California Lions Service

More than 2.2 billion people worldwide live with vision impairment — and 1 billion of those cases could have been prevented. Lions have championed this cause since 1925, when Helen Keller called upon Lions to serve as Knights of the Blind. California Lions take action through KidSight screenings, eyeglass recycling drives, eye bank support, and LCIF-funded community projects that restore sight and expand access to care for people of all ages.

Diabetes affects the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves — and is expected to impact 629 million adults by 2045. Lions and Leos work to reduce its prevalence through screenings, peer support groups, diabetes camps for youth, and community education. California Lions bring these programs directly to the people who need them most, helping neighbors manage their condition, catch it early, and live healthier lives.

The world loses 18.7 million acres of forests every year, 40% of the global population faces water scarcity, and air pollution claims 4.2 million lives annually. Lions and Leos respond by taking direct, local action — planting trees, cleaning up waterways and public spaces, reducing waste, and protecting natural habitats. California Lions serve as neighbors first, bringing environmental stewardship to the communities where they live and work, with LCIF grant support available to expand project impact.

More than 800 million people go to bed hungry every night — not because the world can't produce enough food, but because political instability, rising prices, and climate change block access to it. Lions and Leos address this through food drives, community feeding events, school meal programs, food bank support, and agricultural initiatives that build lasting food security. California Lions work to make sure their neighbors — especially children and families — have reliable access to nutritious food.

Every two minutes, a child somewhere in the world is diagnosed with cancer — more than 300,000 each year. While survival rates reach 80% in high-income countries, children in lower-income regions face survival odds as low as 10–20%. Lions and Leos work to close that gap by supporting treatment access, funding medical equipment, assisting families with transportation and daily needs, and raising awareness in their communities.

Lions see young people not just as the future but as capable leaders right now. Leo clubs, Lions Quest life skills programs, youth camps, cultural exchanges, and Peace Poster contests give young people real ways to lead and serve. California Lions support youth in their communities through mentoring, recreation, and programs that build confidence, character, and a lifelong commitment to service.

Humanitarian spirit is at the core of every Lion. Through LCIF Matching Grants, Lions fund projects that fill gaps in health care, support youth in underserved communities, assist people with disabilities, and procure vaccines — including more than 110 million doses of the measles vaccine through a partnership with Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance. California Lions bring that same spirit to their own backyards, serving vulnerable populations and meeting needs that would otherwise go unaddressed.

Natural disasters kill approximately 90,000 people annually and displace 160 million more — and those numbers are rising. Since 1970, LCIF has invested more than US$130 million in disaster relief grants, funding immediate aid and long-term community recovery from hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and wildfires. For California Lions, disaster relief hits close to home — clubs are positioned to respond quickly when their own neighbors need it most.

Mental health affects every family, community, and generation — yet stigma and lack of awareness keep too many people from getting the help they need. Lions launched a dedicated mental health initiative in 2025, and the response has been immediate: over 15,000 service activities were reported in a single year, reaching 2.4 million people worldwide. California Lions support this initiative through community conversations, awareness events, and advocacy that helps neighbors feel seen and supported.

Too many Californians — especially those who are uninsured or underinsured — lack access to basic health care. California Lions endorsed the Global Initiative for Health and Wellness in 2021, bringing free clinics staffed by medical doctors, eye doctors, and dentists to communities across the state. Through health fairs, screenings for diabetes, heart disease, and vision, and partnerships with local health providers, California Lions work to make sure a zip code doesn't determine access to care.

Veterans who served our country and first responders who protect our communities every day share a common bond — a commitment to others that often comes at great personal cost. California is home to approximately 2 million veterans, alongside thousands of firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, and emergency workers who run toward danger when others can't.

The Lions For Access Toolbox gives clubs practical, ready-to-use resources to make their service projects, communications, and meetings genuinely welcoming to people of all abilities. Whether a club is just starting to think about inclusion or looking to deepen existing efforts, the tools are adoptable and adaptable — designed to fit any community and any culture. Lions For Access also partners with local organizations, shares powerful stories of belonging, and invites everyone — Lions, families, and community members alike — to be part of the movement.

Art has always been a bridge between people — across cultures, ages, and experiences. California Lions who are passionate about art channel that power into service, supporting arts programs, youth creativity initiatives, public art projects, and cultural events that strengthen community bonds and give voice to those who might otherwise go unheard.

Music brings people together like few things can. California Lions who are passionate about music turn that shared language into service — supporting youth music programs, organizing benefit performances, bringing live music to underserved communities, and using the universal power of song to lift spirits and strengthen community ties.

Sports teach teamwork, resilience, and the value of showing up — values Lions know well. California Lions who are passionate about sports channel that energy into service through youth athletics programs, adaptive sports for people with disabilities, community recreation events, and sponsorships that give everyone a chance to play.

Car culture runs deep in California. Lions who share that passion come together around automobilia — classic cars, custom builds, and automotive history — and channel it into service through car shows that raise funds for local causes, youth automotive education, and community events that bring neighbors together around a shared love of the open road.

Strong families build strong communities. California Lions in this group focus their service on the needs of women and families — from resource connections and support programs to community events that celebrate and uplift the people who hold our neighborhoods together. Every family deserves a Lion in their corner.

Service animals and companion animals change lives — guiding the blind, supporting veterans with PTSD, comforting the lonely, and giving independence to people with disabilities. California Lions who love animals channel that passion into service by raising awareness, supporting guide dog organizations, and advocating for the people and animals whose lives are better together.

"We Care" is a living collection of California Lions initiatives that grow and evolve alongside the communities we serve. If your passion for service doesn't fit neatly into another group — this is your home. There's always room for one more cause, one more idea, and one more Lion ready to make a difference.