The Kenora Lions Club was
formed in October 1948, under the sponsorship of the Winnipeg Lions
Club. Thirty nine Lions listed as charter members under the leadership
of Charter President Roy Stratton. Unfortunately most of original
members have since passed away, and at this time none of the charter
members are still active in the club.
The Kenora Lions quickly
got to work seeking out projects that could raise money to be spent
assisting those less fortunate. Various stage shows, circuses, and the
like were brought into Kenora under the sponsorship of the Kenora Lions.
Early on, the famous Christmas Car Draw was born, and it continues to
this day under a slightly different format. The first draws were for
luxury cars, and tickets were $10.00 each. Most purchasers bought their
tickets on the installment plan, making it necessary for Lions to visit
workplaces all over town every payday to collect a dollar until the full
committment had been realized.
Today, the Kenora Lions
Club raises over $40,000.00 each year, which is used to help those less
fortunate in the community and elsewhere. For over fifty years the
Kenora Lions have certainly risen to meet the challenge of our motto:
We Serve.
One of the first and
continuing projects of the club is the sponsorship of the 645
Kenora Lions Air Cadet Squadron. The Air Cadets were formed in
1957, and since that time thousands of young persons from the community
have learned to become better citizens, and hundreds have received their
pilots wings, by being an air cadet. Some of these have continued their
love of flying and made it a vocation.
The Kenora Lions Club is
still a strong organization, but it needs new, young members to help
carry the torch of community service.
The Kenora Lions Club meets
on the first Tuesday of the month from September thru June, at 6:00 pm
in Kenora's Best Western Lakeside Inn and Convention
Centre.
How to Join
Membership in a Lions Club
is open to anyone of good moral habits that has attained the age of 18
years. Joining is by the invitation of a serving member. If you are such
a person, you can reach us by using the
contact info on our web site.
You will be invited to join
us as a guest at a dinner meeting at the Best Western Lakeside Inn so
that you may see what being a Lion is all about. These meetings are held
on the second Tuesday of each month, starting at 6:30 pm from September
to June. You will then be asked to fill out an application form for
membership that will then be submitted for approval by the club
executive. Once you have been approved for membership, arrangements will
be made for your initiation into the Kenora Lions Club and you will
become a member of the largest and most active service organization in
the world, joining over 1.4 million men and women who are proud to call
themselves Lions.
Club Dues and Fees
Membership fees in the
Kenora Lions Club are $70.00 annually, payable in the first of July of
each year. The Kenora Lions Club absorbs the initiation fee on your
behalf. Our monthly general meetings are dinner meetings, and cost
$16.00 for the meal. Dinner is at 6:30 pm, with a social get-together
starting at 6:00 pm.
What Will Be Expected of You
Membership in a Lions Club
is not for casual or frivolous joiners. As a Lion, you will be expected
to attend all club regular meetings, and actively participate in all
club projects. Absence because of work committments or illness are
acceptable. Involvement on committees or special projects adds to the
challenge of being a Lion, as we strive to continue our motto of
We Serve.
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