Congratulations Grenada Lions Club

Last night the Grenada Lions Club celebrated the 85th anniversary of their club charter. Lions Club International issued their charter on June 10, 1935. Here are some things mentioned during the celebration.

When the Grenada Lions Club received their charter, it was in the middle of the Great Depression. Unemployment exceeded 20 percent. Per capita income was less than $500 annually. That did not deter the club’s founders. They saw real needs. They served those needs.

Grenada Lions are still serving needs in their community.

Moe Hubbard is Lion of the Year
About 850 children in the Grenada school district and Kirk Academy received a free eye screening thanks to this club. Add to that another 15 students in adult education. The club attended two health fairs and the Jubilee Festival. That’s another 100 people who received a free vision screening.

Grenada Lions collected more than 400 pair of glasses for recycling. Optometrists going on Optical Missions to the Third World can use those recycled glasses to give others the gift of sight.

Here is something even more impressive. Grenada Lions helped 21 local residents to receive professional eye care. All but two received an eye exam and glasses at the expense of Grenada Lions. The other two had something much more complicated.

One patient required cataract surgery. Another needed a prosthesis. Grenada Lions and Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service in Memphis served those needs. The Mid-South motto is “A Miracle A Day”.

Grenada Lions realized that in today’s society, many people cannot attend a noon meeting. That is why they wisely formed a branch club. That branch club meets in the evening. The branch club opens an opportunity for those wanting to answer the call to service.

The Grenada Lions Club may be unique in their age. They are not unique in the service they provide to their community. Every Lions Club provides service to their community. Let’s look at it another way.

Suppose for a minute that the Grenada Lions Club did not exist. Who would provide free eye screenings to 850 school children? Who would purchase glasses for 19 underprivileged residents? What would life be like for someone needing cataract surgery but could not afford it? Think about the quality of life for a person have who must continually wear a patch to hide a missing orbit?

That’s why Lions are important in every community. Lions serve needs. Every Lions Club needs more Lions. Who are LIONS? Lions are Loving Individuals Offering Needed Services.

We Serve because Kindness Matters
 
Lion Andy Kalinowski (Andy K)
First Vice District Governor / District Governor Elect
662.549.3421
http://www.mississippilions.org/ 

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