A Social Commitment

In 1939 there was a lack of medical, dental and eye care support from the governments and that is where a lot of our support was extended. Sight conservation and support for the blind was a Lion priority and still is. The recycling of eyeglasses is an ongoing project and over our 50 year history we have collected and sent thousands of eyeglasses to developing nations.

Social and medical support has been reflected in other ways as well. In 1939 and onward tuberculosis was a serious disease and the Lions assisted in the running of TB clinics and X-ray programs. It is noteworthy that in 1942 the Lions supported the payment of 30 tonsillectomies under the supervision of the Victorian Order of Nurses. This was before the discovery of antibiotics. These are some of the less publicized and quiet ways the Gananoque Lions Club has lent a helping hand over the years. Support to the less fortunate continues to this day as one of our major reasons for being.

Of course the purchase of eye glasses for needy adults and children in the Gananouqe area is an ongoing annual expenditure as is orthodontic work. Today, support for the blind includes the provision of guide dogs through annual donations to Leader Dog and Canine Vision Canada. Our club purchased one guide dog in memory of Past President and Zone Chairman Bill Kelly. Blind support also includes donations to research a cure for diabetes, one of the major causes of blindness.