Lions Clubs International is the largest service organization in the world with an excess of 1.5 million members. Although its headquarters is in Oak Brook Illinois, it is a truly international body with clubs in over 180 countries and geographical areas. The objective of Lionism is to serve the community - neighbour helping neighbour. It did not take long before this simple, yet broad ideal sprea
d throughout the world. On a global level Lions have for many years been associated with their work with the blind and the prevention of blindness. This relationship arose because of the efforts of a tireless defender of the physically disadvantaged - Helen Keller. While at the 1925 International Convention, in a crowded room charged with emotion, Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness". To honour Helen Keller the Lions made her the first female member of their association. Lions International was formed in Chicago in 1917. Although it was called international, it did not truly become an international organization until a Lions club was formed in Windsor Ontario, in 1920. That same year a club was chartered in Toronto, and still bears the name Lions Club of Toronto (Central). In 1931 a lions club was formed in East Toronto. It was only the second service club east of the Don River, and its service area included East Toronto and the then Township of East York. Throughout its long and illustrious history the club has changed its name several times to reflect its primary area of
service. Initially called the Toronto East Lions Club its name was changed to the Danforth Lions Club and finally to the East York Danforth Lions Club. The first President of the East York Danforth Lions was George Bosnell, an optometrist. It was through Bosnell's guidance that the Club helped many people by supplying them with eye glasses. Other charter members included Ken Waters, whose family owned and operated a florist shop on Danforth Avenue. Some of the activities that the club engaged in were the distribution of cod liver oil, food and eye glasses. On several occasions the Lions held Midnight Frolics at the Prince of Wales theatre at Woodbine and Danforth and the Palace theatre at Pape and Danforth.
