WNY Lions Clubs Districts

“Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.” That is the mantra of the WNY Lions Clubs, which serve 45 communities throughout our region.

Lions Club is an international organization established more than a century ago, comprised of volunteer members, called “Lions,” who dedicate their time to helping those in need and making their individual communities a better place to live.

Lions Clubs adopted sight and hearing as major health initiatives in 1925, and additionally support global causes at the local level including hunger, the environment, diabetes and childhood cancer.

To ensure the organization can support these efforts for years to come, WNY Lions Clubs Districts turned to the Community Foundation to establish the Lions Blind & Charity Fund in 2013.

It was a natural fit. “Our Lions mission aligns closely with the goals of the Community Foundation, particularly in the areas of community development and public service,” noted Thomas H. Reinagel, WNY Past District Governor, WNY Lions Clubs Districts.

The fund provides resources for local Lions Clubs to further their work, supporting various efforts such as the Grand Island Lions 67th Annual Extraordinary Kids Picnic for children and their aides, an inclusive playground by the Clarence Lions, a Race Against Hunger sponsored by the Newfane Lions and 14 Lions Medical Loan Closets throughout our region.

In 2016, Lions Clubs established a second fund at the Community Foundation that benefits individual Lions Clubs and the ConnectLife (formerly UNYTS) eye bank.

Tom is confident in the Community Foundation’s investment performance, and knows that the Lions Club’s philanthropic funds will always provide for its charitable wishes.

“The Community Foundation’s Investment Committee has an enviable history of not only preserving, but growing, invested funds to provide an increasing benefit as the years unfold,” said Tom. “Perhaps the most important aspect from my perspective is the peace of mind knowing that the financial benefits will continue to support the  Lions Clubs’ ‘We Serve’ motto through the member clubs and the organizations we support.”