Archief 2006.24 - Port Hope Lions Club fonds

The Lions Club of Port Hope was founded in 1931 (with Eric G. Reynolds elected as first president), after receiving a sponsorship from the Toronto Central Lions Club. Since the club received its official charter on June 17th 1931, it is the oldest Lions Club between Toronto and Montreal. During the early years of the Lions Club of Port Hope, the membership focused on developing food and financial support for families hit by the depression, running optical clinics, sponsoring sports teams, providing a lifeguard and rescue boat to Port Hope, and the creation of playgrounds and ice rinks throughout the town. Throughout the war years, the Port Hope Lions became very actively involved in supporting the Canadian war effort. Including: collection drives, salvage, assisting the Red Cross through campaigning, and even sponsoring health clinics (like those designed to fight against TB). The active membership base of the club continued to expand into the 1950s and 1960s, focusing on creating Christmas baskets for needy families, the development of a children’s milk program, continued collection of used eyeglasses, and fundraising on behalf of the hospital building fund (a project which was completed in 1964). During the 1960s and 1970s the need for critical local welfare support decreased, however the Port Hope Lions still persevered toward assisting the community. When membership began to decline in Port Hope, the membership still supported the creation of other clubs, sponsoring the Bewdley and District Lions Club in 1971. During this time, the Port Hope Lions were joined by the support and activities organized by a new Lioness Club branch. By the mid 1970s, membership began to increase again, and in 1976 the club celebrated not only their 45th anniversary, but also the addition of a Leo Club into the fold. Toward the end of the 20th century, the Port Hope Lions (along with many other social and service organizations) saw another decline in membership, however, the club looked enthusiastically toward their 65th anniversary in 1996. A friendship arch was erected at the Recreation Centre to mark the occasion, and a Declaration of Continuing Community Service was presented to Mayor Ronald Smith. The intent of the declaration was to re-dedicate and pledge the club to the continuing civic life and welfare of the Port Hope community.