55 Years of Service: The Orléans Lions Continue to Change Lives

For 55 years, the Orléans Lions Club has demonstrated what can happen when dedicated volunteers come together with a common purpose: to serve their community and improve the lives of others.

Last October, club members, supporters, and guests gathered to celebrate the club’s 55th anniversary, reflecting on a remarkable legacy of service, friendship, and compassion. Led by Charter Member Claude Bertrand and President Larney Moke, the celebration was not only a look back at past accomplishments but also a reaffirmation of the club’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the community.

What began in 1969 as a small group of volunteers has grown into a vibrant organization that continues to make a meaningful difference throughout the Orléans area and beyond. Through countless hours of volunteer service, fundraising, and community partnerships, the club has remained true to the Lions motto, “We Serve.”

One of the most inspiring moments of the past year was the club’s support of honorary Lion Kevin Frost, a legally blind and deaf golf champion whose determination has inspired people across Canada. Members participated in the annual fish dinner and auction held in his honour, celebrating not only his achievements but also the power of community support and perseverance in overcoming challenges.

Vision care remains a cornerstone of Lions service worldwide, and the Orléans Lions continue to embrace that mission. Thanks to the dedication of Lion Guy Thibodeau, more than 10,000 pairs of eyeglasses were collected and prepared for recycling. Those glasses will provide the gift of sight to individuals in need, extending the impact of the club’s efforts far beyond the local community.

The club also joined forces with neighbouring Lions Clubs to support the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides Walk. The event raised both awareness and funds for Canadians who rely on Dog Guides to enhance their independence and quality of life. In addition, the Orléans Lions supported the newly launched Mission Vision Screening Program, helping provide access to vision screening for disadvantaged individuals.

Closer to home, the club continued its longstanding commitment to seniors and veterans. Members donated and visited Veterans’ House, home to 40 veterans, and brought the joy of bingo and companionship to residents in local seniors’ residences. These visits may seem simple, but they provide meaningful social connection and remind residents that they remain valued members of the community.

Supporting young people is another priority for the Orléans Lions. Through contributions to HOST, a local organization that assists high school students facing difficult circumstances, the club helps ensure that determined young people can stay in school and achieve their educational goals. The club also organized its annual Trivia Night fundraiser, with proceeds supporting programs at the local Resource Centre that help children and youth develop essential social and emotional skills.

Fundraising remains essential to making this work possible. The club’s annual Spaghetti Dinner continues to bring the community together while generating support for local causes. Members also sold more than 750 Christmas cakes and cookie packages during the holiday season, a tradition eagerly supported by residents year after year.

The year concluded on a heartfelt note with a donation to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) during its annual telethon. Thanks to a corporate matching program, the impact of that contribution was doubled, helping provide care and support to children and families throughout the region.

As the Orléans Lions Club celebrates 55 years of service, its members are focused not only on the past but on the future. New challenges continue to emerge within the community, but so do new opportunities to serve. Guided by compassion, friendship, and a shared commitment to helping others, the Orléans Lions remain dedicated to making a positive difference—one project, one partnership, and one life at a time.