The Lioness Club Program evolved naturally from the work of women supporting the activities and goals of their local Lions Club.

In 1975, Lions Clubs International Board of Directors voted to recognize these groups of women who had been serving in Lions Clubs auxiliaries all over the world. For the first time, these women’s groups were united under one name, one banner, one emblem and one constitution.  The first club organized under the program was Mount Pleasant Lioness Club of North Carolina.

In 1987, responding to societal changes, Lions Clubs International Board of Directors called for the admission of both men and women into Lions and Lioness Clubs. In light of these constitutional amendments, the staying power of the Lioness Club Program indicates it meets the needs primarily of women who wish to unite with other women in International humanitarian service.

A Lioness Club must be sponsored by a Lions Club. The relationship of the Lioness Club to its sponsoring Lions Club is one of mutual support. A Lioness Club is not chartered but is rather organized or certified.

Lioness Clubs assist their sponsoring Lions Club in a variety of service activities. They also plan and implement projects of their own in the community. Lioness Clubs perform service in areas traditionally associated with Lions Clubs International such as diabetes, sight & hearing, and more recently, drug abuse awareness. Beyond these and crucial to a Club’s vitality, is the Lioness practice of assessing local needs in areas of health, education and social welfare. The program includes persons of varying interests, backgrounds and nationalities. Although different in many ways, they share a single vision – the commitment to make the world a better place to live – now and in the future.

Lionesses may invite into their membership any community-minded person who they feel would be an asset to their Club. The program provides opportunities for individuals to express concern for human need through structured, productive service activities. Being involved in community service expands a member’s horizons. Lionesses become aware that it is possible for one person to improve the condition of the world – by joining hands with others in collective human service.

In 1981, Lions Club International Board of Directors adopted the philosophy of Lioness Clubs:

(1) By definition a Lioness Club is a group of service-minded women sponsored by a Lions Club for the purpose of providing service to the community while creating fellowship and mutual understanding within the Club.

(2) Lioness Clubs are organized and operate in accordance with the Standard Lioness Club Constitution.

(3) The relationship of the Lioness Club to its sponsoring Lions Club, while legally referred to in terms of jurisdiction and supervision, is intended to foster a spirit of cooperation between both Clubs. Such cooperation allows Lions and Lioness Clubs to work in harmony in areas of service as broad as human needs dictate.

(4) Lions and Lionesses should recognize the true nature of their service: cooperation without loss of identity; individuality without competition.

(5) Whether Lionesses work side by side with their Lions, or independently in a spirit of community cooperation, they bring a significant gift to Lionism: that of their special talents and unique capabilities.

1984     Elaine Cheung (Charter President)

1985     Lily Ray

1986     Kareen Wong

1987     Anna Yeung

1988     Betty Chin

1989     Shirley Bennie

1990     Adelina Ko

1991     Rita Fok

1992     Virginia Tse

1993     Tansy Chu

1994     Winnie Yu

1996     Kareen Wong

1997     Cathy Chan

1998     Eileen Okamoto

1999     Mei Rai

2000     Vicki Jang

2001     Shirley Bennie

2002     Helina Seto

2003     Vivien Kee

2004     Catherine Lau

2005     Johnna Chan

2006     Liza Shoda

2007     Venita Kwan

REGULAR CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES:

• 1995 – 2007 Bingo every alternate Sunday afternoon (3:15 pm – 4:45 pm) and Christmas Shows at the Dogwood Seniors’ Lodge, Vancouver.

• April 19, 2008 SOS Treasure Cottage in Lonsdale, N. Vancouver (10 am to 2 pm).

• Dec. 2008 SOS Parade of Trees at Grouse Mountain.

• Dec. 2008 Canadian Mental Health Association Christmas Gifts Wrapping.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS RECEIVED

Awards are achieved as a result of joint efforts by Club members. Therefore, they should be awarded to the Club. If certain award(s) could only be granted to individual(s) vs. the Club name, the current President was responsible to request the award provider to put it on hold as a credit until such time a decision was made as to who the award should go to. If such credit was not available, the current President would kindly decline receipt of such award on behalf of the Club

1996 :  Winner of Public Speaking Contest at Spring Conference – Lioness Cathy Chan;
Melvin Jones Fellow – Lioness Grace Hwo;

2002 – 2003:  Rookie of the Year – Lioness Linda Li;

2004:   Certificate of Appreciation – in sincere appreciation for outstanding Diabetes Awareness Services rendered during 2003 – 2004 to District 19A of the International Association of Lions Club culminating in District 19A’s Inaugural Diabetes Run Walk Roll Banquet to Fight Diabetes on May 15, 2004 (from PID Ralph Long, District 19A Diabetes Chair);

2005:  Certificate of Appreciation - in sincere appreciation of giving of time for helping and caring (from PZC Grace Hwo);

2006:  Judge Brian Stevenson Award – Lioness Grace Hwo;
International President's Certificates of Appreciation 2004 to 2008 – Lioness Grace Hwo;
District Lion of the Year – Lioness Grace Hwo;

Mar. 19, 2006:   Certificate of Appreciation – in appreciation of the invaluable services and cooperation extended
(from 19A-1 PZC Teresa Ng on behalf of Multiple District 19, Lions Clubs Int’l);

Nov. 11, 2006:   In Recognition of being a “Major Lead Donor” to District 19A Lions Diabetes Foundation
(from Lions Clubs  International);

2007:   District Lion of the Year – Lioness Grace Hwo;

2007:   In Sincere Appreciation and Recognition to Vancouver Chinatown Lioness Club’s Outstanding Contribution
(from 19A-1 PZC Dickie Lam on behalf of Lions Clubs International);

Vancouver Chinatown Lioness Club has been supporting the Bursary Award at the University of British Columbia since 1989. The title and description of this annual award are as follows:

Vancouver Chinatown Lioness Club provides a bursary of $500. In assigning the Award, preference is given to a single mother registered in undergraduate or graduate studies in the School of Social Work and Family Studies.

Bursaries at University of British Columbia are monetary gifts provided to students to assist them with expenses incurred while pursuing an academic program. Financial need is the primary consideration in the selection for bursary recipients. UBC suggests that a minimum of $1,000 a year be available for distribution.

Vancouver Chinatown Lioness Club Bursary Recipients:

Eguchi, Leya                                 Accepted                2007W                                $500.00                                      BSW

Moodley, Kasthuri                       Accepted                 2006W                               $500.00                                      BSW

Thompson, Corinne Anne        Accepted                 2005W                               $500.00                                      BSW

Muschamp, Michelle Yvette    Accepted                 2004W                               $500.00                                      BSW

Tariverdiyeva, Narmina           Accepted                 2003W                               $500.00                                      BSW

McMullen, Kristi Leanne           Accepted                  2001W                               $500.00                                      BSW

Lucas, Patricia May                  Accepted                  1999W                                $500.00                                      BSW

Beausoleil, Nerissa                  Accepted                  1997W                                $500.00                                      BSW

Beausoleil, Nerissa                  Accepted                  1996W                                $500.00                                      BSW

Walker, Susan Colleen            Accepted                  1995W                                $300.00                                      BSW

Walker, Susan Colleen            Accepted                  1994W                                $300.00                                      BSW

Brooks, Sandra Kay                 Accepted                   1993W                                $300.00                                     MSW

Crawford, Sandy Lea               Accepted                   1992W                                 $300.00                                     BSW

MacNeill, Heather Joan         Accepted                    1991W                                 $300.00                                     MSW

Toddun, Linda Joy                  Accepted                     1990W                                 $300.00                                     BA

Mason, Marcelle Sofia           Accepted                     1989W                                 $300.00                                    MSW

Contacts at UBC: Lesley Campbell

Development Officer, Awards Services, Gift & Estate Planning

Development Office

University of British Columbia, David Strangway Building
#500 - 5950 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3
Tel: 604.822.8920
Fax: 604.822.8151
Email: Lesley.Campbell@ubc.ca