Markham Lions Club

Markham Lions are a dedicated group of men and women who, over the years, have voluntarily raised over 1.5 million dollars to support a variety of community projects for the benefit of all. The Lions motto "We Serve" is exemplified by the many projects relating to sight and hearing, such as our support for "Seeing-Eye" dogs and "Hearing-Ear" dogs and Vision Testing in local schools. The Charter night was on November 30, 1943, at St. Andrews United Church with 39 Lions present and 162 guests. The first president, John Cattanach and the first slate of officers were installed. Membership grew in the 1970's and 1980's to over 80 members and today in 2009, membership stands at 49 members. Originally named the Markham-Unionville Lions Club until 1977 when Markham sponsored the Unionville Lions Club as a separate club. Our first service project was sponsoring the High School Air Cadet Corps and this continues today with our sponsorship of the public speaking contestants from the Air Cadet Corps of Markham. Over the year, major projects have included purchasing equipment for the Markham Stouffville Hospital, the Markham Centennial Pool, Thomson Court Senior Apartments, Markhaven Seniors Home, Morgan Park Pool, Markham Museum, Participation House, York Regional Police Station Community Room, and Oakville's Guide Dog School. A strong sense of Community spirit and comradeship is prevalent among the Lions with everyone working to make each project a success.