Our Past History - Lions Club of Balla Balla

Our Past History

Our Past History - Lions Club of Balla Balla

OUR PAST HISTORY-¦-¦

       

Lions originated in the United States in 1917when a group of independent clubs respondedto an idea presented to them by a young Chicago insurance agent, Melvin Jones.

 

He presented the idea that their clubs would be much more satisfying to members if they were doing things for the community.   They could provide this service regardless of race, politics, or by furthering the personal interests  o f their members.                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                          

A conference was called of some 25 independent clubs and from this meeting, held June 17, 1917 , the organization of Lions Clubs was born.

 

Within three years, Lions became International with the forming of the first club in Canada .   Within ten years membership had grown to 60,000 in some 1,200 clubs, mostly in the US , but also in China , Mexico and Cuba .

 

In 1947, Lions reached Australia with the formation of our first Lions Club at Lismore, NSW.