Oconomowoc Lions Club

Since 1917, Lions clubs have offered people the opportunity to give something back to their communities. From involving members in projects as local as cleaning up an area park or as far-reaching as bringing sight to the world's blind, Lions clubs have always embraced those committed to building a brighter future for their community.

Today with more than 46,000 clubs in 194 countries and geographical areas, Lions have expanded their focus to help meet the ever-increasing needs of our global community. Our programs are continually changing to meet new needs and greater demands, but our mission has never wavered: "We Serve." The Oconomowoc Lions Club was founded in 1938 and is still giving back to the community, the state, the country and the world.

Community: Equipped all City and Town of Oconomowoc squads with defibrillators and paid for one year of training for all the officers. Equipped the Oconomowoc Recreation Department with a defibrillator and paid for one year of training. Large contributions made to the Oconomowoc Fire Department for “Jaws of Life” equipment and an “Infrared Camera”. The “Raccoon Project” which placed stuffed raccoon hand puppets in all emergency vehicles for young victims. Free Eye exams and glasses for the needy in the area. “Meals on Wheels”. The Annual Oconomowoc Lions Halloween Parade. Annual Free Diabetes and Glaucoma Screening. The Oconomowoc Food Pantry. The Oconomowoc Blood Bank. The Oconomowoc Senior Citizens Center. The Oconomowoc High School Weight Room and Post Prom.

State: Wisconsin Lions Camp, Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, Children's Vision Screening, Community Diabetes Education Project, Eyeglass Recycling Center, Hearing Projects: Hearing Aid Program and Paws With a Cause.

Country: Leader Dog for the Blind founded in 1939 by Lions Club members, Charles Nutting, Don Schuur and S.A. Dodge, Leader Dog has successfully matched and graduated over 13,000 person / dog teams since its inception. The vision of these men gave hope to thousands and provided Leader Dogs, training and independence to people all across the country.

World: Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is an efficient and effective charity. Administrative costs were 10.8 percent in 2003-2004, a low ratio for a non-profit. Every dollar donated to LCIF goes to a grant. LCIF receives no club dues. LCIF has awarded US $356.9 million in grants all over the world since it began in 1968. Wisconsin Lions Foundation (WLF) statewide project, Mission to Mexico. Lions members—men and women—provide immediate and sustained relief in time of disaster all over the world and offer long-term assistance to those in need. Lions collect and recycle eyeglasses for distribution in developing countries and treat millions of people to prevent river blindness. Membership is through invitation by a local Lions club. To learn more or to be considered for membership contact an Oconomowoc Lions Club membership representative.