One Act of Kindness at a Time “We are serving a world in need. One act of kindness at a time” is the tagline for Lions International, a community-focused organization with 1.4 million members worldwide, serving in 49,000 clubs throughout 200 countries and regions, and donating over $1 billion to various charities and community projects. Two clubs quietly perform mighty acts of kindness in Delaware’s corner of the world. The Delaware Lions and their branch club, the Delaware Lioness, have spent years raising money, organizing community events, and making Delaware a brighter, cleaner, and safer place to live. The Delaware Lions formed officially in 1971, and for 54 years, they have actively built up the infrastructure of the Delaware community. The club, which is open to men and women, is actively involved in almost every aspect of Delaware life, from organizing community events to beautifying the streets and parks. In 1985, the Lions built and continue to manage Davis Manor, a seniors’ complex that is still the pride and joy of the community. With a focus on youth and family, the Lions were instrumental in developing the sports complex, which includes a baseball diamond and soccer field, the library, washrooms, and a canteen. Another notable achievement was the opening of the Delaware Skatepark and an outdoor skating rink for public use that the Lions maintain each winter. The club now puts its energy towards raising money for a long list of important causes, including the Lions International Eyes Right program, Diabetes Canada, and several local charities. They host annual pancake breakfasts and fish fries, operate regular bingo and trivia games, and more to raise funds. “Belonging to the Lions, for me, is about the community, the camaraderie, and the fellowship you find at our meetings and our events,” explains Adrian Roes, Delaware Lions President. In 1989, a group of Delaware women also envisioned endless opportunities to enhance their community. They became a chartered Lioness club, and their motto, “Digging in and working together!” rings true in the work they continue doing today. Pat Jackson was the charter president when the club formally started. Her father, Ross Jackson, also happened to be the charter president of the Delaware Lions, demonstrating how integrated Lion life is within the community and the family. Like the Lions, the Lioness play a crucial role in developing infrastructure within the community. Among several, one notable project they spearheaded and fundraised for was the creation of the outdoor ball hockey rink, which the Lions then built.
Delaware Lions Club - 2024-2025
When Lions International disbanded the Lioness program in June 2021, the Delaware Lioness club dug in and found a way to continue operating as they had always done. They became a branch club under the purview of the Delaware Lions Club. This move allowed the Lioness to maintain their independent club status and identity, which was important for these determined women. Today, the Delaware Lioness have 23 members who organize pickleball and golf tournaments, spring clean-up days, Easter egg hunts and a long list of other community events, including an annual spring breakfast and bake sale and a Christmas craft show. These events raise money in support of many of the same organizations as their Lion counterparts. While the Lioness remains an independent club, it continues working closely with the Delaware Lions, as it always has. The Christmas lights that adorn Delaware in the winter and the flowers that hang from the streetlamps in summer are beautiful testimonies to the clubs’ frequent collaborations. “Delaware has always been a close-knit community of caring people. The Lions and Lioness have long played a vital role in nurturing and strengthening those qualities,” adds Pat, who is still an active Lioness. Everyone who is a Lion or Lioness volunteers their time to care for their corner of the world. The quiet evidence of their hard work is everywhere you look. The danger facing the Lions, and all service clubs, is that as members get older, there may not be anyone to carry on this essential work. Being part of such a mighty force may seem daunting. However, the message from the Delaware Lions and Lioness is the same: Do what you can. “You don’t have to go to every meeting or event,” explains Adrian. “We’re glad for whatever help you can offer.” The Lions meet at the Delaware Community Center on the second and fourth Mondays of every month, except July and August. The Delaware Lioness meet on the third Tuesday of every month at the Delaware Legion. To learn more, find the Delaware Lions on Facebook or visit e-clubhouse.org/sites/delawareon. You can also email the Lions Membership Chair, Lion Gary Smits, at glsmits1@yahoo.com or the Lioness at delawarelioness@gmail.com. Source: www.lionsclubs.org Photos courtesy of the Delaware Lions and Lioness Club
Members of the Delaware Lioness Club, 2024
Page 18 KKD Villager September 2025
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