Zander Campos Da Silva
Published: 2014-01
Total Pages: 312
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Discover how in 1917 a group of businessmen in Chicago created the world's largest humanitarian service club organization! This book tells a detailed and unique history of Lions Clubs International, and highlights the work of dedicated members who provide community service and help people worldwide. Founded in Chicago in June 1917, the dream of a group of visionaries, led by Melvin Jones, from Fort Thomas, Arizona and Dr. William P. Woods, from Evansville, Indiana, is today the largest service club organization in the world. Almost 100 years old, the International Association of Lions Clubs can be found in 208 countries and geographic areas, with 1.35 million members participating in more than 45,000 Lions clubs. Originally published in 1995, this revised edition includes new data and extensive research about international conventions, the leadership of international presidents and directors, and photographs of the past 97 years. It also describes the role of Lions Clubs International in the founding of the United Nations in 1945. Global authorities such as kings, heads of state, congressmen, and professionals belonged or supported Lions clubs' projects in their countries. Sir Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, said that, "Lionism is not the best idea of the present; it is the most brilliant idea of all times." Harry Truman, former president of the United States stated, "In my lifetime I have known many great ideas: but none as great as this of Lionism." Former president of the United States Jimmy Carter became a member of the Plains Lions Club in the state of Georgia, was a district governor, and up to this date he works in partnership with Lions Clubs International Foundation. Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), the official charitable arm of Lions Clubs International, supports Lions' compassionate work by providing grant funding for their local and global programs, such as helping victims of earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters, and by supporting programs, such as SightFirst which is working to find the cure for reversible blindness. Lions are proud that LCIF was named the #1 non-governmental organization worldwide with which to partner, according to a 2007 Financial Times independent survey. Lions answered the call from Helen Keller who, at the 1925 International Convention, asked the Lions to become the "Knights of the Blind." Lions' members and the public at large will be captivated by this vivid account of the organization's history and aspirations for what can still be accomplished in the future.