Vancouver Pioneer LEO Club
Leo Club is a youth organization of Lions Clubs International. The first Leo Club was found in 1957 at Abington High School of Pennsylvania with the help of regional Lions Clubs. In 1964 the Leo Club Program became a sponsored program of the Lions Clubs International. Up to now, the program has grown to over thousands clubs all over the world. As the celebration of Lions Clubs 100th anniversary and Leo Club 60th anniversary, the founding of Vancouver Pioneer Club is rather meaningful. The name Lions stands not only for fraternity, good fellowship, strength of character and purpose, but above all, its combination of L-I-O-N-S that heralds the true meaning of citizenship: LIBERTY, INTELLIGENCE, OUR NATION'S SAFETY. The motto of Lions Clubs International is “WE SERVE,” emphasizing “we” not individuals. Parents hope their children have a bright future and hope they have responsiblity and spirit of universal kinship. The mission of the Vancouver Pioneer Leo Club is to encourage the youth involvement in the community by providing LEADERSHIP and teamwork EXPERIENCE through volunteer OPPORTUNITIES... that’s what LEO stands for. Well goes the proverb, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” Young members learn appreciation and devotion throughout all the activities organized by VPLC. We believe VPLC provides a positive environment for learning, encouraging students to work to their full potential, and to expect each to succeed. The Vancouver Pioneer Leo Club began with 30 members and we welcome 12 to 18-year-old enthusiastic individuals to join us. As an old saying goes, “Do not think any virtue trivial, and so neglect it. Do not think any vice trivial, and so practice it.” With the consistent and prosperous efforts and achievements, the Vancouver Pioneer Leo Club will be tremendous strength to change the world.
Our Stories
Vancouver Pioneer Leo Club was founded in 2018 with 30 members, in 2019,we grew to 69 members in the same year. In 2020, we grew to 95 members, and in 2021, we grew to 102 members. In 2022, new members continue to join and grow the group with almost 150 members. Attracted by meaningful volunteering works for various communities, more youth are willing to join the club, and together, we are contributing to a better society and a better world.
The youth members deliver great teamwork and are excited to contribute to their community. Our team actively participated in charity events and giving back to society with passion and dedication. We have organized many charity events such as “Spring Sale”, “Walking for Dog Guides”, “Book sale”, “Leo’s Artwork Sale for Diabetes Foundation”, “Blueberry Pickup and Food Collection”, etc. For example, we raised $5,000 and purchased 10,000 masks to donate to Vancouver’s Hospital health workers when there was a shortage. We donated $2000 to help Canada east area where were damaged by Fiona Hurricane. We raised $3,000 for Diabetes Foundation by selling original photographs and paintings. The youth also raised $2,900 for the homeless, and donated food to the food bank.
We help regularly at local food bank. We work at food bank and distributing food for clients in need. We work at food bank garden; we also pick up fresh blueberries and collect food items as well as money for food bank.
We frequently work at TWECS (Third World Eye Care Society). TWECS collect used eyeglasses and preparing for eye care projects in the third world to help the poor in the third world. We helped collecting eyeglasses, sorting, and cleaning glasses. We also donated ultrasonic cleaning machine to help improving the efficiency.
We strive for a better environment for the community. Each year, our members participate in park and shoreline clean-ups at neighborhood. Our members actively participate our “community cleanup” program around their nearby neighbourhood.
In the past, the youth helped at Maywood Elementary in Halloween event as well as donated books and raised a total of $4,000 to provide lunch for their students who were in need of nutritious school lunches. We also helped Mount Pleasant Elementary school through book sales to raise money and books for supporting students’ school activities.
COVID-19 quickly spread worldwide, bringing different challenges to many people. During these challenging years, Vancouver pioneer Lion’s club youth members never stopped contributing to our society and giving back to those in need.
