Lions Clubs of Multiple District 36, Oregon and Northern California

We Serve

Eugene, OR USA

541-484-0452

Lions of Oregon & Northern California are a part of an international network of 1.4 million men and women in 200 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world. Lions are best known for working to end preventable blindness, the giving of eyeglasses and hearing aids for the needy and local service projects.

 

Mission Statement of Lions Clubs International:

 

"To create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation."

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS LIONS OF MD36

November 20, 2024  /  Jennifer Brewster

The holiday season reminds us of all the many things we have to be thankful for in our lives. Our families, our friends and the communities in which we live. While we think of all we have I ask each of us to think of those who really have nothing. Maybe we can brighten someone’s day by doing a little something to help them out with a lift this holiday season. As Lions we have the power to change someone’s life, not only during this holiday season but throughout the year. I want to thank each Lion and every club that takes extra time out of this busy time of the year to serve others. Each of you is making a difference.

Kathy and I talk often of how important serving others and spreading kindness as we make our journey through this life. We talk about how we feel knowing if we only help one person or a group we are making a difference to them. I’m reminded of a news article I read a few years back and I feel it is a perfect time to share with the Lions of MD36.

It was titled DO SOMETHING GOOD. It talks about following your heart and doing something kind today and each day you are blessed to have. How showing kindness to others can make you smile, how it can set off a ripple or wave of generosity in others.  The article went on to say that researchers reviewed decades of studies of over 25,000 individuals in which participants witnessed someone act in a helpful way and then had the opportunity to be of service to random people themselves.

It is called “GOAL CONTAGION “which occurs when people catch the desire to serve others after seeing someone else act selflessly. This article reminded me that this is proof of service and acts of kindness really are contagious, and we Lions can make a difference not only during the holidays but year-round. As the late Lion Haynes Townsand said KINDNESS MATTERS. A quote from Mark Twain “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see “

So as each of you Lions continue to serve your communities and show kindness to others, think about the lives we are changing and making a difference too, not only during the holidays but throughout the year.  

May your holidays be filled with joy and happiness as you share with family and friends, enjoy each other and be thankful for all you have and what you might share with those with nothing. In doing so you will not only be serving from your heart, but you will be making your mark and making a difference to those you serve.

                                            In service Council Chair Lion Lynn & Kathy Coon MD36

“Will you not help me hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided? I appeal to you Lions, you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind. Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?”
— Helen Keller's Speech at 1925 International Convention Cedar Point, Ohio, USA June 30, 1925