommended that the yes/no ballot contained inthe Standard Form District Constitution beutilized by District 301-D2 in the 2015-2016 year

elections. Declared the conciliators decisionrelated to the removal of the Respondentinconsistent with the international constitution andby-laws and board policy and therefore invalid.Upheld the decision of the conciliators that theRespondent violated the Multiple DistrictConstitution and By-Laws.

7. Revised the definition of Good Moral Characterin Chapter XV of Board Policy Manual to prohibitmembership to individuals who have beenconvicted of a crime of moral turpitude.

8. Revised the secret ballot process in Chapter III ofBoard Policy Manual to allow the process to beinitiated by the presiding officer.

9. Revised the District Governor Suspension Policyin Chapter XV of the Board Policy Manual toremove a redundancy in the policy and to amendthe number of clubs required to request a reviewunder this policy.

10. Revised the Standard Form District Constitutionin Chapter VII of the Board Policy Manual tocorrect a typographical error and update internalreferences.

11. Established a new Neutral Observer Policy,effective July 1, 2016, in Chapter XV of the BoardPolicy Manual.

DISTRICT AND CLUB SERVICE COMMITTEE 1. Appointed Past District Governor Michael

Bierwagen to serve as Coordinating Lion forDistrict 123 (Russian Federation) for the 2015-2016 fiscal year, Past District Governor Mirela

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYINTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Honolulu, Hawaii, USAJune 21-25, 2015

Another new MDA Committee is the “Gift of Life”.I am happy to say that is headed by PDG EleanorColwell who is a strong advocate of the tissue donationprogramme.

So spend all your money in retirement and leaveyour children with the knowledge that in your passingyou could have saved the lives of up to eight otherindividuals through organ donations and the sight ofup to eight more through corneal transplants. It’s aseasy as going to your web browser on your computerand typing in your search engine boxforms.ssb.gov.on.ca and it will take you to the gift oflife consent form.

And while you are at it, call 1-888-2DONATE (1-888-236-6283) the Canadian Blood Services to see ifyou are eligible to donate blood (if you are not alreadydoing so) and book an appointment so you can startsaving lives immediately.

We also now have a “Special Olympics Committee”

chaired by IPCC Lion Bob Tanner that is in the processof developing a MOU (Memorandum OfUnderstanding) with the Special OlympicsOrganization. The committee chair will have presentedtheir first report to the MDA Council in September andyou will be able to read it online by the time you readthis message.

I look forward to working with the ten Governors,Secretary John and Treasurer Dave and all of thecommittees throughout my year as Council Chair andI thank them in advance for their support.

Finally, there are three candidates’ who are runningfor the position of International Director for Canada.This is no small undertaking and it requires a hugecommitment by each candidate to first run for theposition and second to do the job when elected and Iurge all of you members in MDA to get involved withthe election process.

Governors, if you are approached by one or all of

the candidates committees asking for a venue wheretheir candidate can speak to your district please giveeveryone equal and fair opportunity to do so. The samealso applies to Region and Zone chairs within theirrelative districts.

Club presidents and club members please take theopportunity when available to hear these people outbecause each and every club will have delegates whowill be able to vote in this election at the MDAConvention to be held on May 26th through 29th 2016in North Bay.

Here is our opportunity to send the best candidatefor the position of International Director to sit on LionsInternational Board of Directors. And show the worldof Lionism that MDA has the International Directorwith the Right Stuff.

Lion John JohnstonMD'A' Council Chairman



Grigorovici to serve as the Coordinating Lion forthe Republic of Serbia on October 11, 2015, forthe remaining months of the fiscal year and PastInternational Director Kalle Elster to serve as Co-Coordinating Lion for the Republic of Latvia andassist Past District Governor Fabian Rueschduring the 2015-2016 fiscal year.

2. Amended the DG Team Excellence Awardapplication to require that districts also adhere tothe association’s constitution and by-laws andpolicies in addition to meeting the requirementsof the award.

3. Revised Chapter V of the Board Policy Manual toplace less emphasis on strict club meetingattendance and more emphasis on meaningfulinvolvement in club activities.

4. Revised Chapter VII, Exhibit B. of the BoardPolicy Manual to also place less emphasis on strictclub meeting attendance and more emphasis onmeaningful involvement in club activities.

5. Amended Chapter IX of the Board Policy Manualto allow a Coordinating Lion to be appointedwhen a potential new Lions country is identifiedinstead of waiting for two clubs to be chartered.

6. Made a housekeeping revision to correct areference error in Chapter IX, Paragraph O.2.d. sothe correct paragraphs were referenced.

FINANCE AND HEADQUARTERS OPERATION COMMITTEE 1. Approved the FY 2015 4th Quarter Forecast,

reflecting a deficit.2. Approved the final budget for FY 2016 with a

deficit of US$2,842,672.3. Approved amending The Retirement Income Plan

for Employees of the International Association ofLions Clubs (Plan) to offer terminated employeeshaving vested benefits under the Plan theopportunity to withdraw their full Plan benefits ina lump sum in calendar year 2015.

4. Approved a change in board policy effective July1, 2015, which requires district governors obtainapproval from the Travel Department prior toticketing any fare in excess of US$1,000. Airfareless than US$1,000 should be booked at thelowest logical standard or discounted fare by themost direct route for the authorized class ofservice and period of travel.

5. Approved a change in board policy effective July1, 2015, to provide eligible past internationaldirectors a minimum budget of US$1,200annually.

LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE 1. Approved policy empowering the International

President to fill GMT and GLT Coordinatorvacancies at the multiple district, single districtand sub-district levels, when said vacancies arethe result of the appointment body’s inability tocome to consensus on a suitable appointment.

2. Approved policy prohibiting endorsed andcertified candidates for international office from

serving as GMT International Coordinator, GLTInternational Coordinator, Family and WomenInternational Coordinator, GMT or GLTConstitutional Area Leader, GMT or GLT AreaLeader and GMT or GLT Special Area Advisor.

LCIF 1. Approved the report of the LCIF Finance

Committee.2. Amended the articles of Articles of Incorporation

and the By-Laws of Lions Clubs InternationalFoundation, to reflect the revised LCIF Board ofTrustees structure.

3. Deleted Chapter XVI of the Board Policy Manual,due to its redundancy to the LCIF Operations andPolicy Manual.

4. Amended the Operations and Policy Manual ofLions Clubs International Foundation to reflectthe revised LCIF Board of Trustees structure andother necessary housekeeping changes.

5. Approved the 2015-2016 voting members of theBoard of Trustees of Lions Clubs InternationalFoundation.

6. Increased the humanitarian grants budget for thecurrent fiscal year by an additional US$3.5million.

7. Approved 54 Standard, International Assistanceand Core 4 grants totaling US$3,071,671.

8. Tabled one grant.9. Extended the Core 4 funding priority status of

Lions Quest until June 30, 2018, and Core 4funding priority funding status of LCIF’s diabetesprevention and control program until June 30,2017.

10. Approved a Core 4 disability grant in the amountof US$750,000, representing a portion of fundingfor the Lions-Special Olympics Mission Inclusionprogram in Brazil.

11. Approved the renewal of the Lions Questcommunity partnership grants program in theamount of US$200,000.

12. Approved US$125,000 in funding for anevaluation of Lions Quest in Finland.

13. Approved a grant in the amount of US$5,000 fora joint LCIF/MD 111 low vision project in Cuba.

LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE 1. Approved the formation of a 2015-2016 Family

and Women Action Committee, of up to 10members, as appointed by Vice President Dr.Jitsuhiro Yamada and recorded with the LCIExecutive Committee at their August 2015meeting.

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 1. Approved the formation of Branch Lions Clubs in

Cuba and Myanmar, contingent upon receivingapproval from appropriate authorities in eachcountry.

2. Approved a working group of Lions and/or Leosto work with the Membership Development

Committee and staff to explore concepts andstrategies to involve “episodic volunteerism” inLionism.

3. Approved adding recent policy changes to policymanual, including the processing fee of US$100assessed to club charter applications not approvedby LCI, and requiring advance payment of US$30for adding any additional charter members.

4. Approved policy where any district Lions ClubsInternational has identified with a priormisapplication of the student membershipprogram, and has more than 5 percent of totalmembership comprised of student membership,will have all campus clubs in that district, and alltraditional clubs in that district with 25 percent ormore student members will be placed in statusquo, immediately after 45 days of the date ofcommunication informing them of this review.

5. Approved the designation of MD60 underConstitutional Area I, effective July 1, 2015.

6. Approved board policy changes that place lessemphasis on strict meeting attendancerequirements, allowing for more flexibleparticipation in club activities.

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE 1. Reduced the number of print editions to four per

year for all official editions of LION Magazinebeginning January 2018.

2. Eliminated the Order of the Lion medal.3. Replaced the current awards section of Chapter

XX of the Board Policy Manual with Exhibit A tothe public relations report.

SERVICE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE1. Selected the 2014-2015 Leos of the Year.2. Approved a revision to the Board Policy Manual

transferring youth programs that are non-Leorelated from Chapter XXIII to Chapter I.

3. Approved a revision to the Board Policy ManualChapter XXIII deleting outdated information onthe purposes of the Youth Programs Department.

4. Approved a revision to the Board Policy ManualChapter XXIII renaming the chapter title from“Youth Programs” to “Leo Club Program” toreflect the current structure.

5. Approved a revision to the Board Policy ManualChapter I changing all variations of “YouthPrograms Department” with “Service ActivitiesDivision” to reflect current structure.

6. Approved a revision to the Board Policy ManualChapter XXIII changing all variations of “YouthPrograms Department” with “Leo Club ProgramDepartment” to reflect current structure.

For more information on any of the above resolutions, pleaserefer to the LCI website at www.lionsclubs.org or contactthe International Office at 630-571-5466.



We ServeWe Serve

MD’A’ CONVENTION ADVISORY – The Widdifield LionsClub, District A5, will be hosting the 2016 MD'A'Convention on May 26-29, 2016 in North Bay. OurInternational Guests will be LCI 1st Vice PresidentBob Corlew and his wife, Lion Diane. Elections willbe held for the candidates seeking the MD'A'endorsement for International Director for Canada.The Governors’ Council endorsed the application fromthe Lions Club of Kitchener to host the 2017 MD'A'Convention in Waterloo subject to a favourable sitevisit by the Convention Advisory Chair. TheGovernors’ Council approved the appointment of PDGCharles Liddle, District A9, as the MD'A' ConventionAdvisory Chairperson.LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION – PDG DickPeel reported that LCIF had approved 57 GrantApplications in 2015 with two Grants being awardedin Canada: District A12 - $20,000.(US) to purchase atransport van for the Canadian National Institute forthe Blind; and District A2 - $69,350.(US) for facilityupgrades at Lions Camp Dorset.LIONS FOUNDATION OF CANADA – PDG Lloyd Cliftonreported that the Purina Guide Dog Walks acrossCanada during 2014-2015 had raised $1,195,201.70 ofwhich $659,488.10 had come by the MD'A' Lionsfamily. One hundred and four walks were held.GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP TEAM – PDG Chris Lewis advisedthat as of August 31st MD'A' has 13,097 Lionsmembers. There has been a decrease of 154 memberssince July 1st. In District A4, DG Kris Schulz andGMT Co-ordinator Heather Chilvers have received

approval for a New Club Development Workshop.GLOBAL LEADERSHIP TEAM – PDG Eleanor Colwelladvised that a training session had been held for the2nd Vice District Governors. Training for the 1st ViceDistrict Governors has commenced. Several Lionshave been endorsed to attend the Advanced LionsLeadership Institute and the Faculty DevelopmentInstitute in November in Chicago. LIONS QUEST – PID Gil Constantini challenged eachDistrict in MD'A' to raise a total of $10,000. or more.Each District which accomplishes this goal willreceive a Lions Quest Fellowship to present to adeserving Lion in their District. LITERACY COMMITTEE – PRC Susan Taylor advised thatLions are donating books to school libraries, givingbooks to individual students, placing books inChristmas hampers, recycling gently used books forchildren and adults in book sales, providing new andgently used books free at the Food Banks, creatingLittle Free Libraries and supporting specific schoolprogrammes with books.GIFT OF LIFE – PDG Eleanor Colwell encouraged allLions to register as an organ & tissue donor in one ofthree ways; Online at www.beadonor.ca; In person atServiceOntario; Downloading the consent form fromthe beadonor website. The next step is to keep yourfamily apprised of your intentions.OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH – The Governors’ Councilapproved the application from District A4 to host theMD'A' Effective Speaking Finals on the first weekend

in May at Algonquin College in Ottawa. The deadlinefor the District Governors to receive Peace Postersfrom the Districts is November 15th. The Peace Postertheme is ‘Share Peace.’ A Leo Conference is in theplanning stages. An Opportunities for Youth Luncheonis being planned for the MD'A' Convention in NorthBay. RESEARCH & LONG RANGE PLANNING – PDG Jim Hiltadvised that the R&LPR Committee is recommendingreplacing the Plum Jackets with a Navy Blue Jacketand that the 1st Vice District Governors-electimmediately make this transition following theirelection in 2016. The Governors’ Council deferred adecision until further discussion could be held withtheir District Officers. DIABETES AWARENESS – PDG Brian Closs advised thatWorld Diabetes Day is November 14th.SECRETARY – MD'A' Secretary John Stewart advisedthat he had received the necessary documentsconfirming the certification of PCC Tom Gordon,District A16, and PDG Jim Prenger, District A9, ascandidates for the office of International Director forCanada. All documents were properly completed andreceived within the required timeframe.TREASURY – MD'A' Treasurer Dave Hewitt presentedthe 2015-2016 Budget which was approved by theGovernors’ Council.

For information, questions or concerns relating to thesehighlights please contact MDA Secretary John Stewart atemail: [email protected].

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SEPTEMBER, 2015GOVERNORS’ COUNCIL MEETING

An outdoor education activity was sponsored by theMagnetawan Lions Club for the grade 3-6 pupils fromthe Magnetawan Public School as a year end project.

30 pupils and staff participated in the study of treespecies and animal habitat. The pupils had beenstudying tree identification in class and this was anopportunity to apply their knowledge.

Lion John Hetherington hosted the group on his 500acre managed forest property and shared his outdoor

knowledge with the pupils. A special guest Dr. DougLightening, a visiting entomologist from South Africa,joined the outing and shared his expertise with thepupils.

The Magnetawan Lions provided a hot dog lunchfor the staff and pupils as well as the bustransportation.

Magnetawan Lions Club



Lions At Home Amid Honolulu’s Aloha Spirit by Jay Copp

The sun shone steadily on palm trees, bronzedsurfers gracefully rode the waves with Diamond Headas a stunning backdrop and hula dancers swiveledtheir hips at evening shows on Waikiki Beach.Honolulu lived up to its advance billing as a tropicalgetaway as it superbly hosted the 98th InternationalConvention in the last week of June.

Lions are an adaptive species, exemplified atconvention. Eschewing the customary suit,International President Joe Preston wore a casualHawaiian shirt, as did many fellow board members,conventioneers and LCI staff. A Hawaiian kicked offthe parade of nations with a traditional native blessingand ceremoniously blew into a shell. Leos enjoyedthemselves at a luau, and Preston took to the stage ata plenary session carrying a surfboard customizedwith the Lions logo. “There’s no truth to the rumor Isurfed to Hawaii,” he cracked wise.

“A-lo-ha!” the genial Kirk Caldwell, mayor ofHonolulu, welcomed Lions at the packed first plenarysession. Lions responded but Caldwell greeted Lionsa second and then a third time. “A-lo-ha!” Lionsthundered back finally to his satisfaction. Caldwellknew Lions were in a responsive mood; the prevailingsentiment at the convention was gratification. “Howmany of you are thinking now, I wish I had bought aone-way ticket?” the high-spirited Preston joked at thesecond plenary session.

More than 18,000 Lions and guests from 134countries descended on Honolulu, which hosted the83rd convention in 2000. The electric undercurrent atthe convention was the connection Lions sought andfound with flesh-and-blood fellow Lions as well asthe warm, open-armed spirit of service. “You seepeople you see only at convention,” said Ken Reed, amember of the Ackley Geneva Lions Club in Iowa since1974 and a veteran of about a dozen internationalconventions. Reed’s trip to Hawaii meant he hadvisited all 50 states, and he was on a mission at theconvention to collect 14 more state pins from 2015 togive him a complete set.

On the other end of the spectrum were Lions suchas 31-year-old Mariessa Maughan, who joined the Salt

Lake City Red Butte Lions Club in 2013. Her grandfatherwas a Lion, and she works as an eye care specialist.“I feel very blessed to be a Lion,” said Maughan, whois club president despite being a relative newcomer.“I’m here to learn as much as I can.”

The convention underscored the connectionsamong Lions and with Lionism. Scott Quinlan ofHuntington Beach Host Lions Club in California says hisblindness is no impediment to service. “I think I canserve as an inspiration to others in the community,”he said in the convention hall, wheremultitudes of Lions chatted with LCI staff,browsed exhibits, traded pins or sat down forlunch with Lions across the world. JudyMensforth of the Helensvale Lions Club inAustralia was determined to track down OleEngedal, a district governor-elect fromDenmark whose daughter she befriendedwhen the daughter was a Lions’ exchangestudent in Australia. “I just love getting toknow Lions and learning more about them,”said Mensforth.

Preston served as the host of theconvention. On his penultimate day aspresident, during a rendition of “AlreadyGone” by an Eagles tribute band, he abruptlyand comically walked onto stage carrying a

beat-up suitcase, signifying both his extensivetravels and the end of his term as president. Asinger and songwriter, Preston grabbed amicrophone and finished the song, and then heand the band ably performed “Strengthen thePride,” his catchy theme song.

Preston took a more serious turn during hisfarewell speech. He saluted Lions for theirservice and membership success and exhortedthem to redouble their efforts. “Lions, we needto roar with intensity, roar with conviction. Weneed to tell the world who we are, what we’redoing, why they should support us and why theyshould join us,” he said. “And that is notsomething that we just have to do this year. It is

something we need to do, year after year.”

Preston’s talk was bookended by the speech of Dr.Jitsuhiro Yamada of Japan, whom Lions elected as the2015-16 international president. The neurosurgeontook charge of the festivities in the third and finalplenary. Delivering his speech in Japanese, Yamadaemphasized teamwork. “We are all the crew of a shipin the ocean,” he said. “We can only steer in the rightdirection when all crew members are united under amission. The ship moves smoothly only when eachmember of the crew fulfills his responsibility by usinghis special talent.”

The keynoter was Tim Shriver, a Lion who ischairman of Special Olympics. One of the first racesin the history of Special Olympics in the 1960sexemplified what the organization was all about andstill provides lessons for today. A runner had stumbledas he neared the finish line. “The one in second whocould see the finish line—maybe for the first timehave a chance to be cheered and what does he do? “Shriver related. “He stops and turns around. He picksup his fallen friend, puts his arm over his shoulder andcrosses the finish line. In what, last place, right?Wrong!

“I think the athletes of Special Olympics teach usthat you could win by who you beat. And you couldalso win by who you help. Winning isn’t where youfinish. It’s how you finish, too.”

After his address, Shriver and the LCI executiveofficers signed a memorandum of understandingto take the partnership between Lions and SpecialOlympics to a new level. Besides supportingOpening Eyes, screenings and eyeglasses forathletes, Lions also now will support UnifiedSports, which involves sports training andcompetition both for those with intellectualdisabilities and those without. Lions also willexpand membership opportunities for athletes inLions clubs and promote health through hearingprograms.

Other convention highlights included thepresentation of the Humanitarian Award to Save

A disco party erupts before the closing plenary session

Lions from Africa enjoy being part of the parade of nations in Honolulu

New International President Dr. Jitsuhiro Yamada, his wife, Dr. Toshiko, and theirfamily wave to Lions after he took the oath of office


Honolulu Hullabaloo

Convention is five days of festivities. And quietermoments that touch the heart. A disco dance at aplenary session recalls the music, dances—andhairstyles—of the ’70s. Polynesian dancers let theirhair down at a plenary session. Joe Preston, 2014-15

International President, letsLions know heis “AlreadyGone,” as anEagles tributeband plays therock song. Aukulele players t r u m s“SomewhereOver theRainbow” during the memorial segmentof a plenary session. Pop star Kenny

Loggins performs one of his manyhits at the International Show.Participants in the Strides class, heldto raise awareness of diabetes, point

the way to better health. A Special

Olympics athlete exults after a bocce ball competition.Dorie Leitten of New York thanks Lions for savingthe life of her daughter, Bri; a routine eye screeningled to the discovery she had cancer.


the Children and its work among Syrian children,battered by war; a segment on the Lions centennial byPast International President J. Frank Moore III ofAlabama and the election of 17 first-year internationaldirectors and Naresh Aggarwal of India as secondinternational vice president. Aggarwal will succeedFirst Vice President Chancellor Bob Corlew ofTennessee as president in 2017-18.

LCIF Chairperson Barry J. Palmer of Australiadetailed the successes of the Foundation in savingsight, meeting humanitarian needs, providing disasterrelief and supporting youth. Palmer also praised thetremendous support of Lions for LCIF; prior toHonolulu donations topped $38 million in fiscal year2014-15. The generosity continued at the convention.Past District Governor Aruna Oswal of India announced

during a plenary that the Oswal Trust will give $1 million to LCIF for 40 medical vans. That gift andother donations made at the convention boosted totalgiving past $40 million.

Lions pride ourselves as being agents of change,and Caldwell, the mayor, recognized how the worldhas changed and how Lions play a part in that. Hepointed out that the anniversaries of the battle ofOkinawa, the atomic bombing of Japan and the startof the Korean War had just occurred or would occursoon. “So much hate in the world, and you are somuch about love and service,” he said. “Aloha meanshello and goodbye, and it also means love. … Go backto your homes with that aloha and show your love toyour community.”

Lions in Honolulu The top 10 nations represented in Honolulu

were:1. Japan 4,1542. United States 3,5793. China 1,7434. India 1,3585. Nepal 9936. Nigeria 6787. Korea 6328. Sri Lanka 5199. Bangladesh 28710. Multiple District 300 Taiwan 272



Everybody Loved This Parade

The international parade at the 98th InternationalConvention in Honolulu in June showcases theincredible diversity of Lions Clubs International.Japanese Lions stroll down the street with potentialLeos or Lions. Leos sing a happy tune. The Mississippi

L i o n sAll StateB a n dmay nothave 76

trombones, but the band’ssound is extraordinarily fulland robust. Dutch Lions mayprefer skating over skipping,but the latter is the better wayto traverse the streets of thetropical city. The delegationfrom India prance and dancethrough Honolulu. A marchergallantly shields a companionfrom the sun. A Lion from

Arizona givesthe shaka sign,a customarygreeting inHawaii.



Here Comes EverybodyMore than 18,000 Lions and guests from 134

countries were in Honolulu for the 98th InternationalConvention. Here are some of them.



Lions on LocationSea Lion Crosses AtlanticAUSTRALIA – Alone on the sea in a rowing race

across the Atlantic, Andrew Abrahams was washed offhis boat. “Basically, the wave just said, ‘You’re notgoing to sit there anymore and flicked me off like alittle bug,’” he recounted later. Climbing back onboard Abrahams gashed his leg on the rudder.

The 42-year-old Australian survived that harrowingepisode as well as raging storms with 50-foot waves,brutal heat, sleep deprivation, physical and mentalfatigue and worrisome encounters with sharks in his57 days at sea. He succeeded in rowing 2,818 milesfrom La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua inthe Caribbean. He was the only solo rower tocomplete the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge,finishing seventh overall ahead of five teams.

A member of the Rochedale Springwood Lions Club,Abrahams donated the $10,000 raised from hisadventure to disadvantaged children. He had hoped toraise much more, but the rough seas broke his satelliteequipment, the key to media coverage.

Abrahams is a fitness buff who holds a worldrecord for machine rowing—1 million meters (621miles) in 119 hours. His background is rich bothnautically and charitably. His fourth-great grandfather,Owen Cavanough, rowed ashore Admiral ArthurPhillip, the founder of the British penal colony thatbecame Sydney, and actually set foot before him,becoming the first member of the Royal Navy to landon Australia. Abrahams named his boat the RV OwenCavanough.

Abrahams is a founder of the Townsville to CairnsBike Ride, which has raised more than $5 million forcharity. He works as a handyman.

Like the other race boats, the Owen Cavanoughwas 23 feet long and 6.5 feet wide and had no sail ormotor. A small cabin provided modest protection fromthe elements. Competitors were not allowed to receivefood, repairs or help of any kind. Valued at $80,000,his boat did contain high-tech navigation equipment.But one of his greatest challenges was loneliness.Visiting pods of curious whales helped him whileaway the hours.

Taking to the Sea for Lessons to be Lived on LandAUSTRALIA – Landlubber Sacha Clark, 18, took

to life on the sea as a crew member on a tall ship like,well, a fish to water. Without hesitation, she climbedthe soaring mast of the majestic STS Leeuwin II andunfurled the huge sail. “It was so awesome,” shedescribed her exhilarating sailing stint to an Australiannewspaper.

For 30 years the Leeuwin Lions Club has sponsoredyouths for the weeklong sea adventure where theylearn responsibility and boost their self-esteem. Somelove sailing. Some are disadvantaged economically.Some are right in line with youths often helped byLions: the STS Leeuwin II is the only tall ship inAustralia to host youths with a physical, sensory orintellectual limitation that prevents them from beingpart of other mentorship sailing programs.

Dr. John Williams, the charter president of theLeeuwin Lions Club, is a longtime close friend of Dr.Malcolm Hay, an orthopedic surgeon and avid sailorwho gathered the funds needed to build the tall shipand launched the youth sailing program. More than40,000 young people have participated. The Lionssponsor as many as three youths a year. “Many of ouryouths have shown an amazing change in attitude andpersonality,” says Williams.

The club, incidentally, is not named after the shipbut after the landmark Cape Leeuwin, the most south-westerly mainland point of Australia. But the shipdoes happen to have a striking Lioness on its bow.

Digital LION The LION features Lions in Australia, the “most

far-flung world sector of Lionism” (January 1967LION).

Austrians Mimic New York EventAUSTRIA – Celebrating Lions Day at the United

Nations, Lions in Austria held their own version of theday at the Parliament Building in Vienna. LionKarlheinz Kopf, president of the Austrian NationalCouncil (one of the two houses in the AustrianParliament), hosted the event.

Ambassadors, U.N. officials and Lions such asKopf and Past International Director Ernst Musil talkedabout the longstanding relationship between theUnited Nations and Lions and the importance ofnonprofit organizations to alleviating social ills. Thekeynoter was Prelate Mag. Fürnsinn, abbot of theHerzogenburg Monastery. Classical musicians playedsongs by Mozart, Bach and Handel. The Peace PosterContest finalists from the western, central and easterndistricts of Austria were introduced to the crowd of200.

Held in early spring in New York, Lions Day at theUnited Nations is a 37-year tradition.

Reason to Smile At LastENGLAND – Rosie Sheaf, a dental nurse from

England, traveled to small villages in Zimbabwe on amedical mission. Many people had never had dentalcare. “Every day without fail we saw children andadults whose teeth are literally rotting,” she says.

Sheaf and the other dental professionals fixeddental problems, passed out toothbrushes andexplained the fundamentals of oral health. “Itwas so rewarding to see the relief of our basicpain-relieving dental treatments,” she says.

Dentaid, based in Salisbury, sponsored thatmission and many others. Lions clubsthroughout the United Kingdom havesupported Dentaid since 2001. Lions collectand recondition dental equipment and pay fortravel costs. Dentaid is active in 11 nationsincluding Cambodia, Colombia, India, Nepaland Romania.

Sheaf spoke to the Gillingham, Mere &Shaftesbury Lions Club upon her return to thankmembers for their support. Her trip was

“humbling but hugely inspiring. Human beings canexperience so much hardship but at the same time beso stoic and happy,” she told the Lions.

Diners Treated Like KingsFRANCE – To celebrate their club’s 60th

anniversary Lions in France and supporters gatheredin a 700-year-old castle. They walked the halls where

Rosie Sheaf poses with children in Zimbabwe she helped

Michael Dunn climbs the mast of the STS Leeuwin II

Andrew Abrahams became the fastest Australian to row solo unassistedacross the Atlantic Ocean



Joan of Arc was blessed by the archbishop beforedeparting with her army to defeat the English. Theydined on a feast prepared by top chefs. They leftknowing they helped cancer patients, those withvision impairments and young entrepreneurs.

The Blois Doyen Lions Club held its benefit dinner atBlois Castle, a 564-room marvel that seven kings and10 queens of France called home beginning withLouis XII in the 15th century. Local suppliersprovided the meat, fish, vegetables, wine andchocolates including the renowned Sologne caviar.More than a dozen chefs volunteered in the kitchen.After watching a sound and light show and ascendingthe swooping main staircase, the 250 guests ate in thesumptuous Gaston d’Orléans wing. Thirty-ninestudents from a hospitality school served the diners.

Lions raised 17,000 euros (US$19,000). Fundswent to a cancer group, for audio books and toentrepreneurs, who accepted the interest-free loans toestablish their businesses.

Guide Dog Center OpensITALY – Since 1959, Lions in Italy have trained

guide dogs for the blind. More than 2,000 dogs havebeen placed. The future of the program was recentlysolidified when Lions built a new guide dog facilityin Limbiate, located near Milan.

The facility has room for 76 dogs. It includes aveterinarian office and four apartments for those withvision impairments to stay while learning to handletheir dog.

The facility isnot only atraining placebut will functionas an advocacycenter for thosewho are visuallyimpaired. Lionsin Italy now arefocused onpromoting thedignity andrights of thosewith visionimpairments.

Lions in Japan Get it WriteJAPAN – As in the United States, teachers in Japan

bemoan an unfortunate consequence of the ubiquityof smartphones and computers that shows up mostobviously in the classroom: the decline inpenmanship. The neatness and precision of students’writing, often problematic even years ago, have takena decided turn for the worse as students endlessly usetheir fingers punching keypads.

Noogata Lions’ novel approach to bad penmanshipcenters on a traditional practice thousands of yearsold: calligraphy. For five years the club has sponsoreda calligraphy competition at a community center inthe city of 60,000. Last year 176 students from thirdto eighth grade wrote calligraphic letters on officialcalligraphic paper with large traditional ink brushes.The best work was on par with that of accomplishedadults, according to the Japanese LION.

A senior citizens group that practices calligraphyhas helped the Lions with the competition, firststaged in 2010 to mark the club’s 50th anniversary.The event was originally held only for youngerstudents. Lions expanded it when students injunior high told them they missed practicing theancient art.

The competition is helping fuel a growinginterest among youths in calligraphy. The highschool calligraphy club displays its work at a localcrowded shopping mall, where the art from theLions’ event also can be found. The lastingvisibility of the Lions’ project has pleased Lions,who sometimes find that their activities fall into a“pay and forget” rut. The colorful, complicated art

leaves a solid impression.

Comedian Makes a Spectacle of HerselfNEW ZEALAND – Never underestimate the

power of a celebrity to garner attention and get peopleto do what you want them to do. Comedy actress SuPollard is popular in New Zealand for her Britishsitcoms “Hi-de-Hi!” and “You rang, M’Lord?”. She’sknown for her flamboyant dresses and glasses as wellas for her abrupt, startled, slightly off-kilter persona.Think of Carol Burnett in one of her wacky sketches.

Pollard was in New Zealand to promote anupcoming tour of the musical “Annie,” and her agentshrewdly approached the Ferrymead Lions Club, which

runs an eyeglass recycling center in Christchurch. Shemet with Lion Andy Blaikie, who brought along a bagof eyeglasses. “So I tipped them out on the table, andshe started to play with them,” Blaikie recounted forthe South Pacific LION. The photo taken by anewspaper photographer for Fairfax NZ, a mediagiant, proved to be pivotal. “Since the article, we havehad a flood of glasses coming our way,” said Blaikie.

Since 1987, Ferrymead Lions have recycled glassesfor distribution in the Pacific Islands by the VolunteerOphthalmic Services Overseas.

Club Hits Jackpot with LotteryNORWAY – Per Christian Lo and other members of

his club approach people at crowded shopping mallsand ask, “Have you registered your Grasrot?”. NorskTipping, the popular national lottery, “tips” 5 percentof a wager to a player’s designated favorite charity.Yet more than half of lottery players have notregistered for the Grasrotandelen, or “grass-rootsshare.”

The Lions have been able to persuade more than3,000 lottery players to designate the Fredrikstadt LionsClub as their charity of choice. Astoundingly, the clubreceives about US$200,000 annually from NorskTipping, the government agency that runs the lottery.Only one other group receives more funds: theVålerenga, an elite soccer team in Oslo.

Norsk Tipping oversees a wide range of scratchcards, interactive video games accessed bysmartphone or in kiosks and sports such as horseracing.

In the photo that led to many donated eyeglasses, comic actress SuPollard and Lion Andy Blaikie inspect glasses for flaws.Photo courtesy of Fairfax NZ

Per Christian Lo holds a lottery playing card and the brochure used toconvince lottery players to donate funds to his club

Students in Noogata take part in the calligraphy competition

Guide dogs are trained in Italy

French chefs volunteered their skills to help Lions help others



“The Lions spend the money on good projects intheir community, and they always tell the press. Thenthey get even more good will,” says Vibeke Aasland,editor of the LION in Norway. “I think Per reallywants to beat Vålerenga, too.”

Blind Students Finish TriathlonMULTIPLE DISTRICT 300 TAIWAN – Three

grade school students in Multiple District 300 Taiwancompleted a Lions club’s triathlon despite being blind.

Co-sponsored by the Taichung Hsien Shan Cheng LionsClub, the triathlon consisted of a 5-kilometer cyclingrace, a 1.3-kilometer run and a swimming race thatranged from 50 meters to 15 meters, depending on thecompetitor’s age.

The blind children completed the running andcycling on machines affixed to the ground. The blindathletes were Yang Tzu-ling, 12; Lin Ssu-chia, 10; andLiang Yu-han, 7. “Running and riding a bicycle feelslike taking an airplane,” Lin told the China Times.More than 200 children took part in the Little IronmanTriathlon.

No More Tossing and TurningZAMBIA – Ndola Lions in Zambia wished sweet

dreams for students with visual impairments whenthey donated 100 comfortable mattresses to aboarding school in Hillcrest. Jumbe Zulu, an 11th-grader, told the Lions, “We are grateful to the Lionsclub for this gesture as we can now say goodnight touncomfortable nights.” Chartered in 1962, the NdolaLions Club has 34 members.

Service Comes in Many FormsLions Clubs International has members in 210

nations and geographic areas, and clubs help peopleand improve their communities in innumerable ways.Notwithstanding cultural differences and customs, thecommon language of Lions is service.

ARGENTINA

GERMANY

MULTIPLE DISTRICT 300 TAIWAN

PAKISTAN

KOREA

SOUTH AFRICA

THAILANDTaoyuan Chung Yi Lions provide musical activities for thosewith disadvantages

Ensenada Lions play with young children at their “Children’s Day.”Children received shoes, toys and school supplies

Neu Ulm Campus Lions beautify a children’s camp duringthe Lions’ semester break

A girl who is blind holds a white cane given to her by MultanCrescent Lions

Senior citizens play gateball. The New Changwon Lions awarded prizemoney to the top competitors of the tournament, which raised $6,500for the club’s charitable causes

Table View Lions provide vision screenings for schoolchildren

Youths dance at an anti-drug event organized by ChiangmaiWiangping Lions



Kentucky Children Gain Better Vision Every child in every Head Start program in

Kentucky—that’s the new target population for theKidSight program in Kentucky.

Children in Head Start often do not have access toeye health resources. Yet Head Start requires thatevery child receive a vision screening within 45 daysof enrolling in the program. The Lions of Kentuckyhope the expansion will fulfill this requirement for20,000 children. Lions will screen children living inKentucky’s coal mining communities, from migrantfarmworker families and those in impoverished innercity areas.

Lions of Kentucky are being assisted by an LCIFStandard grant for $92,312. The screenings will bedone in partnership with the Kentucky Lions EyeFoundation, the Louisville Downtown Lions Club andthe Kentucky Head Start Association.

The Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation initiated itsKidSight program in 2003. Since then, the programhas screened the vision of more than 80,000 childrenthroughout Kentucky.

Head Start is a federal program that promotes theschool readiness of children under the age of five byenhancing their social, emotional and cognitivedevelopment. Children enrolled in Head Startprograms reside in low-income households; to qualifyfor Head Start, a family of four’s annual income maynot exceed $23,850.

Typically, vision screenings for Head Start childrenin Kentucky are performed by local health

departments with vision charts. While these chartsmay be adequate for older children without languageor medical barriers, local Lions are concerned abouttheir accuracy in screening infants and children withdevelopmental delays. According to program data, 12percent of Head Start children have disabilities thatimpede traditional vision screenings and up to 32percent have language barriers.

Much of the grant funding was used to purchasenoninvasive photoscreening devices. Many Lionsclubs use these cameras to conduct their screeningoutreach activities. The cameras boast a 95 percentaccuracy rate and provide immediate results. Thesedevices are useful in detecting nearsightedness,farsightedness, astigmatism, lazy eye and otherconditions that can be easily corrected if detectedearly.

Local Lions are visiting Head Start centersthroughout Kentucky to conduct screenings forchildren who might otherwise not be able to obtainthem. All children whose screenings indicate the needfor follow-up care are referred to eye healthprofessionals. Head Start staff work to find, secureand coordinate the follow-up care, ensuring thatassistance does not end with a vision screening.

During a pilot program in western Kentucky in2011, 618 Head Start preschool children receivedvision screenings. Fifteen percent were found to needprescriptive eyeglasses and 5 percent were found tohave a serious eye disease.

Felicia Elliot, a nurse and a former Head Startprogram specialist, says, “This pilot proved to be ofgreat value. I, along with the parents of all 618 ofthose screened children whose vision was saved areextremely grateful to the Kentucky Lions EyeFoundation, the KidSight program and all itswonderful volunteers.”

The Lions of Kentucky expect to screen all HeadStart children in the state by the end of 2015, afterwhich local clubs will use the cameras forcommunity-wide screenings at churches, health fairsand day care centers.

Information on how clubs can apply for an LCIFStandard grant is at lcif.org. U.S. clubs and districtscan visit KidSightUSA.com to get involved inscreening children.

Lions clubs across the country, like this one in District 14 T inPennsylvania, host vision screenings for children

LCIF LCIF

Lions in Nigeria Aid Cancer PatientsBy Eric Margules

One morning, as administrator Stella Agbogun madeher rounds in the Radiotherapy Department at LagosUniversity Teaching Hospital (LUTH) in Nigeria, shehappened upon a young man comforting his weepingmother in the hallway.

They had traveled to Lagos from Cross River, aNigerian state more than 400 miles away, so the womancould receive cancer treatment at LUTH. But withoutany money or relatives in Lagos, the pair had nowhereto stay. They were desperate and completely alone.

Agbogun, a Lion, knew something had to be doneto help the family and those like them—who travelfrom far and wide for access to LUTH’s RadiotherapyDepartment but lack the resources to secure housingfor themselves during treatment.

“They had nowhere to sleep,” says Agbogun. “Theyhad no relations in Lagos, and they did not haveenough money for their accommodation. I was movedby pity. After that incident, I made the decision to be apositive change, to create a better living environmentfor cancer patients.”

Agbogun, District 404 B governor then, saw an

opportunity to serve her community and improve thelives of vulnerable individuals. She collaborated withLUTH and Lions Clubs International Foundation(LCIF) to develop plans for Mercy Home, a housingfacility for cancer patients at the hospital.

Agbogun worked both with the LUTH managementteam to finalize details and secure the space for MercyHome and with Lion leaders to complete the project.With plans for 20 beds, Mercy Home would offertemporary accommodation for radiotherapy patientsand their relatives who cannot afford accommodationsin Lagos.

With the help of a US$75,000 Standard grant fromLCIF, arrangements for the construction of MercyHome were put in place. On a rainy day in July, behindthe Radiotherapy Department at LUTH, Lions andlocal dignitaries gathered to break ground on thespecial facility that was years in the making.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Professor AkinOsibogun, the chief medical Director of LUTH,elatedly described how honored the hospital was tocommission Mercy Home. The facility was a dreamrealized.

“LUTH’s management team sealed the entire dealby giving us this space, where Mercy Home stands,”Agbogun said at the ceremony. “They gave us easyaccess to the institution and were ready to renderassistance and encouragement.”

Mercy Home now stands as a symbol of hope topeople in some of the darkest times of their lives, aswell as a reminder that wherever a need arises in thecommunity, Lions will find a way to meet thechallenge.

For information on Standard grants and how yourLions club can apply, visit lcif.org.

Mercy Home offers a place to stay for medical patients

LCIF LCIF



About eight years ago, Aaron Carroll, now 47,began losing his sight to a disease called sarcoidosis.His rapidly diminishing vision led to the loss of hisposition as a customer-service worker—and with it,some of his self-esteem.

After working with the Chicago Lighthouse toregain his computer skills and learn adaptivetechnology such as screen readers, Carroll wasrecently hired at a health clinic call center. “Workingwill definitely put me closer to regaining myindependence,” he says happily. “When you lose yourvision, you become dependent on other people to helpyou do things. Going to work, that’ll really help myself-confidence, knowing that I can take care ofmyself.”

There are countless other stories you’ll hear fromjust about any computer instructor of the blind orvisually impaired: the student who solved histransportation problem by learning to order groceriesonline. The deaf-blind man who can now navigate histown, thanks to a GPS with Braille display. The personwho started crying when he successfully learned howto stream a radio sports broadcast from his hometown.The attorney who thought her career ended with hersight, until she learned how to use a computer again

and began practicing law once more. The grandfatherwho learned how to take a photo of himself with hissmart phone and send it to his daughter in anotherstate, who hadn’t seen him in years. “We see successstories every day,” says Ian Stenseng, a computer andassistive technology training manager for the SeattleLighthouse for the Blind.

The success stories typically are the result ofintense computer training, excellent assistivetechnology and a knowledgeable and persistentinstructor. But many of the 21 million Americans withsome form of vision loss aren’t so fortunate. Far toooften those who are blind or visually impaired do notunderstand or use computers and other digitaltechnology. The sighted world enjoys the technologyof 2015. Those with visual impairments often lagyears or decades behind.

That’s why Lions Clubs International Foundation(LCIF) recently granted the American Foundation forthe Blind (AFB) $125,000 to develop a training andawareness program that will enhance technologyliteracy and competency among the blind and visuallyimpaired. With the help of an advisory committee,whose members include Lion Dr. Tracy Williams, a lowvision specialist, the AFB will use the grant for a one-year planning, research, and training pilot that willseek to answer the question: exactly what must bedone to bridge the technology divide for the visuallyimpaired?

The results will be shared with Lions ClubsInternational, university programs for teachers of thevisually impaired and others stakeholders. It’s a help-the-helpers strategy. Train or educate those who assistthe visually impaired to maximize the mastery oftechnology use and shrink the technology gap.

***Statistics on computer use among the blind and

visually impaired do not exist. But those who workwith the blind know the technology gap is sizable.“Our belief is that most people who are blind orvisually impaired either are not using a computer-accessibility strategy such as screen-access softwareor speech recognition, and that those who are usingthem probably are not using them all that well,” saysPaul Schroeder, the AFB’s vice president of programsand policy.

And we’re not talking about gaining just the abilityto play games and share pleasantries. Fewer than 40percent of visually disabled Americans ages 21-64 areemployed (as compared to the general employmentrate of about 65 percent), and more than 30 percentlive below the poverty line. In this digital age,computer skills are crucial to gainful employment,social connection and even routine daily activities.

“If you don’t have computer access, you really fallbehind the general populace,” says Peter Tucic, anassistive technology specialist at the ChicagoLighthouse for People who Are Blind or Visually

Left BehindThe visually impaired lag far behind in use of computers and smart phones.

Lions are determined to close the gap.By Anne Ford

Unlike most of his peers, Aaron Carroll, though blind, is adept at usinga computer. He’s shown working at a health clinic call center in Chicago.

Photo by Lloyd DeGrane

Peter Tucic (right), an assistive technology specialist with The Chicago Lighthouse, demonstrates a refreshable Braille display to Juan Suarez, anintern with The Lighthouse’s Chicagoland Radio Information Service program

LCIF LCIF



Impaired, a social services agency that assists peoplewith low or no vision. Tucic, who is blind, staffs theLighthouse’s computer assistance hotline, taking callsfrom anyone with vision loss who needs helpinteracting with assistive technology.

“Generally the people I encounter aren’t veryinformed about how to use computers, smart phones,and similar devices,” Tucic says. “They might know,for example, that the iPhone can talk, but they don’tknow how to get the most out of it. People who didn’tget on that first wave of computers—they’re not onestep behind, they’re three or four steps behind. If youdon’t learn how to use an iPhone today, well, in fiveyears your whole home could be on Wi-Fi. It’s kindof like going from shooting a musket to operating acruise missile. There are a lot of homebound blindpeople, and they’re becoming sequestered andmarginalized.”

For years, AFB has encouraged mainstreamcomputer companies such as Microsoft to make theirproducts compatible with assistive technologies andreviewed these technologies in its magazine,AccessWorld. Now, Schroeder says, the LCIF granthas equipped AFB to begin tackling what he calls “thetraining problem.” A huge part of the reason thatcomputer literacy levels among the blind are so low,he says, is that their teachers simply don’t know thetechnologies well enough themselves.

“Whether it’s teachers who teach kids withblindness or counselors who teach adults with visionloss, there’s a well-documented gap in instructors’own comfort level with the technology,” he says.

Mary Abramson, an instructor in the ChicagoLighthouse’s office skills training program, has longknown that training for computer instructors of theblind is not what it should be. In fact, most instructorsin this field learn on the job.

Why should that be? Well, formally trainingtrainers is a costly endeavor, she points out, since mostcomputer instruction in this population takes placeone-on-one rather than as a group. “If we tried to havean entire computer class for visually impairedstudents, we’d never get a class together, becauseeverybody’s at a different place skill-wise and learnsin a different way,” Abramson says. “One-on-one is,of course, not the most cost-efficient way to do this,but it seems to be the most effective.”

“A one-size-fits-all solution doesn’t always work,”agrees Stenseng of the Seattle Lighthouse.“Something that might work for somebody who haslow usable vision is not going to work for someonewho’s a hearing-blind person or someone who’s deaf-blind. We’re constantly struggling between solutionsthat are as universally accessible as possible but alsomeet these very specific and diverse needs.”

And then there’s the fact that in order for peoplewith vision loss to use computers, they mustunderstand its workings in much more depth thansomeone who’s fully sighted. Whereas a sightedperson can simply click an icon, for example,someone with low or no vision must “learn what thoseicons are and where they are and how they reallywork, because we use the keyboard commands instead

of the mouse,” Abramson points out. Thus a computerinstructor for the blind must be even moreknowledgeable than a computer instructor for thesighted.

For now, “there’s no formal training for people todo what I do—sit down and dig into the visuallyimpaired person’s abilities, needs, desires and skilllevel, and make sure that they’re getting what theyneed,” she says. “I think the AFB is right. There’s agreat need for this. We could have a lot more visuallyimpaired people employed.”

***Luke Scriven doesn’t quit easily. As an assistive

technology specialist at the Chicago Lighthouse, heteaches those with sight loss to use computers. Andwhile his students face many potential obstacles—complex software, low confidence, general discomfortwith technology—computer literacy is just too cruciala skill for him to give up on any student. Even one aschallenging as William.

“William [name changed] was a veteran,” Scrivenrecalls, “and as well as having vision issues, he had abad memory.” Scriven introduced William to CDesk,a computer program for the visually impaired. But atfirst, it seemed too difficult to master. “He’d try to usespeech recognition commands, but he’d forget thecommands, or he wouldn’t speak very clearly,”Scriven says.

Then Scriven showed his student computer gamessuch as hangman and solitaire. “I showed Williamhow to play them, and he completely took off onthem,” he remembers. “He actually learned how tonavigate CDesk so he could get to these games, andhe learned where the keys were on the keyboard. He’dcall me up all the time and tell me his high scores. Itkept his mind active, and it helped him learn how touse the computer. By the time I finished my trainingwith him, he could do word processing and useemail.” And there was a bonus: “The veterans here all

share their email addresses and send each otherinspirational stories or jokes, so he was able toparticipate in that community.”

It’s people like William LCIF aims to ultimatelyhelp through its grant to the AFB. Of course, this isfar from the first time that LCIF has supported a large-scale program aimed at those with vision loss. In1990, it launched SightFirst, which initially providedfunding for programs that addressed the leadingcauses of preventable and reversible blindness. “Wedevoted a tremendous amount of resources to cataractsurgeries, pills to ward off certain tropical eyediseases, training of eye care personnel and buildingand equipping eye hospitals—all designed to reducethe number of people who were blind or visuallyimpaired,” says Philip Albano, LCIF Sight Programsdepartment manager.

Now SightFirst has expanded its mission to includeprograms for the blind or irreversibly visuallyimpaired. “That set the stage, so when AFB came tous seeking interest in and support for their technologyand training awareness program, we were in a positionto fund it,” Albano says. “AFB is a well-knownadvocate for the blind, and the goal of AFB and thegoals of Lions are naturally in alignment.”

“We want to develop a testable training strategythat we replicate,” Schroeder says.

“At the end of the year, we hope we’ll havesomething that’s been proven to be useful, and that wecan show that we’re capable of growing withadditional funding. It’s a huge undertaking. We’re arelatively small organization trying to tackle a bigmission across a lot of areas. But it’s hard to overstatethe importance of access to technology for people whoare blind. Sometimes I bristle when people say,‘Technology’s only part of the answer.’ Yes, but it’s ahuge part of the answer.”

Technology such as the iPhone money identifier can be immensely useful for those with vison impairments



Lion George Funnellpasses the torch

Lion George Funnell of Gananoque, a long timemember of the Gananoque Lions Club, proudly carriedthe Pan Am and Para Pan Am games torch recently.Lion George is a true inspiration. Over the years LionGeorge has shown many about the value ofcompassion and having a positive attitude. Georgecarried the torch attached to his wheelchair as part ofthe 17th Pan Am and Para Pan Am relay. We are veryproud of Lion George.

Millions of people in developing nations arepushed deeper into poverty simply because they don’thave glasses. It costs Lions $.08 to provide a pair ofrecycled eyeglasses and change someone’s life.

Minnow Lake LionsClub change livesone pair at a time. Todate, since 1996,they have collected60,049 pairs ofeyeglasses.

July 1st Bancroft Lions had a booth indowntown park during festivities to spreadawareness of Lions eyeglass collection.Advance media coverage resulted in fourboxes of eyeglasses being collected. Thosewho stopped by learned the Why and How ofthe program and Where donations could bemade through the year.

Minnow Lake Lions Club

Bancroft Lions

Lion Walter Karen collectingglasses from GagnonOptician

Lion Walterand Omer

Gagnon

Lion Walter sorting and packingglasses

Lion Walter delivering a box ofeyeglasses to Lion Brian Scagnettiowner of Sudbury Auto

Once Lion Brian hasseveral boxes, hesends them to theCanadian EyeglassesRecycling Centre inCalgary Alberta

Lions Maureen Cummings and Dan Raisic staffing booth

Lions emptying collection boxes


The LION September/October 2015 19

Keene Lions ClubKeene Lions Club attended

Dedication Ceremony ofRoom A-4141 (CardiacTelemetry) in PeterboroughRegional Health Centre onJune 23, 2015 - in recognitionof the more than $25,000donated by the Keene LionsClub to the “By Your Side”campaign of the PeterboroughRegional Health CentreFoundation.

Peace EssayAward

RecipientPictured from left to right, PDG

Ellen Fletcher MDA Peace EssayCoordinator, Jordan Primeau, recipientof the MDA $1000 prize and plaque,and District A5 Governor HaroldHuhtanen

Lions help set soap boxes in place on the ramp

Lions give last minute instructions to the participants

Final race has Hannah Hall leading with Dale Hunter a close second

Event organizer Riley Henderson presents first place winner Hannah Hallwith a monetary award and a trophy

First Annual Soap BoxDerby

The Magnetawan Lions sponsored and assisted withthe First Annual Soap Box Derby held inMagnetawan, Ontario on August 8, 2015. The eventwas organized by the Magnetawan RecreationCommittee. 15 children ages 8-13 participated in theevent. Over 400 people attended this great local event.

Bancroft Lions

In 1945, Albert Ciana, aSwiss stonemason whoimmigrated to Bancroft,carved two lions for the newtown swimming pool at therequest of the newly-formedLions Club, who had helpedbuild the pool. The poolclosed, but after decades oflanguishing in the shadows, a

lion has been put back inpublic view in front of theRailway Station info centre.

On July 25, Santa Clausand other Bancroft Lions puton a "Christmas in July" yardsale at Jack's Meats to raisemoney for our Christmasprograms.



The Kincardine and District Lions Club was proudto host a grand opening for their new Splash Padlocated at Lions Park.

The original playground was erected in 1992 and

completely refurbished in 2009. The Splash Pad wasadded this year.

Photo by Lions Chris McCullough and Anne Rock

Kincardine and District Lions Club

The Morrisburg & District Lions Club held theirannual Duck Race recently at the Morrisburg Beach.Golden doodles Oakley and Floyd as well as BlackLabrador Retrievers Abby, Finnegan and Koda were

clearly the stars of the event as they retrieved 5 of theducks numbered 1-1,000 from the St. Lawrence River.A large crowd was on hand to cheer on the dogs as theyentered the river, one at a time.

Morrisburg & District Lions Club

Toronto Cathay Lions Club

Kampala Central Lions Club in Uganda received 3,000pairs of new reading glasses from Toronto CathayLions Club. Total cost of shipment including eyeglasses was over $10,000.00.

I met Dr. Chales Ibingira from Kampala Lions Clublast summer at our LCI Convention here in Toronto; Iwas able to obtain help from Cathay Lions Club – andhere are just some photos of those who receivedreading glasses and now are able to enjoy the “joy ofreading.” ! submitted by Lion Raja Rosenthal

Lion Jotham and Lion Prof Ibingira with some beneficiaries

By The NumbersAs of June 30/ 2015 Lions Clubs International

had 1,377,912 members in 46,510 Clubs and 755Districts in 210 Countries and Geographic Areas.



�� CONVENTION

��

CLARION RESORT- PINEWOOD PARK 201 PINEWOOD PARK DR., NORTH BAY, ON P1B 8Z4��

�� MAY 26 TO MAY 29, 2016

CO-HOSTED BY WIDDIFIELD LIONS CLUB AND BONFIELD & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB

A. DISTRICT__________ CLUB________________________

Lion Lioness Leo Partner In Service Highest Office ______Past Present

Name_________________________________ Name to appear on Badge_________________________

Mailing Address________________________________________________________________________________________ STREET & OR PO BOX CITY PROVINCE POSTAL CODE

Phone___________________________ Email____________________________________________

B. DISTRICT__________ CLUB________________________

Lion Lioness Leo Partner In Service Highest Office ______ Past Present

Name_________________________________ Name to appear on Badge_________________________

Mailing Address_______________________________________________________________________________________ STREET & or PO BOX CITY PROVINCE POSTAL CODE

Phone___________________________ Email______________________________________________

***PLEASE NOTE*** 1. Everyone, including guests and exhibitors must be registered to attend convention functions, including meals. 2. All cancellations must be in writing by mail or e-mail and be acknowledged. Cancellations received after April

1st, 2016 will be subject to a $10.00 handling fee. 3. No Refunds after May 1st 2016��



FUNCTION TICKETS COST PERSON A B TOTAL

Thursday Night DG/DGE/PDG Dinner $45.00 $

Friday Luncheon $35.00 $

Friday Night Medieval Dinner $55.00 $

Saturday Melvin Jones Fellows(ONLY) Breakfast $23.00 $

Saturday Night Dinner $45.00 $

TOTAL FOR FUNCTION TICKETS $________

FUNCTION TICKETS MUST BE ORDERED BY MAY 20, 2016

AMOUNT DUE ** SUNDAY ARRIVALS CASH PAYMENT ONLY**

Full registration fee for A $25.00 = $__________ Registration fee for Leo $10.00 = $_________ Sunday only for A $10.00 = $__________ Function Tickets(From Above) = $_________ Full registration fee for B $25.00 = $__________ Convention Pin _______ X $5.00 = $_________ Sunday only for B $10.00 = $__________ Pin Trader Table ________X $25.00 = $_________ Vender/Pin Trader $25.00 = $__________ Vendor Table _________X $25.00 = $_________

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $________________

***Payment Method*** Cheque Visa Master Card Pay Pal

If paying by credit card please fill in the following Name____________________________________ Credit Card #____________________________ Expiry Date______________________________ CVS #___________________________________ If paying by Pay Pal please be sure to include your email address PAY PAL Email Address ________________________________

MAIL YOUR COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORM TO: SPECIAL REQUESTS BONFIELD AND DISTRICT LIONS CLUB We will do our best to accommodate ATT: HOLLEY MENARD those with special needs P.O. BOX 28 Diabetic A B 350 LINE 3 SOUTH Vegetarian A B BONFIELD, ON P0H 1E0 Gluten Free A B [email protected] Other_________ A B

PLEASE NOTE; ROOM RESERVATIONS ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY *Please let the Hotel know you are with the Lions Convention.

ROOM RATES PER NIGHT $125.00 tax included

HOTEL CONTACT INFORMATION

CLARION RESORT(Convention HQ) COMFORT INN LAKESHORE SUITES TELEPHONE 705-472-0810 705-494-9444 705-497-9000 TOLL FREE: 1-800-461-9592 676 Lakeshore Dr 710 Lakeshore Dr

TRAVELODGE SUPER 8 BEST WESTERN 705-472-7171 705-495-4551 705-474-5800 718 Lakeshore Dr 570 Lakeshore Dr 700 Lakeshore Dr



Life MembershipLakefield and District Lions Club proudly presented a

Life Membership to the member we call 'Mr. Lion',Lion Jerry Lane. Lion Jerry joined the club in 1991 &served as Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer,President and Bulletin Editor. He also chaired orworked on just about every committee that Lions haveduring his 25 years serving the community as a Lion.Left is President Lion Bob Elliot presenting Lion Jerrywith his Life Membership.

St. Marys Lions ClubMPP Randy Pettapiece from county Perth

Wellington presents PID Bruce Murray with his 50Years of Service Award from the province.

PID Lion Bruce had a combined 50th/75th Party inSt Marys on June 20th past. (the 75th being the Club’sAnniversary)

Bruce’s “official” date of becoming a Lion isOctober 1st 2015.

Fête du Canada au parcLions de Knowlton

De nouveau cette année, grâce en grande partie àla compétence du comité organisateur, les fêtes duCanada au parc Lions de Knowlton, ont étécouronnées de succès. De la levée des drapeaux auxfeu d’artifices en soirée, il y avait des activités pourtous les âges : concerts de musique, voituresanciennes, jeux gonflables pour enfants, dansescarrées, fanfares etc. Pour leur part les membres duClub Lions de Knowlton ont servi plus de 400morceaux de gâteaux et six contenants de crèmeglacée.

Toronto Cathay Lions Club

Member of Parliament event at Queens ParkLegislative Dining Room to raise awareness of organand tissue transplants in the province of Ontario.Event was sponsored by the Honourable Dr. HelenaJaczek, Minister of Community and Social Services.submitted by Lion Raja Rosenthal

PDG Lion Raija Rosenthal with Ronnie Gavsie, President and CEO forTrillium Gift of Life Network (second from left) having a chat with otherimportant presenters

De gauche à droite derrière le gâteau de la fête du Canada, Winston Mason,président sortant Club Lions de Knowlton, Lion Bill Taylor (ex officier dela GRC) et Pierre Guidon, président Club Lions de Knowlton

Dundas Lions ClubInternational President Preston has asked clubs to

"Ask One" and work on increasing club strength. TheDundas Lions Club in our 84th and 85th year havebeen hard at work adding to our membership.

Lion Bill Haslehurst at the bottom right of the pictureis a 50 year member of Lions and and long timemember of our club. He was recently made a LifeMember of the club. Pictured seated front row left arenew Lions Gordon Mc Roberts, Trevor Hunter (age 20)and Jim Norek. In the back row from left to right areLion Jim Wilson,Kevin McCarthy,Gord Swan, WayneGriffiths, MarkHebscher and RyanMcCarthy (Kevinis Lion Bill's sonin law and Ryanis his grandson). These newmembers haveboosted ourcurrentmembership to42 Lions and weare still doing asInternationalPresident Preston

has asked and are continuing to have prospectivemembers attend our regular meetings and events.

As we come up to our 85th Anniversary we as aclub have made a commitment to continue increasingmembership as we serve our community. By the waythe only Lioness club in the A711 district is theDundas Lioness Club started in 1977 and they haveover 30 members . We have a great partnership as wedo what we can to live our motto 'WE SERVE".

submitted by Lion Doug Foster



MDA Directory InformationCouncil of Governors’ Meeting Dates

• Council Meeting - November, 6/7, 2015

• Council Meeting - March 4/5, 2016

• Council Meeting – Convention - May 26-29, 2016

District Conventions

Dist Location Date

A1 Holiday Inn, Sarnia April 8-10, 2016

A2 Holiday Inn & Suites Parkway, St. Catharines March 18-20, 2016

A3 Ambassador Hotel & Conference Resort, Kingston April 15-17, 2016

A4 Navcam Centre, Cornwall April 15-17, 2016

A5 Sudbury April 15-17, 2016

A711 Holiday Inn International Airport, Toronto April 22-24, 2016

A9 Days Inn & Conference Centre, Owen Sound April 29-May 1, 2016

A12 Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville April 15-17, 2016

A15 Courtyard Marriott, Waterloo April 29-May 1, 2016

A16 Admiral Inn, Lindsay April 22-24, 2016

IMPORTANT DATES

MDA Convention2015/16 North Bay, ON May 26 - 29, 2016

International Conventions99th Fukuoka, Japan June 24 - 28, 2016

100th Chicago, Illinois, USA June 30 - July 4, 2017

101st Las Vegas, Nevada, USA June 29 - July 3, 2018

102nd Milan, Italy July 5 - 9, 2019

USA - Canada ForumsSept 17 - 19, 2015 Grand Rapids, Michigan

Sept 15 - 17, 2016 Omaha, Nebraska

Sept 21 - 23, 2017 Portland, Oregon

Sept 20 - 22, 2018 Columbus, Ohio

What’s new at Lions Quest Canada?Thanks to a very generous donation from Lions

District A16, the Lions Quest Canada website wasupdated over the summer. Please take a moment tocheck it out at www.lionsquest.ca. The previousversion was using very old technology, so it was longoverdue for changes. On the website, you can alsosign up for our newsletter – we send monthly updatesfor our Lions Family and a second update that is moregeneral in nature for everyone who has signed up,including Lions Quest teachers, and other participantsfrom our workshops.

You can also check out the Lions Quest Canadafacebook page and our twitter feed @LionsQuestCanfor regular updates and articles of note.

The school based programs were revised for theUS, and are currently being reviewed for Canadiancontent. There will be more news posted on ourwebsite about the new program material as it becomes

available. This is another good reason to sign up forthe newsletters.

The community workshops continue to be verypopular, and we expect to hold even more in MDAthis year.

The Lions Quest District Chairs have lots ofinformation available, and will also be willing tospeak to your club meetings. Just ask – they will beable to answer your questions, and if they don’t know,they will find out the information for you. The teamis meeting online regularly to share ideas, giveupdates, and talk about how to further advance ourwork.

Lions across the Multiple District told us it wastime for a change, so there will not be a promotionalcontest this year. Instead a general request fordonation has been sent out to every club by email.Please ensure that your club considers donating toLions Quest Canada, and also think about presenting

a Lions Quest Fellowship to a worthy recipient inyour club or community. Every dollar that you investin Lions Quest Canada makes a difference for ourchildren and youth.

Imagine the impact if every club in MultipleDistrict A made a donation to Lions Quest Canada.Last year, MDA raised $67, 215. MD Lions QuestChair PID Gil Constantini has challenged everydistrict to raise at least $10,000 this year. When weare successful with this challenge, every DistrictGovernor will be presented with a Lions QuestFellowship. We know how meaningful this is to therecipient, and it is up to each and every club to donateto make it happen.

For further information about Lions Quest in MultipleDistrict A, please contact PID Gil Constantini at 705-761-1302 ([email protected]) or your District Lions QuestChair.



Thamesford LionsInaugural Recycle DayThe Thamesford Lions initiated a scrap metal,

vehicle batteries and end-of-use electronics recyclingday in April. There was a steady flow of drop offsfrom 8am to closing. 13,000 lbs of electronics and18,715 lbs of metal & batteries were diverted from theOxford county landfill. The Electronics were packedand shipped under the Ontario Electronic StewardshipProgram by our business partner, Green ValleyRecycling, London. As a bonus, $3895.00 wasgenerated for local community projects. This willbecome an annual spring project for the club.

Strengthening the Pridein Fergus!

On June 9th A15 2nd V.D.G. Charlene Teasdaleinducted Lions Nick Mercuri and Jonathon DeBrabandere,they are shown here with their sponsors: Lion KaraShaw and Lion Jan Marftaj.

Bayfield LionsLion Tom Grasby, (right) received the Helen Keller

Award from Lion Larry Simpson on June 28th for hisdedication to club activities, including eyeglasscollections. Also in June Lion Larry Wainright spoke attheir Purina Walk for Dog Guides in June and helpedraise over $10,000.

Paris Lions ClubDedication of the Dan Moore Pavilion At Breslau Dog

Guide Breeding Facility June 13th 2015 The following are excerpts from the remarks of PID

Lion Art Woods at the dedication. Every once in a while a District Governor comes

along who has a special attachment to our Foundationthat finds a specific need makes a fulfilment of thatneed for their year as Governor. One very specialproject was the construction of this Pavilion by the lateDan Moore D.G. in 'A'15 in 2001-2002, from the Paris Lions Club.

Dan had talked to myself and Executive DirectorSandy Turney, who approved the project and providedencouragement. So with the financial support of manyClubs in A-15 and the huge support of the Paris Lions,both financially and with volunteer labour, thispavilion came to be. But make no mistake about it,behind every great project there stands a Lion who

made it happen and for this Pavilion that Lion is DanMoore. It was his interest, his drive, his dedication toLionism and to LFC that made this happen and we areforever grateful. This pavilion is used not only for thisour Annual Service but for many other activities heldby staff and others.

For his efforts Dr. T.S. Lee, Past InternationalPresident, awarded Dan an International President'sMedal. But today, we the Lions Family, wish tohonour Dan by dedicating this pavilion in his memory.

“It Happened at theForty”

Club Building one Partner at a Time During the Town of Grimsby’s annual “Happening

at the Forty” street festival in July the recentlychartered Grimsby and District Lions Club said ‘ThankYou’ to the 62 Grimsby Phantom Air Cadet Squadronfor their support in helping the club grow.

“It was the Air Cadet Squadron’s leadership thatapproached us with the offer of a meeting place,”reports Rob Falconer. “They played an important rolein the development of the Grimsby Lions by offeringthe club a home.”

In addition, the Air Cadets provided hands-onsupport during a “Lions Quest CommunityWorkshop”, Lions “Fill the Bus” food drive and aswelcoming hosts during the Club’s “CharterCelebration”.

Thanks to the welcoming spirit of communitypartners, like the Air Cadets, the Grimsby Lions areback in town!

Trenton Lions Club

Trenton Lions Club recently concluded raffle insupport of Trenton Memorial Hospital.

submitted by Lion Wilma Bush

Sue Gudmundsson receives first prize from Lion Andy Axhorn, consistingof BBQ, box of steaks and $500.00 shopping spree at Smyllie’sIndependent

Karen Rosenplot receives second prize, a cheque for $250.00. Thank youto Councillor Jim Alyea for his assistance with the draw

On behalf of the Grimsby & District Lions Club, President Rob Falconerformally thanks the leadership of the ’62 Grimsby Phantom Air CadetSquadron’. Pictured with the Cadets are Rob Falconer (C) Captain DavidLeonard (L), and Sponsorship Chair Carolyn Hansen (R)



WE AT THE LION CANNOT CHANGE YOURADDRESS, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CLUBSECRETARY TO HAVE YOUR ADDRESS

CORRECTED AT LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL

The “MD‘A’ Lions Resource Centre”website is available for your use. Its goalis to provide a “one-stop-shopping” websitefor Lions resources, ideas and tools in allaspects of Lionism, including recruitingnew members, keeping the members wealready have, revitalizing clubs, fundraisingideas and club and district operations.

The MD‘A’ “Lions Resource Centre”website may be viewed by going to theMD‘A’ website at www.mdalions.org andclicking on “Lions Resource Centre” on theleft side of the page.

MD “A” Lions Resource Centre

Website

MOVING SOON?To ensure that the next MD “A” Lion magazine reaches your new residence, please complete this form and MAIL ENTIRE FORM TO:

Circulation Manager, LION Magazine

300 W 22nd Street

Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842

or e-mail your information to: [email protected]

New address will be (Please Print):Name (print): _____________________________________________________New Address: _____________________________________________________City: ____________________________________________________________Province: ________________________PC: _____________________________Club #:__________________________Member #: _______________________Date of Change: ___________________________________________________

Attach Your Address Label orPrint Your Old Address Here:

(include all code numbers)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION District ReportersWe have appointed District Reporters for the Lion Magazine. Their job is to assist the Magazine Editor and you the Lions. Their job is to collect new photos with stories, anything that you would like to submitto the Magazine for consideration. Please be aware anything for the Magazine should now go to the District Reporter in your District as follows:Please remember when sending your articles to your Reporter to indicate if it is for the Governors District Newsletter or the Lion Magazine.

Lion John Daniels, Editor Lion Magazine email: [email protected]

A1 Lion Barb Tuxford email: [email protected] Lion Wayne Scott email: [email protected] A3 Lion Wilma Bush email: [email protected] Lion Sandra Baldwin email: [email protected] Lion Liam Brennan email: [email protected]

A711 Lion Ilkka Ahola email: [email protected] Lion Mike Murphy email: [email protected] Lion Lety Dudgeon email: [email protected] Lion Bob Pearson email: [email protected] Lion Shekhar Bhalla email: [email protected]

HOW TO GET INTO THE LIONContact your District Reporter

Trenton LionessSome of Trenton Lioness were presented with the

Ontario Volunteer Service Award for the years theyhave volunteered in the Lioness Club.

Left to right: Mary Lynn Hiuser 15 years, Doreen Carter 10 years,Shirley Stewart 30 years, Connie Kelso 20 years, Lucille Chouinard 20years, and Marcia Murphy 10 years

A3 District GovernorLion Janet Marissen, CVCgrad Betty Persuric, andfoster Puppy Mom LionLaraine Warren visitBrighton Leos and theLeo's president Mitchell.The Leos are hugesupporters of the LionsFoundation of CanadaDog Guides.

Foster puppies Ivanand Nigel were shown theproper way to behave byworking guide Mac.

Brighton Leos


Celebrating “35 years” of Customer Service


CandidateInternational

Director 2017-2019“Yes We Can”

T O MGORDON

ANNOUNCING

JIM PRENGER

CANDIDATE FOR INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

2017 – 2019LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL

Vote for Lion Jim’s Integrity, Honesty and

Thoughtful Decisiveness

• Lion for 28 years – Port Dalhousie, Dundas, Kincardine• Melvin Jones Fellow• Recipient 100% Club President• 100% District Governor Team Award 2013-2014• Community Leader and Volunteer• Retired Banker• MDA GMT Coordinator Ontario West 2014-15• Father of Three and Grandfather of ThreeEmail: [email protected]

We Serve

We Serve

Agreement Number is:41805020*


m.d. “a” edition september/october 2015 check your instruction manual if unsure. many cameras...

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