October 22, 2023

Lions and Leos please help us CONGRATULATE our District Cabinet Secretary Lion Verona Payne MJF, and Region Chair Lion Atma Shivbarran PMJF on the completion of the pivotal Lions Certified Instructor Program (LCIP) in Atlanta, GA USA October 13-16, 2023.

WELCOME TO THE LCIP ALUMNI! YIL PDG Lion Tebo Richards PMJF, A711 GLTC

October 5, 2023

Dear Lions Club members of District A711 and friends,

As we gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for each and every one of you.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives and to appreciate the love and support we receive from our families, friends, and communities. We are grateful for the unwavering dedication and commitment that each Lions Club member brings to our organization.

Your selflessness and willingness to serve others truly embody the spirit of Thanksgiving. Your tireless efforts have brought hope and relief to countless individuals and families.

This Thanksgiving, let us also remember those who are less fortunate and facing hardships. As Lions, we have a unique opportunity to extend our helping hand and bring comfort to those in need. Whether it is through volunteering, fundraising, or simply spreading kindness, let us continue to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

As we gather around the table with our loved ones, let us also remember to express our gratitude for the blessings we often take for granted – good health, a warm home, and the love and support of our families. Let us cherish these moments and use them as a reminder to continue serving our communities with compassion and dedication.

I wish you and your loved ones a joyous and blessed Thanksgiving. May this holiday season bring you peace, happiness, and an abundance of reasons to be thankful. Thank you for being a part of our Lions family.

The District A-711 Nominations and Election Committee are pleased to announce that Lion PDG Dan Sibanda has been fully endorsed by District A-711 and is, therefore, eligible to represent District A-711 as a candidate for International Director [2025-2027] for Canada at the MD “A” 2024 Convention (Holiday Inn and Suites Parkway Conference Centre, 327 Ontario Street, St. Catharines, Ontario).

What you need to know:

A message from Lion Atma ASHIVBARRAN, Election Runner Software Specialist

Please find the results of our recent election which concluded on July 18, 2023. I would like to express my gratitude to all participants for their active involvement and commitment to the democratic process of our organization.

Transparency and fairness are core principles of our organization, and we ensured the integrity of the election by following established procedures, maintaining the anonymity of voters, and employing secure and auditable voting methods.

If you have any questions or require further clarification regarding the election results, please feel free to reach out to me. Thank you for your continued support.

October 28, 2022

LFCDG New Promo Video Features Clients Coast to Coast

We’re excited to share our new video featuring clients from across Canada in each of our 7 programs! Their personal stories help to show not only what a Dog Guide does, but the tremendous impact they can make on so many lives. This new overview of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides was filmed and produced by Summerhill Media, and made possible by a generous donor. Visit Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides (2022) - (ENG & FRN Captions) - YouTube to watch. You might want to have some tissues close by for those heartwarming moments!

July 4, 2022

Greetings Fellow Lions,

Be it known that a Task Force was created to deal with District issues on Membership Satisfaction, Retention, Region/Zone improvement & development.

As of today, the DMSRT (District Membership Satisfaction Retention Task Force) Is fully operational.

The following Lions comprise the special ad hoc committee:

1. PDG Rolando dela Cruz - GMTC (Global Membership Team Coordinator)
2. PDG Dan Sibanda – District Retention Chair
3. Lion Ray Charbonneau – Historian/ Advisor

As a start, the committee convenes a special meeting with Clubs in Region 25 to Discuss challenges and issues affecting their Region. The committee will be scheduling other regional meet-ups in the next few weeks.

Officers Training in June – July 2022

More information will follow - watch the District Calendar for updates.

May 15, 2022

Dear Lion Atma Shivbarran, Blackheath Binbrook Lions Club

It is my honor to present to you the GAT Chairperson’s Award for your exemplary achievements this Lions year. This award is an accomplishment attained by less than 1% of all Lions worldwide each year, and it shows how your hard work and determination have truly created an impact.

Please accept this award as an expression of my appreciation. I thank you for your astounding dedication and support to Lions and the Global Action Team. You set the bar for other Lions, and your peers can look to you as an example of how action truly does have a lasting impact on clubs, communities and on individuals.

I know you will continue your efforts to empower clubs in your area, as we continue our mission to be the global leader in community and humanitarian service.

Keep up the good work, and I look forward to seeing what you will accomplish next.

Thank you for your service.

Best Wishes,

Kajit Habanananda

Kajit “KJ” Habanananda
Past International President
Chairperson, Global Action Team

Cc: DG S. Heeralal-Judhan, District A711

November 1, 2021

The Lions New Voices Initiative Committee have embarked on a campaign to support at least one Shelter/Help Centre within each of the twelve (12) Zones in District A711, by providing the identified Shelter/Help Centre with a donation of personal hygiene products.

To make this a reality and make a difference we are calling upon All Lions within our District to participate through our strong Club and Branch Club network.

This will be a great opportunity to create awareness of the Lions New Voices Initiative at all levels, enable Club participation, enlighten Lions of our future projects and increase our presence in the District.

For more information click here.

October 24, 2021

This past Sunday Streetville Lions volunteered with the Credit River Conservation Authority along with some employees from Amazon and planted 150 trees at Glen Denning Park on Falconer Drive in Streetsville.

Thank you Lions Jim H., Jim S., Mike, Eleanor, Don H., Diane with family Steve, Melissa and Victoria, Lions Nancy and Bob H. with family Olga (100 years) Lily, April, and friends Ann, Barry, Monica and Keeley. PDG Lion Jeffrey Friedman and his wife Lion Lynn Friedman and DG Lion Sandy Heeralal-Judhan also attended.

Bramalea Lions Club Makes $1.5 Million Matching Gift to Support Osler Hospitals’ Pandemic Recovery

Give once, help twice in support of local health care

October 20, 2021, BRAMPTON – Today, Bramalea Lions Club announced they will match donations up to $1.5 million to William Osler Health System Foundation’s (Osler Foundation) Build Back, Together campaign. The campaign, announced earlier this month, sets out to raise $10 million for William Osler Health System (Osler), in support of COVID-19 pandemic recovery at Osler’s three hospital sites: Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital and Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.

Although urgent and emergent surgeries continued to be performed throughout the pandemic, many non-urgent programs, services and clinics, including elective surgeries, were put on hold. As Osler works to gradually and safely resume normal operations, support is needed to fund essential surgical equipment to help reduce the backlog and replace aging equipment. All equipment in a hospital must be funded by the community and funds raised through the Build Back, Together campaign will purchase items such as surgical tables, anesthesia gas machines, laparoscopes and camera heads, and an AV surgical integration system.

“It is only through the generosity of our entire community that Osler hospitals will be able to build back from COVID-19 and this incredible gift from Bramalea Lions Club will no doubt inspire others to follow their lead,” says Ken Mayhew, President & CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation. “Together, our community has faced some of the most challenging times. And it is together that we will begin to recover from this global pandemic.”

“We have all witnessed the intense demand placed on our hospitals during COVID-19,” says Mary Lou Pollock, Brampton-Bramalea Lions Club. “The Bramalea Lions Club believes in supporting our community close to home, and that includes supporting local, quality health care. We are urging the entire community to rally alongside us in helping Osler hospitals build back from the pandemic.”

To double your gift in support of Osler’s pandemic recovery, visit oslerfoundation.org and donate today, or call 905.863.2440.

 
 
For questions or more information, please contact:
Lion Novelette Anne-Mare Mitchel, President Scarborough JamRockZ6   📱  
 
 

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It is a special time of the year to give back to the community and especially to those in needs: Donate to Food Banks and Feed the Hungry.

On Sat. Oct. 9/2021, there will be a Food Drive at the Daily Food Bank, 191 New Toronto Street, Etobicoke, ON. It is a Contactless Drive-Thru Event.

For those who cannot make it for the Food Drive and would like to contribute, you can drop off your non-perishable food items at 67 Steelcase Road West, Unit 3, Markham, ON.
Hours of Drop off: Tuesday to Thursday from 10 am-4 pm.

All collected non-perishable food items will be donated at the food drive on Oct. 9, 2021.

If you live in the West end and would like to participate in a food drive event closer to you on this special occasion, the Mississauga Food Bank, 3121 Universal Drive, Mississauga, ON. are also having a Food Drive on the same day (Oct. 9) from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. It is also a Contactless Drive-Thru Event.
The Mississauga Food Bank:
Hours of drop off if you cannot make it on the day of the Food Drive on Oct.9, 2021:
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
Friday 9am-1pm
Please complete a food donation form at the time of drop off so we can get the information from The Mississauga Food Bank after the event for reporting.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact the following:
Lion Cynthia Chu or 📱

Lion Leslie Latty or 📱

The Toronto Kaiteur Lions Club is sponsoring a Friends and Family 30 Day Activity Challenge. This event is designed to bring awareness to pediatric cancer and to raise funds for children that are in treatment. Participants can receive pledges and donations for participating in physical activities such as cycling, walking, treadmills, etc.

Please Click on this link for more information.

Mississauga Cooksville Lions Walkathon 2021

Mississauga Cooksville Lions Club is organizing a 5km/2.5km Walkathon to raise funds for various community needs, including:

• Childhood Cancer
• Diabetes
• Women’s Shelters
• Special Olympics

The walk will take place on September 19, 2021 at 9:30 am at Centennial Park, Etobicoke. Registration and start point will be at Picnic Area 8. You can support us in one of the following ways:

• Registering to participate in the walk (5km or 2.5km)
• Sponsoring a Lion (or someone else) to walk
• Making a donation

Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, pre-registration (by Sept 18) is required. Get started by following this link to register and make your secure payment.

We ask for your support and generosity in supporting these worthy causes. For directions and other event details, please see this flyer.

Thanking You in Advance

For questions or more information, please contact: Del Palileo, Club President or Khalilah Megan Campbell, Walkathon Committee Chair.

A Van to Change Lives

The Toronto Beyond Difference Lions Club hopes to raise $20,000 CAD to buy a van for Mujeres Movimiento, a center to create jobs and opportunities for women by women.

Please read and hear about this project at our GoFundMe site and make a dream come true for the women in Sayulita, Mexico.

You can also donate directly to the Toronto Beyond Difference Lions Club by INTERAC e-Transfer, to email: tbdlcm@hotmail.com

Saturday, August 14, 2021

District A711 Picnic

Greetings Leos, Campus Club Members, and Fellow Lions,
Thank You Fellow Lions for joining us on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Paul Coffey Park in Mississauga. The weather and space were in our favour to enjoy our first, face-to-face gathering safely at our District Picnic.

We were very pleased to have the Mayor of Mississauga, Bonnie Crombie, grace us with her presence and her inspiring message.

A big Thank You to all who donated the food, desserts, beverages, and water. It was indeed an amazing International Pot Luck. Thanks to everyone who donated financially, this money will go to one of the Global Causes.

Thanks to all who donated the non-perishable foods for the Food Drive. It was collected for the Food Bank in Hamilton. The hygiene products that were donated were given to the New Voices Committee for their Women’s Shelter Initiative.

Thank you to the Planning Committee for your dedication and commitment. A Huge Thank You to All who came together to make this a successful Event.

Great Team Work Leos, Campus Club Members, and Fellow Lions!!!

DG Sandy Savitree-Judhan's GOALS FOR LION YEAR 2021-2022

Let us all endeavour to help her bring our district to another level of excellence.

One goal that she would like to accomplish as the Lion Year progresses is CROSS LEVEL COMMUNICATION and INTERACTION among the LIONS, CAMPUS LIONS, LEOs and SERVICE-MINDED INDIVIDUALS of our community.

With our talents and skills, we could make an impact in our organization and community as well.

Click here for the condensed Goals for 2021-2022 document

June 26, 2021
District A-711 recognized at LCI Virtual Convention 2021

For any who missed it, you must see it .... The segment about A-711 starts at the 41-minute mark of the video. See the complete session here.

April 27, 2021: APPEAL FOR HELP...
SERIOUS HUMANITARIAN CRISIS

As you are aware India is undergoing one of the worst Humanitarian Crises of a very high magnitude and there does not seem to be any end in sight.

The Oxygen supply in the hospitals has dwindled to the lowest level AND THE LIVES ARE BEING LOST EVERY MINUTE OF THE DAY.

Toronto Netralya Lions Club in collaboration with Vraj Canada Community Center who have started a drive to send to India directly Oxygen Concentrator machines to the severely affected Hospitals.

The drive is underway in full swing. The intent is to have at least 100 Oxygen Concentrators delivered with a minimum delay. The manufacturers of the equipment in Korea have already been contacted and have promised delivery within a week of receiving order.

The cost of each machine is CDN $320.00.

We are seeking your help for contributing to this humanitarian cause by pledging the number of machines. The donors will receive the Canadian Charitable Donation receipt for tax purposes.

This morning we also reached out to Lion Dr. Naresh Aggarwal , Past International President (in Mumbai), who will coordinate the distribution of the machines through local Lions Club to the hospitals.

Please see Letter of Appeal, with details on how to pledge and e-transfer funds. Pledge number of machines and E-transfer funds to Anita Sastri.

Cheques can be made to Toronto Netralya Lions Club and mailed to:
TNLC
3390 Midland Ave. Suite #2.
Scarborough, ON. Canada. M1V 5K

April 20, 2021

Many thanks to all those who responded to our District Governor Lion Tebo's appeal last Thursday by contributed much-needed items, which are already on their way to St. Vincent.

Members of the A711 Disaster Relief Task Force Committee were able to talk on a Zoom call with the President of the St. Vincent Lions Club on Friday night who said that they are able to get some much-needed items from the neighbouring islands and from Guyana, some are donations but they also bought what is urgently needed. One of the things he pointed out to us is that there are people who refuse to be evacuated, particularly farmers who do not want to leave their livestock, and they have to get food and water to those people, not only for the people but also for the animals as there is no grass for them to eat-everything is covered with ash.

It is obvious to us, that the urgent immediate need is for money. We are therefore appealing to all the Clubs in District A711 to make a financial contribution to this cause.

Please Note:

• All Donated cheques should be sent to the District Treasurer, made payable to District A-711, putting 'St. Vincent Disaster Relief' in the memo space.
• All donations will be forwarded to the Bank account of the dedicated Bank in St.Vincent in the care of the Kingston Lions Club in St. Vincent.

We are appealing to each and every club in the District to participate in this effort and there is no minimum or maximum amount. We will welcome from $100.00 to $10.000.00 but we hope that every club will participate. If members would like to make additional personal donations, you are welcome to do so also, either by sending a cheque or e-transfer to either PGMTC Lion Julian Austin or to me.

On behalf of the Committee, I wish to thank you for your support, living up to our motto "We Serve'

Thank you!

Lion Teddy Boyce
Member of the Task Force Committee
Home Club: Toronto Kaiteur Lions Club

March 9, 2021

District A-711 celebrates International Women's Day

PID Nicolin Carol's address

PID Tom Gordon's address

Lions from across Canada are working to build a Stronger Identity for Lions in Canada, in order to support each district's service, public image and membership growth. Lions Clubs are encouraged to use these public awareness posters to support all things Lionistic in Canada.

September 25, 2020

Second Notice of Meeting to Fill Vacancy in the position of First & Second VDG

Fellow Lions,

Great News, our fundraising event was approved by the Sick Kids Foundation and is Live on various social media platforms.

Please click on this link to see how you can donate.

Suggestion: after you have received your pledges and donations visit the site and submit your funds collected.

This link can also be copied and shared to our friends, family, and supporters, if you need a letter to solicit further funding, please feel free to contact me.

Sick Kids Foundation administration will assist with questions on Tax receipts, please follow the instruction on the event page.

Let's make our Clubs proud and support this event.

Yours in Lionism

Rudy Misir - Club Service Chairperson
Toronto Kaiteur Lions Club

Green Capes Lions Club is a virtual specialty club made up primarily of foster puppy parents who raise money for Dog Guides. Our big fundraiser is our calendar filled with many beautiful pictures of puppies.

We have a program that we hope you will help us promote to other Lions Clubs within the A711 District. It is called Green Capes for Lions - A National Lions Club Fundraiser. The program we have developed allows Lions Clubs to earn money for their clubs by selling the 2021 Green Capes Puppy Calendar. The club sells the calendars for $18 to $20 each and pays $9 back to Green Capes Lions Club. The remaining proceeds are kept by the Lions Club to use anyway they'd like to benefit their community. The money we receive back will go support Dog Guides. We see this as a WIN-WIN for Lions.

We have developed a website with all the information that clubs need to participate in this program. We would ask that you take a look to see how easy it is to use. It is found at www.greencapesforlions.com.

Lions Foundation of Canada Online Auction

Hello All,
I hope you are doing well. We are proceeding with our annual Online Auction this Fall and I am looking for help collecting donations. Ideally, I am in need of donations valued at $100 or more. Preferably brand new, never used items, or in very good condition. Additionally, items specific to your province would be very beneficial, as we always lack donations nationwide. Anything easy to ship is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to me. The quickest way to reach me at this time is through email.

Kind Regards,
Katie Gray
Event Coordinator and Interm Walk for Dog Guides Manager
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
152 Wilson Street
Oakville, ON L6K 0G6
Phone: 905 842-2891 Ext. 226
Toll Free: 1‐800‐768-3030
Fax: 905 842-3373
www.dogguides.com

formal request letter

September 14, 2020

NOTICE OF SPECIAL CABINET MEETING 03-OCT-2020 TO FILL THE VACANT A711 FIRST VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR (FVDG) AND SECOND VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR (SVDG) POSITIONS

With thanks for his service, unfortunately, FVDG Paul Maguire has tendered his resignation and has asked to be replaced. We respect his privacy and send him best wishes and understanding at this difficult time wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.

As provided in our A-711 Constitution & By-Laws (C&BL) revised May 2020, I hereby convene a Special Meeting of the existing cabinet and all Past International Officers (Past District Governors) to fill the vacancy in the office of FVDG/SVDG for the remainder of the term 2020-2021:

Below is the Initial Notice to fill the vacancy in position of our First and Second Vice District Governor. Kindly share this message with your fellow members. If there is qualified candidate who is interested, please email our Nominations & Elections Chairperson PDG Sam Dako and DG Lion Tebo providing the full name, club, and position desired, along with a resume (record of Lions service) for verification.

If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thanking you in advance for your usual kind cooperation.

Stay safe, healthy, and COVID-19 free, you and your family.

Lion Tebo (Terrence) RICHARDS
Thistletown Lions Club, Toronto, ON
District Governor (DG) 2020-2021

Marketing Communications Team hosts first training session

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

We are raising funds for the funeral (and family support) of happy kid “Ryan Bhattarai” of age 3, who passed away tragically on Tuesday 11 August 2020 at about 11:07 am due to a heart wrenching car strike. The terrific accident occurred in Etobicoke near Burnhamthorpe Road and East mall Road intersection in front of his sister age 7 who is injured and asking for help after being struck along with Ryan. Fortunately, she is in a non-life-threatening condition. She says, “she lost her baby brother” without thinking much with her small brain. The most unfortunate father who lost his son was holding his hand at the time of the scene is still in a traumatic condition.

The father, Ramesh Bhattarai, is a new Lion of the Toronto Capri Lions club.

Anyone who wishes to help can e-transfer a donation (or request information on other methods of donating) to IPDG Dan Sibanda. 100% of the donations will go to the family.

NAMI EARLY BIRD ENDS
AUGUST 31, 2O2O

FAST START - NEW CLUB AWARD

Contact your NAMI TEAM for questions or inquiries.

Fellow Lions and Humanitarians,

On Tuesday, August 4, a massive explosion rocked the city of Beirut, Lebanon. More than 300,000 Lebanese have been displaced from their homes, thousands injured, over 100 confirmed dead, and many more missing.

When a humanitarian crisis of this magnitude strikes, we, as Lions, are ready to help. Right beside us is Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), our global foundation.

LCIF is currently partnering with Lions in Lebanon to provide US$10,000 in immediate relief to children, families and communities suddenly struggling with everyday needs…struggling to remain safe.

You can help. You're generous donation to LCIF’s disaster relief fund will help deliver further funds to Lebanese families.

I want to give

In friendship,

Gudrun Yngvadottir
LCIF Chairperson

2020-2021 Club Officers Training

Our Global Leadership Team came up with the following to give you the utmost effective training we could offer.

1. The Club Officers to be trained are the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Membership Chairperson.
2. The training will be in three separate groups in three separate Zoom sites.
   Group 1 - Training for Presidents & Membership Chairpersons
   Group 2 - Training for Secretaries
   Group 3 - Training for Treasurers
3. The training will be done simultaneously.
4. In registering, you MUST indicate the Position you are intending to attend.
5. Basing on your confirmation of the Officer training you chose, you will be assigned to the Group doing the training for the said position.
6. The ZOOM site particulars will be sent to you. You can only access the Zoom meeting assigned to you.
    
   

   Group 1 - Training for the Presidents & Membership Chairpersons

   Trainers:

   SVDG Sandy Heeralal-Judhan
   PDG Teddy Boyce
   GMTC Bob Knox
   RC Ferdy Coronel
   PGMTC Julian Austin

   Zoom site No. 1 - GMTC Julian Austin

   Group 2 - Training for Secretaries

   Trainers:

   CS Ann Stevens
   DA/ACS Eli Galindo
   ZC Verona Payne

   Zoom site No. 2 - DA/ACS Eli Galindo

   Group 3 - Training for Treasurers

   Trainers:

   CT Jim O'Breza
   PDG Wayne Hoey
   ACT Pat Matheson

   Zoom site No. 3 - ZC Rick Evans

   DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION - SUNDAY, AUGUST 16, 2020

   Additional Details of the training:

   • Name of training - 2020-2021 Club Officers Training
   • Day/Date - Thursday, August 20, 2020
   • Time - 7:00 - 8:30 PM
   • Manner of training - VIRTUAL

   
   
7. The Global Service Team (GST) and Marketing and Communication Team (MCT) will be conducted on another date - Thursday, August 27, 2020, at 7:00 PM. Particulars about this session will follow.

Please send your confirmation to the following:
GLTC Rollie M. dela Cruz
CS Ann Stevens
DA/ACS Eli Galindo

It would be very helpful if you could please register the soonest possible time.

PDG Rollie M. dela Cruz
GLT Coordinator

New CNIB Camp Lake Joseph Awards

As the MDA Sight Chair / Lake Joe I want to take this time to thank you for your donations to Lake Joseph over the last years. Your contributions have kept Lake Joseph moving forward and allowing more sight impaired clients to attend the camp and become more independent.

When we were asked to raise funds to support this camp back in 1962 by CNIB, the first District Wide Project raised $400,000 and the 18 acre site with 1500 feet of shoreline on Lake Joseph was purchased. This provided a well built summer facility offering a residence for 100 blind Ontarians and their escorts for each vacation period. The Lions financial support and your personal assistance over the years have made possible this great summer experience in summer living for some 8,000 blind or visually impaired persons and their friends over the past years.

We have come up with some awards available to your members or members of your Community that can be given for your financial contribution should you request. Your continued support ensures that we continue to be Knights of the Blind as was asked us by Helen Keller, Please find the applications for the awards attached with this letter and send them directly to the address shown with the information filled in. Thank you again for your continued support.

MDA Sight Chair

PDG Lion Bill MacKenzie

applications (front)   -   applications (back)

A SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISER

WALK AND TALK DIABETES LIONS Team is proud to report raising $5.087 (102% of target) for Cardiac Health Foundation Of Canada WALK OF LIFE.

Proud to see Lions Clubs recognition by Cardiac Health Foundations:

In case you missed the video of opening ceremonies of Walk Of Life, here is the you-tube link to ceremonies.

Pet Valu Virtual Walk for Dog Guides

Thank you to everyone who participated or donated to our virtual walk! We're overwhelmed by everyone's support!

Together we have raised a total of $250,327 so far!

Each year the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides is our largest fundraiser with last year raising $1.3 million. However, this year, things are a little different. We hope you are able to help us as we strive to achieve our goal of $325,000, which would mean one Dog Guide representing each province and territory.

Donations can be made until June 30, 2020 at www.walkfordogguides.com/virtualwalk

Any registered participants who fundraises at least $100 online from now until June 30, 2020 will be entered into a draw for your chance to WIN a $250 e-gift card of your choice!

To all District A-711 Lions:

The District Cabinet and Convention Committees has voted to postpone our District A-711 Convention due concerns about Coronavirus (Covid-19). Voting for next year’s District Officers, including the Governor, Vice District Governors, Region and Zone Chairs as well as any accepting our amended District Constitution and Bylaws must still happen; no less than 30 days before the original date of the International Convention.

A cabinet sub-Committee was created to look into options for our elections. After evaluating a wide number of possible methods, keeping in mind the advice of the LCI Legal Counsel, which asks that we ensure that there be no cause for complaint after the fact. The committee unanimously decided to go with a third-party online voting system. Several companies’ solutions were considered and electionrunner.com was chosen. This decision was made with the health and safety of our Lions in mind.

Given this selection, we will be deferring announcement of election results from the original postponed Convention date of April 19 to May 2, 2020. If the result of the first vote does not produce a 2^ndVDG winner, then a run-off vote will be held starting the next day and our new 2ndVDG will be announced on May 6, 2020. The revised timeline is visually depicted in “Appendix A: Final Timeline for District A-711 Voting”.

The actual online voting process, a summary of the security of our approach and a detailed timeline are attached to this email as “Appendix B: Online Voting Process and Detailed Timeline”.

We have appended a brief overview of aspects of the selection process undertaken by the committee for the online voting system as “Appendix C - A711 election tool decision”.

The Club Delegate form and the PDG Credentialing form have been updated for this election. Please ensure that these forms are completed and submitted by clubs and PDG’s with all required information and email those forms to elections at a711lions.org before April 19, 2020 to ensure you can vote. Questions about this election should also be sent to elections at a711lions.org.

We will be providing access to a frequently asked questions to assist with your use of this voting process and to show you how easy it will be to vote before voting is to begin.

I hope you will all familiarize yourselves with this process.

We are optimistic that with each new day there is hope, and as Lions we will continue to find new ways to put our kindness in action while safely serving our communities.

HAVE A GREAT DAY BEING A LION!!!!

Lion Donald Bissonnette
Elections Chair District A-711
elections at a711lions.org

Postponement Of 2020 District A711 Convention

We wish to advise all District A711 Lions and clubs that, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Cabinet voted this afternoon to postpone our 2020 District Convention.

This effectively means that clubs and individuals should go ahead and cancel their hotel bookings at Sandman Signature Mississauga Hotel as soon as possible. The Cabinet Treasurer and Convention Registrar are currently working out how the Convention registration & meal refunds to all registered Lions will be processed. You will he hearing more about this from the Convention Committee.

Two Convention business items will still have to be executed before May 31st, 2020 - District elections and approval of the amendments to the District Constitution. In recognition of the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic and in line with directions given by the LCI Legal Counsel, the Cabinet has approved online voting for this year's elections. No cause for alarm. More details will follow on exactly how this is going to be done.

At this stage, out of concern for our members, we urge all our clubs to follow any advisories issued by their local authorities. Social distancing and avoidance of physical meetings/large crowds is now the norm.

Thank you for your service to the community.

In Lionism,
Dan Sibanda
District Governor, A711

Looking forward to you joining us in Singapore for the

103^RD LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION

Friday, June 26 – Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Please note that the Canadian delegation hotel is HOLIDAY INN ATRIUM (see link here and links below).

Take advantage of early pricing and save US$75 on your registration through January 10, 2020

• LCICon 2020 Singapore Hotel Delegation Assignments
• LCICon 2020 Singapore Hotel Map
• LCICon 2020 Singapore Hotel Rate Sheet
• LCICon 2020 Singapore Registration and Housing Form

More Tools for Clubs & Members

Lions Clubs International has released a new "How to" for Activity Reporting to help club members report on the good work they are doing. It's available as a PDF and as a video.

CNE Lions Booth Awareness
Volunteers Needed

Lions Booth at the Canadian National Exhibition

Heritage Court, Enercare Centre
August 31 & September 1, 2019

There will be Free Day Passes and limited Parking passes available to volunteers (subject to Availability}. Please plan to use public transit if possible. Volunteers registered before August 15,2019 will receive their passes by mail. Passes will only be available for Lions working at the booth.

Please call Lion Danny Galicia, CNE Lions Booth Awareness Coordinator, if you have any questions regarding schedules –

CNE Lions Booth Awareness
Volunteers Needed

Lions Booth at the Canadian National Exhibition Enercare Centre

(Formerly Direct Energy Centre) Hall B
September 1 & September 2, 2018

There will be Free CNE Day Passes and limited Parking passes available to volunteers (subject to availability). Please plan to use public transit if possible. Volunteers committing before August 15, 2018 will receive their passes by Canada Post. Passes for later volunteers will be left at the Lions CNE Snack Bar (pick up weekdays only) at Coronation Park located outside the Price's gate at the east end of the CNE Grounds. Passes will only be available for Lions working at the booth.

Please call Lion Danny Galicia, CNE Lions Booth Awareness Coordinator, if you have any questions regarding schedules –

Judge Brian Stevenson
PAST PRESIDENT
PO Box 2368, Station M
Calgary, Alberta T2P 2M5 Canada
Email: brian.stevenson at albertacourts.ca

PATTI’S BEANS & BUNS DINNERS

In Milan, Italy, next July, at our International Convention, Canada will present Dr. Patti Hill as our candidate for Third International Vice-President. There will be at least oneother candidate, so there will be an election.

As you will appreciate, a global election campaign is expensive. We thank everyone who has contributed to date. For those Clubs that have not as yet participated in our fundraising efforts, here is an easy way to do so.

During the months of April/May and October/November of 2018, we invite all Clubs in Canada to have a “Beans & Buns” Dinner for Patti in each of those months. Instead of your Club’s regular meal costs, we ask the Clubs to just charge the costs of the “beans and buns” and donate the difference between those costs and your regular meal costs to Patti’s Campaign.

Example: 25 members @ $3:00 (the costs of the beans and buns) vs. the regular meal costs of $12:50 = a surplus of $9:50 per member -x 25 = $237.50 to be donated to Patti’s Campaign. If the Club does it twice — in May and October, then the total Club donation would be $475.

Please forward donations payable to “Patti Hill Campaign” to Committee Treasurer PCC Lynne Coulter, 11305-103 Street, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2Y7.

If all our Clubs in Canada participate in that way, we will be able to present Dr. Patti Hill as she should be presented to the delegates in Milan — as a proud Canadian Lion leader, with class and in excellent taste.

Thank you!

Judge Brian Stevenson
Honorary Chair
Committee to Elect Patti Hill

November 14

Lions Clubs International Centenary Service Challenge

As part of the Centenary Celebrations, LCI are asking Lions to help reach their Centennial Service Challenge goal of serving 100 million people by end of June 2018.

Diabetes Journey Goal – Walk a 100,000 miles to help promote diabetes awareness.

Strides: Lions for Diabetes Awareness event promotes healthy exercise and brings an entire community together in the fight against diabetes. Physical activity and a healthy lifestyle are important for those with diabetes or at risk of diabetes. A 100,000 mile walk for diabetes for our district means 70 miles per member.

This is particularly important not just because of the mileage undertaken, but the fact that Lions are walking i.e. taking exercise for Diabetes they are at the same time reducing their own risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes!

Just look at the frightening statistics as described in the document “Diabetes: Canada at the tipping point”.

Diabetes rates in Canada have almost doubled over the past decade and will continue to rise. Unless action is taken now, one in three people will be living with diabetes or prediabetes by the end of this decade.

Diabetes contributes to 30% of strokes, 40% of heart attacks, 50% of kidney failure requiring dialysis, and 70% of non-traumatic lower limb amputations and is a leading cause of vision loss.(Risk of blindness being 25 times higher than those without diabetes).

Lifestyle change is key in mitigating against the further increase in Type 2 Diabetes.

To get this project off to a flying start, at a recent outing at Diabetes Camp Dorset for Kidney Dialysis Toronto Netralya and Toronto Doctors club members organized a “WALK AND TALK WITH DOC” walk. This turned out to be a great success with Lions living with diabetes sharing their challenges. More importantly they managed to raise more than $4000.00 for the Dialysis camp. Well done to Lion Ashwin and his community partners for their efforts in organizing this event and to each and every Lion who took part in the walk, a fantastic achievement!

I encourage all clubs in our District to walk and talk together, every month or so sharing ideas and planning new ventures. Take a lion, a friend, a neighbour or a co-worker living with diabetes for walk. Just make sure they check their blood sugar before and 30 minutes after walk. You will see their surprise. You might even gain a member or two.

I’d like to encourage every club to try and endeavour to get involved with these challenges. Please encourage your Lions Club Secretary to report service activities through My LCI, the online membership and service activity reporting system.

Diabetes, Exercise and Healthy Lifestyle Program at university Health Centre is taking part in World Diabetes day on November 14 and all participants living with heart disease and or diabetes will be tracking the walking distance to be reported to International Diabetes Federation as the Centre is one of the participants in this Global Walk for Diabetes.

Please keep watching this space for new announcements.

Lion Michael Sarin.M.D,FRCPC
Diabetes Awareness Chair. District A-711

Community and Cultural Activities

Donations are being collected for an Indigenous Community, Mishkeegogamang, in Northern Ontario. The truck will be leaving on September 30, 2017 from the storage at 207 Weston Road, Toronto.

Items Needed:

• Blankets / Towels
• Sleeping Bags / Bed Clothes
• Winter Coats – Children / Men / Women
• Gently used Clothes
• Boots / Shoes
• Babies Items
• Toiletries / Hygiene Products
• Household Items / Dishes / Pots / Pans
• Furniture / Beds / Cribs
• Household Appliances / Light Fixtures
• Tools
• Sports Equipment / Soccer Balls / Basketballs
• Bicycles / Tricycles

Thank you very much, Your Donations are very much appreciated

Please contact: Lion Sandy Heeralal-Judhan

Proposed project for Hearing Conservation

TO ALL LIONS OF DISTRICT A711

Please help hearing conservation with a small but meaningful project by collecting used hearing aids. Ask your friends and family and local hearing aid providers (like listen up) for used hearing aids.

These hearing aids will be given to the Bob Rumble Homes for the Deaf for furthering on to the Congo. They have a way of shipping them that gets them past people who may confiscate the aids for the black market.

If your club could also give a few dollars towards the cost of batteries, it would help, send any dollar donations to Lion Wayne Hoey, District Treasurer.

We will collect these items until end of May 2018 and with the governor's consent, present them to the Bob Rumble Centre at Convention 2018.

And please don't forget your Helen Keller Awards from the Homes for the Deaf. Surely you have a deserving lion who would appreciate this award.

For more information or drop off points - call or e-mail Sally McMann or call .

Volunteers needed: CNE Lions Booth

Please volunteer to help at the Lions Booth at the 2017 Canadian National Exhibition.

All of our clubs can benefit from new members. The Lions of District A711 have had a booth at CNE for the past years. We see visitors from across GTA. and neighboring cities at this event.

Help us let attendees of this event know what LIONS DO.

Volunteers will be expected to talk with passers-by about our three Lions Projects: Beadonor, Recycle for Sight and The Foundation of Canada Dog Guides Program during this event, in the hope of identifying shared interests. We will also be collecting donations for the Disaster Relief.

Lions Prospect Names will be captured and then they will be recommended to visit clubs closed to their homes or work.

Lion Danny will be sending you your passes and free parking cards two weeks before the opening . This is on first come first served basis.

Please register as soon as possible to allow time for your passes to be mailed.

Diabetes Awareness and Action

Lions Support the Fight Against Diabetes

Did you know?

• Eleven million Canadians live with diabetes or prediabetes-that's one in three of us. And another is diagnosed with diabetes every three minutes.
• Canada is facing a diabetes epidemic that is taking a monumental toll on our health. It's time to do more-much more.
• Diabetes contributes to 30 per cent of strokes, 40 per cent of heart attacks, 50 per cent of kidney failure requiring dialysis and 70 per cent of all non-traumatic leg and foot amputations.

You can help make a big difference.

JOIN US!

We are planning to organize a support group for people living with Prediabetes/Diabetes in the community we serve.

Please register using your e-mail: Contact us by August 15, 2017.

2017 LIONS VIP CAR RALLY – EAST EDITION
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

For about thirty years, Lions Clubs in the western part of the GTHA have organized the Lions VIP Car Rally. On Sunday, June 4, 2017, we will try an east rally for the first time.

This event is special because the navigators are all visually impaired. Each navigator is given route instructions in a format they can understand. They direct their drivers on a two-hour timed road trip (not a race!).

Lions serve coffee and muffins before the drive, and lunch after. Each participant will receive a commemorative prize.

Proceeds from the event will be directed to the Blind Sailing Association of Canada and the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. The Blind Sailing Association allows visually impaired sailors to feel the freedom of guiding a boat on the open waters. The Lions Dog Guides train service dogs and match them with humans in need, at no charge to the people.

We need your help. This event cannot succeed without sponsorship support.

Car sponsor: $300

Your logo on a custom sign for a contestant car in the rally

Goods sponsor: $100 or in-kind Food or prize goods

recognized with on-site signage.

In addition, all sponsors will be recognized on the event flyer and online.

To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lion Paul Maguire at LionPaul@pmetal.ca or .

SUPER HEROS AND LOCAL LIONS HEROS

On Sunday April 2, 2017 the York Lions Club donated $20,000 to the North York Harvest Food Bank during the "Heroes Against Hunger Public Volunteer Sort" at the North York Harvest Warehouse, 116 Industry Street, Toronto, ON Canada M6M 4L8.

It was a full of heroes at North York Harvest Food Bank! Sorting food all day with families, friends, superheroes and local heroes, all in support of theirr work providing food assistance for thousands of people in our community.

“We tend to see fewer donations during the summer, so a successful Spring Food Drive is crucial in meeting the food needs of our community,” says Ryan Noble, Executive Director, North York Harvest Food Bank, “Donations ensure that we are able to provide nutritious food for our neighbours struggling to put enough food on the table.”

In the morning sort session (10am-12pm) local heroes from the York Lions Club, the sponsor of the 2017 Spring Food Drive donated $20,000 to the North York Harvest Food Bank. “With rent, food and utilities costs rising, the average family within our community is feeling pressured between paying the bills or paying for food,” says Mike Stacey, Treasurer, York Lions Club, “We have chosen to give back and serve our community by supporting the work of North York Harvest Food Bank.”

Worldwide Induction Day

Once again, we are conducting this Special Induction Ceremony for all the NEW MEMBERS acquired by your clubs from May, 2016 up to March 17, 2017.

These new members will receive a Special Certificate of Membership aside from the Regular Certificate of Membership they received during their club induction.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. Kindly PRINT the names of the new members clearly to avoid mistakes in printing the certificates.
2. All the new members must be registered and present at the ceremony.
3. I would appreciate if the names could be sent to me the earliest possible time.

On behalf of the GMT Team, I would like to congratulate all of you for a job well done.

Rolando M. dela Cruz, PDG
District GMT Coordinator

District A711

2016 - 2017 Winner

We are pleased to announce that Lion Abdullah Gamandie of Toronto Bathurst Lions Club is the winner of our Environmental Photo Contest 2016-2017. The Chairman and the Judges from Toronto Maharlika and Wishing Well Lions Clubs chose his entry (Animal Life) out of four (4) photos received from:

1. Lion Stan Bryan (Huttonville Lions Club –Animal Life
2. Lion Richard Bourdeal (Toronto Beaches Lions Club) Plant life.
3. Lion Alex Castro (Landscape) Toronto Maharlika

Lion Abdullah Gamandie is the President of the Toronto Bathurst Lions Club. His winning photo will advance to the Multiple District “A”.

On behalf of the District Governor Bill Willcocks, we want to send a big thank you to everyone who participated in our contest and helped make it a success.

Environmental Photo Contest 2016 - 2017

Dear Fellow Lions and Leos,

All Lions and Leos in the District A711 are invited to submit your entries and be a voice for our environment. This Lions environmental photo contest offers you the chance to promote an understanding of the global environment and social issues in our communities by sharing your findings through photography.

Furthermore, the Lions Environmental Photo Contest provides a way for Lions and Leos to portray through an original photo their pride and commitment to improving, protecting, and preserving the environment. The contest begins at the club level where every Lion and Leo can enter a photograph of his or her immediate surroundings into the club-level Lions Environmental Photo Contest. Winning photographs advance to the district, multiple district and international competitions.

Lions Clubs and Leos Clubs select and submit one winning photo to the district by December 31, 2016.

The Photo Categories are:

• Animal life
• Plant life
• Urban or natural landscape
• Weather phenomenon
• Special Theme: Dignity, Harmony, Humanity – Celebrating the peaceful coexistence of species.

Those photographs that advance to the international competition will be displayed at Lions International Convention where registered attendees will vote for their favorite photograph.

The three photos with the most votes will be declared winners. The winners will be displayed on the Environmental Photo Contest Winner's webpage and the photographers will receive an award.

Please review the Photo Contest Rules for additional details.

Kind regards,
Lion Eli Galindo (Toronto Mabuhay Lions Club)
District A711 – Environmental Photo Contest
Chair 2016-2017 (Cell - )

Effective Speaking contest

Our District contest will be held in the spring (date to be finalized), courtesy of York Lions Club at York West Active Learning Centre, 1901 Weston Rd. Toronto. The MD “A” contest is being hosted by District A1 and will be held on May 6, 7, and 8, 2016 at Algonquin College in Ottawa.

This year, we are piloting prospective program changes. We are adding new grades to the competition. If the pilot is successful in increasing participation, we will ask MD “A” council to make the changes permanent.

Please note the new categories below for THIS year’s (2015-2016) competition:

more information

Lions Clubs centennial

Our Centennial is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the storied history of Lions around the world. But it's also an opportunity to recognize the achievements of Lions and Lions clubs that are working to make sure that our future is even brighter.

The Centennial Celebration Membership Awards give all Lions and Lions clubs an opportunity to earn limited-edition Centennial awards.

Earn Silver, Gold and Diamond Level Centennial Lion Awards
Earn Centennial Membership Awards for new members and new clubs you sponsor between now and June 30, 2018. The longer your new member or club stays active, the more recognition you receive.

Become a Premier or World Class Centennial Lions Club
Don't miss out on becoming a World Class Centennial Club! Clubs need to induct at least three new members by the end of the fiscal year to be on track to earn this distinction.

Visit the Centennial Celebration Membership Awards website for details about the program and recognition you can earn.

August 29 & 30, 2015

Assistance requested in finding Lions Volunteers to staff CNE Membership Drive Booth

The Canadian National Exhibition is just a month away and we have an opportunity to share with visitor what we do again. This is an opportunity for us to share our key projects and to identify prospective Lions.

I would like to ask you to invite the members of your committee, Region and Zone to volunteer to assist us in promoting Lionism at our booth in The Enercare Centre (formerly The Direct Energy Centre) over two days, Saturday August 29 and Sunday August 30, 2015. Our location this year is Hall B of the most visited and largest of the exhibitions building.

I will be sending this message to every club so I ask you to use your influence while interacting in person with your constituency.

We will once again be highlighting three key projects: The Guide Dog Program (Puppies will be with us), The Trillium Gift of Life Beadonor program, and Recycle for Sight (eyeglass recycling). I will send out refreshers on these topics to those of you who volunteer.

All visitors to the booth who indicate interest in learning more or volunteering for Lions activities will be introduced to clubs matching their interests closest their homes.

There will be Free CNE Day Passes available for volunteers and we will have a limited number of parking passes available for volunteers (subject to availability). Please plan to use public transit if at all possible. Volunteers committing before August 17, 2015 will receive their passes by Canada Post. Passes for later volunteers will be left for pickup at the Lions CNE Snack Bar, located this year at Coronation Park (outside of the Prince’s Gate at the eastern end of TheEx (CNE)). Passes will only be available for Lions working at the booth.

There will be no Free Meal vouchers available from the CNE again this year, so pack a lunch/snack or plan to purchase any meals at the Food Building.

You will find the current volunteer schedule at http://www.lionscentral.com/Volunteer schedule Lions CNE booth 2015.pdf. Times are filled on a first come basis. Please reply to me with your preferences of shifts. I will update this online schedule as I receive requests. If you are unable to access this schedule please send me a request and I will mail you the file. Please include an alternate shift choice if your first becomes full.

Volunteers, please email me your mailing address to allow mailing of passes and a mobile phone number to help with communication in finding the booth and with any critical follow-ups.

Note: The CNE once again requests that each volunteer sign a release waiver while attending at the booth. I have appended the waiver to this email. Please share it with Lions willing to assist at the booth. If they have the means to sign the document electronically or if they can print, sign and return this to me electronically it would be appreciated, otherwise there will be a limited supply of forms to sign on your day of service.

For those who volunteer or simply want access to more information about the three prime topics of focus, please review the attached “Lions Booth at CNE – Information to know.pdf”

We as Lions Clubs are taking advantage of the exhibit booth available to us as a result of our membership in the CNE Association. This membership comes as a result of our long time sponsorship of the Peewee baseball Tournament at the CNE each year since 1957).

Lions booth at CNE information
CNE Waiver form for volunteers

e-mail Lion Jeffrey Friedman PRC with your preferences of shifts & signed waiver (if possible).

June 14, 2015

Clothes For Nepal

My Fellow Lions,
For past several weeks, one of our Lion member has spent untold hours, organizing and coordinating "Clothes For Nepal". I speak of none other than LION SANDY HIRALAL-JUDHAN.

Lion Sandy is not only our Club member, she is the 7-11 Region 7 Chair, who has been instrumental in mobilizing all of us, to collect clothing donations for the Earthquake stricken people of Nepal.

Lion Sandy arranged for NO COST SHIPPING BY FED-EX & D.H.L INTERNATIONAL, arranged Storage Location for bags & bags of collection, Organized Vans & Trucks to pick up mounds of bags and finally organizing the meeting with Nepali Association on June 10th, for a Formal hand-off of these truck full of goods.

BRAVO LION SANDY. On behalf of the entire Toronto Netralya Lions Club membership, I Salute you for your selfless and kind gesture for the stricken population of Nepal.

In Lionism,
Ramesh Shahani
President TNLC

Youth Exchange for Blind Youth

Lions of MDA, our strong partnership with CNIB and Lake Joe now gives us a unique opportunity to invite International Youth with vision loss to experience Canada and the hospitality of the Lions family. Why is this important? Having sent some of our youth to the fully funded programs offered overseas, we believe it is time we provide a similar experience in Ontario. We’re very excited that we can take advantage of our strong partnership with Lake Joe and, as Knights of the Blind, offer this program.

Our pilot program last year saw a young girl from Ireland become the first International client at Lake Joe. She became somewhat of a celebrity ,enriching her life as well as the lives of the Canadian clients attending the camp. We know the program works. We’ve seen it first hand.

The next step is to identify the support of the District towards this program and establish a funded model . We need each clubs donation and we need a passionate Lion in each club to ensure the club gets feedback on the success of the program.

For those clubs who are already involved in Youth Exchange, we believe it is an easy sell as you have seen, first hand, the tremendous payback of involving youth in International Exchange.

For those Districts and clubs who do not have an active Youth Exchange program at this time, here is a perfect opportunity to be involved in a Youth and Vision project.

For those clubs looking for a number, we believe $200 from each club would allow us to fully fund this program. Cost of flights will be borne by the clients themselves.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if MDA could establish this as a Centennial Project and by July 2017 announce an established program that:

• allows individuals living with sight loss from outside of Canada to experience CNIB Lake Joseph Centre, explore Canadian culture and learn about Lions
• highlights the successful Lions partnerships with CNIB & Lake Joe
• allows Lions to once again demonstrate why they are “ Knights of the Blind”

DG Donald Bissonnette

June 1, 2015

THE LIONS QUEST OF DISTRICT A711

It is with pleasure that I report that District A711 Lions Quest has had a successful year having 2 Lions Quest community workshops this spring one in Region 34 hosted by Erin Mills Lions Club and the second in Region 7 hosted by Netralya Lions Club. The workshop we had in Milton hosted by Milton Lions Club in April 2014 led the way for these two and set the stage.

Four years ago the Oakville Lions Club donated $10,000 to District A711 Lions Quest program enabling us to present a $43,000 budget to LCIF and receive a Core 4 Grant of $25,000. Since that time we have had several Lions Quest Teacher training workshops where we have trained over 100 teachers to work with Lions Quest in the class room. We have worked with about 125 Lions and members of some of our communities including Police Dept., Health Dept., and social workers in our community workshops to be aware and knowledgeable about Lions Quest and getting a very positive response both from Lions and the public. We have trained a trainer in our district to lead all these workshops so we don’t have the expense of bringing in a trainer each time we do a workshop. We are trying to organize one more community workshop before the end of June 2015.

Lions Clubs International Foundation are quite impressed and happy with what we have accomplished with these funds and at this time we have used the money from the grant and the budget we presented and would like to apply for another Core 4 Grant.

In order to do this we need to accumulate a fund of $10,000 in our A711 Lions Quest account so we can put together a budget to apply for another grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation. The larger the budget the better chance of being accepted.

If each club in District A711 would donate $200.00 or more to this account we would have sufficient funds to put together another budget of $43,000.00 to carry on the work we have been doing to a higher level in order to better the communities of District A711.

If your club can help it would be much appreciated. Please make checks out to DISTRICT A711 LIONS QUEST and mail to:
PDG Bill Speck
305-20 Speers Road
Oakville, ON L6K 3R5

2015 Lions Journal booster ads challenge

Lion Glen G. Samuel, chair of the A711 Journal Committee has issued a challenge to all clubs to participate in the 2015 Lions Journal booster ads. The ads cost $39.00 until March 10, 2015 after which the price rises to $45.00.

Toronto Cathay Lions donate 3,000 pairs of glasses

Toronto Cathay Lions Club Donates 3,000 pairs of glasses to Kampala, Uganda more....

For more information on how you can help provide eyeglasses to people in need around the world, please see Recycle for Sight

Lions International Contests

The Peace Poster Contest was created in 1988 to give young people the opportunity to creatively express their feelings for world peace and to share their visions with the world. Approximately 350,000 children from 75 countries participate in the contest annually.

Lions clubs around the world are also encouraged to sponsor students in the Lions International Essay Contest. This essay contest was created to offer an opportunity to visually impaired young people to express their feelings of peace. Students who are visually impaired and who are ages 11, 12 or 13 on November 15, are eligible to participate.

• Link to Peace Poster information
• Link to Lions International Essay Contest information
• Link to Essay Contest Entry Form

Lions support Phillipines relief

When Typhoon Haiyan swept through the Phillipines, Lions were quick to react. Within days some $600,000 (US) had been pledged to the effort. The total now stands at more than $2,000,000 (US). District A711 Lions alone have donated more than $15,000 (CDN). The donating clubs include the Burlington Lions, Freelton Lions, Mississauga Central Lions, Georgetown Lions, Toronto Beaches Lions, Toronto Golden Vision Lions, Weston Lions, Toronto Netralya Lions and West Hill - Highland Creek Lions.

Annual Dues

There are three levels of annual dues that each Lion has to pay once he is officially registered Lion. For the Lions Club International Dues, it is on pro rata basis.

For additional information, please contact:
CABINET TREASURER PDG Wayne Hoey
    wayne.hoey at sympatico.ca

Lions CNE Peewee Baseball report

We had a very successful 16th annual LIONS/CNE Peewee Baseball Tournament this year.

Thanks to the clubs in District A-711 making donations to the tournament of $7,100 and the fact our snack bar at the game brought in $4,900 so we were able to make a donation to the CNE of $12,000.00.

We had a lot of hard working Lions involved in this project, especially my co-chair Yves Dourin, Emily Dourin, Sally McMann, Ann Stevens, Ed Bosker, Stan Bryan, Ray Charbonnaeu, Ed Stoddart and all the Lions and spouses who came down to the snack bar to do a shift or more.

During August, just before we opened there was a plumbing catastrophe and the Lions booth was flooded with sewage. The Health Department had to condemn our booth and contents (2 BBQs, fridge, freezer, etc.) After the bulldozer was done, it looked as if we’d be working out of an open tent. An emergency email went out and our Milton Lions Club voted to let us use their food trailer. Yeah Milton. The booth was great. We were saved. Thank you Milton Lions .

The CNE did reimburse us for the replacement fridge, freezer, two barbeques, microwave oven and other small appliances that were replaced.

Again the CNE were very appreciative of the Lions efforts and they gave us great publicity as we are the main sponsor of the tournament. We had Lions signs up everywhere, and our logo was in the program that was handed out to the over 1.6 million visitors.

The Lions were also the winner this year of the friendly baseball game between the CNE personal and the Lions.

It is not too early to start thinking about the 2014 Lion/CNE Peewee Baseball Tournament.

I would like to ask your club to consider now, to donate money towards this worthwhile endeavour. Also please consider donating your time to work the snack bar. It is really a fun project.

This is a high profile project of which the Lions from District A-711 can be proud of.

Lion Wayne Hoey
Peewee Chair

District A711 Bulletin Contest 2013-2014

1. Cover Page should include: Name of Club / Zone /Region, District / Bulletin Publishing Date / Name, Address, e-mail, Phone # of Club President, Club Secretary, Club Bulletin Editor
2. Date, time, location of upcoming meetings and programs
3. Report on Club activities including actions of Board of Directors
4. Coming events at your club, Zone, Region, District, and Lions International
5. Information relative to membership development and retention
6. Report on previous meetings
7. Constructive Editorial
8. Personal news on members (Birthdays, Anniversaries, trips, etc.)
9. General information concerning District, International, etc.
10. Club President Message
11. Effective use of humour
12. Photos and/or Illustrations

(A) Bulletins will be evaluated on the basis of 6 points each for # 1- 12. The remaining 28 points will be allocated to overall effect.

(B) Deductions may be applied to unsuitable humour, and to plagiarism not credited to the author.

The Bulletin Contest runs from October 2013 – February 2014

Please note that Bulletins must be submitted in print to be assessed.

Good Luck! Have Fun!

DG Peter Hammond's introduction

I hope you all have had an enjoyable and relaxing summer. My wife Mary and I have had a busy summer which included attending the International Lions Convention in Hamburg, Germany in early July. It was a great, well attended Convention where we enjoyed meeting many fine Lions from around the world. We also heard inspiring speakers including the presentation of our new International President Barry Palmer, who is from Australia.

The President’s theme for this Lions year is “Follow Your Dream” as we serve others as Lions. In other words, he wants us to dream what you as Lions and as Clubs can do to serve others in your community and to help others in need around the world. Turn your dreams into reality by careful planning and taking the action necessary to succeed.

KEY SERVICE PROJECTS FOR 2013-14

There are a number of key service areas that Lion Clubs International (LCI) would like our Clubs to consider this year. These include engaging our youth, working with and assisting the visually impaired and the blind, feeding the hungry, and improving the environment in our communities. In connection with the last area, the tree planting project started two years ago by PIP Tam is being continued. Also the Reading Action Program started in 2012 will be continued.

PRESIDENT’S MOTTO

President Palmer’s motto for this Lions year is “RESPONSIBILITY, RECOGNITION, AND REACH.” Lions are responsible to do what they can to make their communities better. We should recognize our Lions members who do a good job in the completion of the service tasks or Club duties they are assigned or take on. We also need to reach out to others to extend our Lions service and a great way to do this is to increase the membership of our Clubs.

President Palmer has set an ambitious target for this year of increasing the percentage of women Lions by a huge 5.5% over the current 25% of worldwide Lions membership. This will require all Lions Clubs to make every effort to attract and induct women members this year. If we manage to achieve this particular target in our District, then our District should have no difficulty in meeting my own target as your Governor, namely a net increase in our total District membership of 80 members (plus an additional 24 Charter members by forming a new Club).

SICK KIDS OPHTHALMOLOGY RENEWAL PROJECT

The major fundraising project for our District as a whole this year is this SKF project which began last year and will be completed by October 15th. PDG Bill Speck and District Treasurer Wayne Hoey report that over $20K has already been raised and I wish to personally thank all those Clubs who have already donated. I also understand that more has been pledged but we need substantially more in donations if we are to achieve our goal of $75K by the end of September. Please remember that LCI F has agreed to provide a matching grant of $75,000 for this important project but ONLY if we ourselves raise $75,000 by the deadline.

2014 LIONS INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION IN JULY 2014

If you wish to volunteer to assist with this great Convention, please submit an application form to the MDA Convention Committee as soon as possible. The form is available for downloading on the MDA website now. Our Lions are required for a wide variety of tasks including greeters, drivers, translators, guides, etc. Let us make this Convention a great success and one we all can be proud of as Canadian Lions.

FUTURE NEWSLETTERS FOR DISTRICT A711

It is my hope that we shall be able to publish a very informative Newsletter about once a month to the end of my term as Governor. To make it as complete and as newsworthy as possible, please submit to me or our Newsletter editors any interesting Club news that other Lions would want to know about, including your successful projects/events, upcoming fundraisers, and membership successes. Jokes, cartoons and funny stories are also welcome.

My Vice District Governors and I look forward to meeting many of you this year during our visitations and also while attending your events.

Peter Hammond,
Governor A711

District A711 Convention News

Heroes In Service
“I Believe”

Registration

• Clubs are reminded to get their Registrations in as soon as possible and please secure your room reservations through your club. We need more than 116 room nights booked in order to avoid a penalty.
• HURRY, HURRY, The Free Room draw takes place March 1st; package will include 2 nights accommodation PLUS 3 meals valued at $350.00.

SPONSORSHIP

• The committee needs your help to find sponsors. For $500.00 the sponsor will receive a full page Ad in the convention program, name on signage at the convention desk, letter advertising their names to members of all 81 clubs around the district.

Raffle

• Clubs are reminded to sell their allocation of tickets as fast as possible. Prizes will include: Ipod 2, wide screen TVs, and more.

Float the Boat - Lake Joe

Thank you to everyone who supported our idea Float the Boat - Lake Joe! Unfortunately we did not make the semi-finals in the Aviva competition and thus we are out of the running. Please know that we tried and that there is honor and pride in what we have tried to accomplish. In fact we have achieved a very worthwhile goal! We have raised awareness and spread information about Lake Joe. Again...thank you for your time, energy and support.

Jacqueline Calabrese and Richard Holloway

Change in cost of rooms for the MDA Convention

Please be advised that the Host Committee for the 2012 MDA Convention in Niagara Falls have been successful in renegotiating the room rates for the Convention HQ hotel. They are now $145 for cityview and $195 for fallsview. Governor bookings should go with these new prices.

The host committee confirms that it will refund the difference to anyone who overpays.

David Voisey, Secretary, Multiple District "A"

Changes to LCIF Melvin Jones Fellowships

Friday, November 4, 2011

Below are details regarding the expansion of the MJF program to include donations to five special program areas. Donors will now be able to receive MJF and PMJF credit when directing their support to:

• Disaster
• Humanitarian Needs (includes donations to the Measles Initiative)
• Sight
• Youth
• Area of Greatest Need

Restrictions beyond these five special areas will be honored by LCIF, but will not be eligible for MJF or PMJF credit. For example, a donation that is restricted to a specific disaster, such as an earthquake or tornado in a particular region, will not be eligible for credit toward an MJF or PMJF.

The MFJ program was established by LCIF in 1971 to recognize unrestricted donations of US$1,000. Today, more than 75% of the funding received by the foundation annually is given through the MJF program. By expanding the recognition program, LCIF is able to recognize more individuals while continuing to support its many programs. The expanded program will also offer additional benefits, including:

• Donors will now have the opportunity to direct support to a desired special area
• LCIF will be able to immediately provide funds for large-scale disaster relief, rather than collecting and distributing funds over a period of weeks or months

Funding directed to “Area of Greatest Need” provides LCIF with the ability to financially support any program within the four general areas. Donors are encouraged to consider this opportunity when making a gift.

For additional information on the change to the MJF recognition program, please visit www.lcif.org.