Paris Lions Club celebrates 95 years of service and volunteer spirit

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

For nearly a century, the Paris Lions Club has been a cornerstone of community service, with volunteerism at the heart of everything it does.

Celebrating its 95th anniversary this year, the club’s legacy is built on the dedication of its 40 members, who collectively bring close to 800 years of service to the community. That remarkable commitment reflects a long-standing tradition of giving back and it’s one that dates to the club’s founding in the early 1930s, when members first came together to support residents during the hardships of the Great Depression. 

Today, that same spirit of service continues through a wide range of events and initiatives that touch nearly every corner of the community. The annual Paris Lions Club Maple Syrup Festival each April remains one of the club’s signature events, drawing residents and visitors together while raising funds to support local causes. Throughout the year, the Lions’ familiar food truck can be found at the Paris Fair, Brantwood Farms and numerous community gatherings and is always a visible reminder of their ongoing presence and willingness to lend a hand. Beyond fundraising, the club’s volunteer efforts extend to organizing the annual Dog Walk for Guide Dogs, supporting community sports organizations, and contributing to countless local initiatives. Their work often goes beyond what is seen, with members dedicating hours behind the scenes to ensure events run smoothly and community needs are met.

Recognizing that their impact reaches beyond their own membership, the club also hosts an annual Friends of the Lions appreciation night. The event celebrates the many volunteers who are not Lions members but play a vital role in supporting the club’s activities and is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines the organization.

From its early days providing essential care and support to families in need to its modern-day role as a driving force behind community events, the Paris Lions Club continues to embody the true meaning of volunteerism.