The Greater Hartford West Indian Lions Club was organized June 29, 2001, with the Bloomfield Lions Club serving as their sponsor. It was created primarily due to the growing West Indian population in the Hartford region. PCC Sydney and Lion Elba Cruz Schulman were the club’s Guiding Lions during the first two years.

 

Since its creation this Lions Club has been quite active within the West Indian community, performing civic activities such as holding health fairs for the general public at the West Indian Social Club and for police officers and their families at the Hartford Police Department. Services offered included eye, chiropractic, and blood pressure screenings. Counseling services were available regarding nutrition as well as AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. During the NAACP Convention in Hartford, the members conducted eye screenings. The club has also met the cost of eyeglasses for those without the necessary funds.

 

As a result of fund raising activities, the club has been able to contribute to local and national charities such as the African-Caribbean American Parents of Children with Disabilities, Sickle Cell Association, the American Diabetes Association and to various Lions charities.

 

This is an active club participating in all regional and statewide Lions activities, and some of the members recently attended the Lions Clubs International Convention.

 

Members have collaborated with the Hartford Multi-National Lions and the Bloomfield Lions in arranging for the 2005 Holiday Party at the West Indian Social Club in Hartford.

 

This is a rather young club that has increased its membership during every year of its existence, and continues to provide vital services within the West Indian Community.

 

an excerpt from A Brief History of Lionism in Connecticut 2007 - see the website