On April 7, 2018, I attended the 50th Charter Anniversary of the Gambo Lions Club, having served as president (King Lion) of the Club 43 years earlier. It was just last year Lions International had its Centennial Celebrations. On such occasions, we are made more aware of the substantive contribution such volunteer organizations make in enhancing the quality of our various communities. I came away with some thoughts, and reflections, which I will attempt to communicate in writing. The most noticeable revelation was the number of women who are now actively involved in Lionism. Back in the early 1970s, it was a men's organization; the women assisted by selling tickets for dances, providing lunches and we had an annual "Ladies' Night." At the Lions District Convention held in Gander April 1974, the program proudly displayed, "One Million Men Serving Mankind." Today Lions International proclaim approximately 1.5 million members. In 1925 Helen Keller and Ann Sullivan were honoured as the first and second lady of Lionism. In 1975 Lions International launched the Lioness Program giving International recognition to women who had been serving in Lions Clubs Ladies auxiliaries and for the first time these women's Clubs became united under one name, banner, emblem and constitution. By October 1976, Lioness Clubs had been organized in each of our sub-districts, the first Lioness Club was certified in Multiple District 41 in Bay Roberts. LCI (Lions Club International) was the first service club organization to approve women for membership in 1987. Today, women make up the fastest growing demographic within Lions Clubs International. Another noticeable difference is the diverse methods of fundraising and the extensive scope of activities in today's Lions Club. In addition to the membership fees, our main source of income was derived from dances at the S.U.F. hall, and selling tickets on donated items. I recall during summer vacation receiving a call from some itinerant magician to arrange a venue that same night; I don't think it was a financial bonanza. We borrowed the Eastport Lions dunk tank on one occasion and I was dunked at the Gambo Civic Holiday activities. As Zone Chairman I recall visiting the Lions Clubs at Gander and Valleyfield. I was also involved with the Speak-Out as questioner and judge at the local and the District level. Our main projects were sponsoring the Air Cadets, constructing and placing bus shelters at various bus stops, and placing garbage containers at Gambo Pond beach, as well as sponsoring the school speak-out and milk lunch program. The Club today is in a much more favorable position in regards to assets and resources; it must be much more convenient having one's own building or community centre. We were refugees, having no permanent home, we relied on other community benefactors for meetings at a local garage, Smallwood Academy classrooms, S.U.F. Hall and private homes. All Lions property and paraphernalia, as well as the bar inventory, had to be transported and stored in private homes. The present Club's membership is more expansive than those back in the early 1970s. The original Gambo Lions Club was founded by a parish priest. There is scant information, but it appears it was struggling to survive. In 1972, the local doctor campaigned and spearheaded a membership drive; I was one of the members who joined that fledgling and floundering club. On perusing the Charter Members list during the 50th Anniversary, I could recall only three who were still active during this period of expanded enrollment. I see a little irony in the composition or makeup of Lions Club membership. In 1917, Melvin Jones, a 38-year-old Chicago business leader, told members of his local business club they should reach beyond business issues and address the betterment of their communities and the world. Our Lions Club membership is comprised primarily of common, ordinary citizens. Many Lions Clubs, particularly in larger centres, follow Melvin Jones original example of having dinner meetings in some restaurant, thus don't have the expense of maintaining a building. But this may not be practical or feasible, especially in rural areas. I don't know if it sprang from some conceivable unscrupulous business practices, but all persons proposed for membership had to be vetted - (background check). This is in keeping with the obligation of Lions Clubs International - to uphold, preserve and enhance its image. I doubt if this procedure is strictly embraced. For a while we may have been overly cautious about sponsoring new members, and, especially with so many teachers joining, it may have sent a message of elitism. But the more important message is to follow the Lions logo, to maintain the courage and heart of a lion, to persevere, without fear, the unknown; to take on challenges head on, despite the obvious obstacles and resistance. Volunteering in any organization need not be selfless, there is an intangible, a sense of satisfaction from doing something to give back to the community. That's what carries us from where we are now to where we are hoping to go. By Charles Beckett Gambo, NL   Submitted By: NULL