The Paris Independent
16
February 12, 2022
Lions International motto ‘We Serve’ adopted during the war years To demonstrate that the Paris Lions Club also contributed to efforts beyond Paris, documents show that our Club collected and donated money to the Food for Britain Campaign, the Red Cross Relief Fund, and Flood Assistance.
the summer of 1956.
The International Lions Club motto “We Serve” was well demonstrated during the war years. As much as Canadian men and women were serving Canada overseas, the Paris Lions Club served by taking care of those here at home.
Another big, and just as important project for the Paris Lions Club, was financially assisting with the Willett Hospital’s latest addition, namely the new nurse’s residence. The Willett Hospital, built in 1922, had a 16-bed capacity. Because of the growing needs of our community, extensions were added and by 1951, this small self-sustaining cottage hospital (one of the few in Ontario) boasted a 60-bed capacity.
The Paris Lions Club of the 1950s saw its membership rise to 60 dedicated people. The Club's biggest fundraising project was the publication of “The Chant of the Jungle”, printed by The Paris Star. In this publication, local businesses partnered with our Club to create “Super Shopping Days”, with a percentage of every dollar spent going to our Club. One of these businesses, John M. Hall, is still in existence today!
In addition to supporting the Willett Hospital, the Paris Lions continued to support various individuals with financial assistance for surgeries, purchasing eyeglasses, and contributing food and basic necessities, especially at Christmas time. The needs of local children were, as in previous decades, of utmost importance to the Paris Lions Club. Whether it was health issues, food, sports or just a letter from Santa, our Club members were there to fill all these needs!
The funds raised through this venture went to maintaining and improving facilities at Lions Park. Our Club also planned on helping to complete the creation of the swimming pool for Lions Park in time for the Paris Centennial Celebration during
The 1950s saw real population growth in Paris, plus even more dedicated Lions ready to give back to our community. “We Serve” has been a constant with our Paris Lions Club!
Support The Lions Club, Support Your Community The first draw for Catch the Ace closes on February 15th. Get your tickets here: https://parislionscatcht heace.ca
