Simcoe Lions Club · Est. 1931
Simcoe Lions
Community Programs
Serving A World In Need
From vision care and pediatric cancer support to hunger relief and local infrastructure — the Simcoe Lions are active year-round in causes that matter.
Support Our Programs →About Our Programs
We Serve
Leaders in community service since our founding in 1931
The Simcoe Lions Club is always active in community projects and programs. We support youth programs, sports, seniors, healthcare, the environment, and global humanitarian causes — all while directing 100% of proceeds back to local services.
We are part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club organization, which gives us the reach to support global causes like vision restoration, hunger relief, pediatric cancer, diabetes research, environmental stewardship, and disaster response — while staying deeply rooted in what matters most: Simcoe and Norfolk County.
Cause Areas We Support
Vision
Since Helen Keller challenged Lions to become “Knights of the Blind” in 1925, Lions have been the world’s leading organization fighting preventable blindness. Through eye centres, surgeries, glasses, and eye banks, we work to restore sight for those in need.
The Simcoe Lions have contributed over $100,000 to local, national, and international eyesight programs since the 1930s.
Pediatric Cancer
The Simcoe Lions are a strong supporter of Campfire Circle (formerly Camp Trillium), which provides children with cancer and their families with fun, enriching recreational opportunities — moments of joy during incredibly difficult times.
Our ongoing fundraising ensures local families facing childhood cancer have a place to find community and hope.
Hunger
Nearly one billion people go to bed hungry every night. Lions and Leos are hard at work addressing this global need — from food banks and local pantries to international aid programs.
Locally, the Simcoe Lions support the Riversyde83 Food Hub and the St. Vincent De Paul Society, ensuring neighbours in need have access to nourishment.
Disaster Relief
When a disaster strikes, Lions respond and mobilize to assist the community — whether the emergency affects a few people or thousands. Lions Clubs International has a global disaster relief network that deploys rapidly to affected communities.
Our members are trained and ready to support both local emergencies and national disaster relief efforts.
The Environment
The health of our planet is essential to life. The environment impacts the quality of our air and water, the availability of food, and the wellbeing of communities worldwide.
Lions clubs around the world engage in environmental stewardship projects — tree planting, clean-up campaigns, and sustainability education — protecting the planet for future generations.
Diabetes
Lions Clubs International is a leading partner in global diabetes awareness and prevention. From funding research to hosting community education sessions, Lions work to reduce the impact of this widespread disease.
The Simcoe Lions support local diabetes awareness initiatives and connect community members with vital health resources.
Community Projects
🏟️ Simcoe Lions Ball Park
Built by the club in 1993, the Lions Ball Park has served Simcoe every summer for over 30 years, hosting baseball and softball tournaments that attract teams from near and far. A lasting legacy of volunteer labour and community pride.
🌳 Wellington Park Rejuvenation
Our current flagship project. Phase II permits are 90% complete and we’re now fundraising for the new pavilion and park infrastructure. Help us bring Wellington Park back to life for families, youth, and seniors.
Project Details →🏥 Norfolk General Hospital
From the hospital’s groundbreaking in 1937 to a $150,000 pledge for the emergency wing renovations, the Simcoe Lions have directed over $66,000 to Norfolk General across multiple decades. We remain a proud annual sponsor of their golf tournament.
Projects & Accomplishments
A small sample of 75+ years of community investment — totalling more than $1,000,000
- Norfolk General Hospital — 1937 through the 1980s. Over $66,000 for various initiatives and equipment.
- Children & Youth Programs — 1931–1996, including Lions Quest. Over $174,000 sponsoring baseball, hockey, softball, soccer, bowling, archery, school trips, and bursaries.
- Talbot Street Arena — 1945–1949 & 1991–1995. $7,500 and $200,000 respectively for renovations.
- Simcoe Recreation Centre — 1969–1975. $75,000 for construction.
- Golden Lions Drum & Bugle Corps — 1969–1980. $49,000.
- Simcoe’s Second Ice Surface — Over $60,000 contributed.
- Youth Exchange Program — 1973–1996. Sponsored trips and hosted youth from around the world — over $30,000.
- Eyesight Programs — Local, national & international from the 1930s to today. Over $100,000 donated.
- Simcoe Lions Ball Park — Built in 1993. Serves Simcoe every summer for baseball and softball tournaments.
- Wellington Park Rejuvenation — Currently active. $100,000 committed with sweat equity to install a new central pavilion.
Organizations We Support
Your support reaches every corner of Simcoe and beyond
These are some of the organizations and programs that already benefit from the generosity of our donors and the hard work of our members.
Health & Care
- Campfire Circle (Camp Trillium)
- Norfolk General Hospital
- Norview Lodge
- Lions Foundation Guide Dogs
- Riversyde83 Food Hub
Community & Safety
- Crime Stoppers
- Norfolk County Public Library
- Simcoe District Humane Society
- St. Vincent De Paul Society
- Wellington Park Rejuvenation
Youth & Culture
- Norfolk Youth Sports Teams
- Simcoe Lions Ball Park
- Simcoe Panorama
- Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival
Ready to Make a Difference?
Donate online, buy lottery tickets, attend an event, or join us as a member. Everything we do in Simcoe, stays in Simcoe.