The West Bend Lioness Lions Club is affiliated with Lions Club International, the largest service organization in the world whose motto is "We Serve". Lion's International was founded in Chicago, IL in 1917, by businessman Melvin Jones. Since its inception, it has been dedicated to helping those less fortunate in their communities and around the world. In 1925 Helen Keller challenged the members t
o be "knights of the blind". The best known of Lion's Services is Sight Conservation and Work for the Blind. This includes worldwide eye banks supported by Lions and especially the WI Eye Bank in Madison. We transport eyes for corneal transplants and research through a network of volunteer Lions from all areas of the state. Used eyeglasses are collected, sorted, and shipped to 3rd world countries. Lions clubs support dog guides and assorted mobility devices, and personal equipment especially designed for the blind and provide Braille books. Other services are eye screen and hearing conservation and providing information on diabetes. Our club contributed to the Tsunami and Haiti funds through the Lion's Clubs International Foundation. Our club was chartered as a Lioness Club on October 19, 1977 and rechartered as a Lioness Lions Club on May 23, 2004. Lions are an international network of 1.3 million men and women in 205 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world.
