Paris Lions Club invites residents to serve and connect at March 17 open house

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

For nearly a century, the Paris Lions Club has quietly helped shape the fabric of the community. Now members are inviting others to be part of that legacy.

The club will host a wine-and-cheese meet and greet on Tuesday, March 17 at 7 p.m. at the Paris Fairgrounds, offering residents a chance to learn more about Lions membership and the impact the service club has had since 1931.

“The first major project for the Lions Club of Paris was the formation of Lions Park in 1931,” said Past President Rod Laframboise. “The Lions has led improvements since then including splashpad, swimming pool, amphitheatre, and baseball diamonds.”

Over the decades, the club’s footprint has extended far beyond the park gates. Laframboise said the Lions have long supported youth sports and youth organizations, while also providing annual scholarships to students at Paris District High School.

“Over the past 95 years the club has supported the Willet Hospital, Green Lane sports complex, Sensity, Brant Sports Complex, and the Cowan Community Health Hub to name a few,” he said.

Much of the club’s impact comes through partnerships with other local organizations. The Lions support initiatives such as the Salvation Army, the Paris Christmas Hamper Program, Participation Support Services, Children’s Safety Village and Jason’s Wheelhouse.

“These local organizations have improved the lives of many of our neighbours,” Laframboise said.

Guided by the Lions motto, “We Serve,” members also take on hands-on projects including road cleanups, vision screening, used eyeglass collection, tree planting and feeding those in need.

The March 17 open house is designed to give prospective members a closer look at that work. Attendees will learn about the club’s eight pillars: Childhood Cancer, Diabetes, Disaster Relief, Environment, Hunger, Vision, Humanitarian and Youth. Displays highlighting the club’s history and community projects will be set up, and guests will have an opportunity to speak directly with members.

“Most importantly, the attendees will meet our diverse membership and get to talk to our members about why they became a Lion,” Laframboise said.

He acknowledges that many people want to give back but hesitate because of time constraints.

“We recognize that people lead busy lives and they have job and family responsibilities. As such, you can contribute as many hours as you can,” he said.

For those not ready to commit to full membership, the club also offers a “Friend of Lions” option, allowing volunteers to help with fundraising events and initiatives without becoming full-fledged members.

On a personal level, Laframboise said joining the club a decade ago helped him put down roots in the community.

“When I moved to Paris 10 years ago, I joined the Lions Club of Paris so that I could meet new people, become more involved in the community, and contribute to having a positive impact on others,” he said.

As the club looks toward its 100th anniversary, members hope more residents will step forward to carry the tradition forward — not just to serve, but to connect.

Those interested in attending the March 17 meet and greet can RSVP to lionsparisrsvp@gmail.com