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HISTORY

1925: Eradicating Blindness: Helen Keller addressed the
Lions Clubs International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio,
USA, and challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind
in the crusade against darkness". Since then, we have worked
tirelessly to aid the blind and visually impaired.
1945: Uniting Nations: The ideal of an international
organization is exemplified by our eduring relationship
with the United Nations. We were one of the first
nongovernmental organizations invited to assist in rating of
the United Nations Charter and have supported work of the
UN ever since.

1957: Organizing Youth Programs: In the late 1950s, we
created the Leo Program to provide the youth of the world
with an opportunity for personal development through
volunteering. There are approximaty 144,000 Leos and 5,700
Leo clubs in more than 140 countries worldwide.

1968: Establishing Our Foundation: Lions Clubs
International Foundation assists Lions with global and large-
scale local humanitarian projects. Through our Foundation,
Lions meet the needs of their local and global communities.

1990: Launching Sight First: Through SightFirst, Lions are
restoring sight and preventing blindness on a global scale.
Launched in 1990, Lions have raised more than $346 million
for this initiative. SightFirst targets the major causes of
blindness: cataract, trachoma, severe blindness, childhood
blindness, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.

Today: Extending Our Reach: Lions Clubs International
extends our mission of service every day in local communities,
in all corners of the globe. The needs are great and our
services broad, including sight, health, youth, elderly. the
environment and disaster relief. Our International network
has grown to include over 200 countries and geographic
areas.

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