Who, in 1935, of the 20 charter members could have imagined that the Toronto Beaches Lions Club (TBLC) would have such a long and successful future.

A club whose zeal and vibrancy has enhanced the quality of life for many East Toronto residents. Many of the
good deeds performed by the Lions go almost totally unnoticed by the general public. Whether it be gifts of money, donations of food, heating fuel, clothing – the list is almost endless.

When it comes to serving the community nobody does it better.

Some of the activities of the TBLC, however, are very obvious to the public. Events such as the Easter Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting, Canada Day celebrations, just some of the many activities sponsored and staged by the TBLC.

The TBLC is a part of Lions Clubs International. 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 spread 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”.

A challenge which the Lions all too eagerly accepted. To honour Helen Keller the Lions made her the first female member of their association.