Lions Clubs International is currently the largest service based organisation, with its roots worldwide and a total of 45,000 Clubs & 1.3 Million Members. The Lions have always been committed to alleviating social economic problems such as poverty and hunger; addressing issues such as impaired vision, lack of education, and at times stepping in through their fundraising efforts to sponsor infrastructure. The first Lions Club meeting was held on June the 17, 1917 in Chicago. The meeting was chaired by a certain Mr. Melvin Jones, a prominent businessman and was supported by fellow businessmen.
The Lions Clubs of District 410, a district encompassing countries in Southern Africa, have been no different and have formed part of the heritage and basis of the FoodBank South Africa Network. When initial conversations kicked off in South Africa, facilitated by the Global FoodBanking Network, Lions from the District 410A were key stakeholders and have remained so with representation on the National Board by Past District Governor Lion Viv Grater. Through this involvement the Lions Food Project of District 410A merged to form part of FoodBank Cape Town.
This project has run for 39 years and has brought with it suppliers, volunteers, beneficiaries but most of all, heritage and accountability, always being true to the Club's motto: We Serve.
