Making history every day
1917: The beginning
In response to social problems created by World War I and rapid industrialization, a Chicago businessman named Melvin Jones invited business clubs from around the USA to a meeting where the Association of Lions Clubs is formed.
1920: Lions go international
Just three years after its founding, the Association of Lions Clubs becomes international when the Border Cities Lions Club in Windsor, Canada is established. At the time, Lions were active in 23 U.S. states with a total of 6,400 members.
1925: Becoming "Knights of the Blind"
Helen Keller addresses Lions at the International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, USA. She famously challenges Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." This begins a century-long mission—impacting hundreds of millions of lives through vision-related work.
1945: Uniting Nations
Lions and other representatives from 46 nations meet to help establish the NGO section of the United Nations (UN), underscoring Lions International’s commitment to a "certain and lasting peace for the world." Today, Lions continue to work with the UN at annual Lions Day with the United Nations events.
1973: Celebrating 1 million members
Lions reach a historic milestone by welcoming our millionth member, Barney Gill from Virginia, USA. Today, we have more than 1.4 million members worldwide.
1973: Celebrating 1 million members
Lions reach a historic milestone by welcoming our millionth member, Barney Gill from Virginia, USA. Today, we have more than 1.4 million members worldwide.
1990: Launching SightFirst
Lions launch a campaign to help restore sight and prevent blindness on a global scale. More than 488 million people have been impacted over the last 30 years.
2017: Lions turn 100
The 100th year of serving local communities and the world is celebrated at the Lions Clubs International Centennial Convention in Chicago, Illinois, USA—the same city where the association began.
2022: Campaign 100 goal exceeded
LCIF exceeded its goal for Campaign 100: LCIF Empowering Service. A total of US$325 million was raised during the campaign, which is the organization’s most ambitious fundraising initiative to date.
2023: Partnering for Kindness
LCIF and Lions Quest become founding members of The Choose Kindness Project, a coalition of the leading nonprofit organizations in the United States championing bullying prevention, intentional inclusion and youth mental wellness.