International status for Lions was
attained with the formation of the Border Cities Lions Club in the city of
Windsor on March 12, 1920. This club is now known as the Windsor Downtown
Lions Club.
During that year, many clubs were formed
in Ontario (including Toronto and London Central) and District A became the
first district outside the United States. Over the years, as more clubs were
formed, additional districts were required and thus in 1938, District A-1,
A-2 & A-3 were formed creating Multiple District "A".
District A-1 is located in Southwestern
Ontario and covers an area roughly from London to Windsor and from Lake Erie
to the southern tip of Georgian Bay. Presently there are 50 clubs in the
district raising funds and working for their communities.
Contributions in this District vary from
a couple of hundred dollars for the needy to thousands of dollars for
charities, leader dogs, hearing ear dogs and special skills dogs. Lions in
District A-1 have supplied the funds to build health centres in rural
communities, Scout Halls, Retirement Homes and to supply much needed
equipment to hospitals. District A-1 came together with several other
districts to provide over $250,000 to help build Ronald MacDonald House in
London.
If you are ready to contribute to your
community and do something very rewarding, check out the Lions Club in your
area.