The Garson Lions Club was formed in 1951. Although the membership has changed through the years, the desire to serve others has not changed. The members have come together in good times and bad to help wherever they see a need.

The Garson Lions met at the Royal Hotel in the early days of the club. There are memories of older and past members playing around a piano at the hotel. Long-time friendships were formed and many people have been helped by the past work of these Lions. They helped create the Lorne Brady park in Garson named for a past member. Also, the Lions Park (that still exists) in Garson today where generations of children have played.

In 1977, the Garson Lions Club was incorporated. Members at that time included a hoist mechanic by the name of Stan Hayduk. Lion Stan became Mayor of Garson serving for many years. Lion Stan is still a member today having received a Life Membership and a Melvin Jones Award. Lion Stan attends every meeting to this day as well as serving as our membership chair.

That year the club incorporated saw members from all walks of life coming together making a strong club serving the Garson community. The members included: Marcel Preseau (Firefighter); Francois Lebrun (Bus Operator); Arthur Robinson (Electrical Foreman); Conrad Tulloch (Insurance Manager); Kenneth Prestage (Electrician); Joseph Nather (Surveyor); John Callaghan (Miner); Charles Scriver (Explosive Operator); Roger Guenette (Forester); Stanley Waltenbury (Businessman); and, Stan Hayduk (Hoist Mechanic).

The objects of the Garson Lions Club have always been:

• to create and foster consideration for all the peoples of the world.

• to promote the practice of good government and citizenship.

• to be active in the civic, commercial, social, and moral welfare of the community.

• to unite in bonds of friendship, fellowship, and mutual understanding.

• To provide a place for full and free discussion of all matters.

• to encourage and promote high ethical standards in business and in the professions.

The Garson Lions moved to the Falcon Hotel in the basement where they met for decades. A place visited by all clubs in the Sudbury area and elsewhere. A place where many fond memories were made and ideas were hatched to help serve others.

The club grew in membership to an all-time high of over 40 members during the late 90’s. These members came from all walks of life. Many events were run to help individuals in need and the needs of the community at large. Regular events were held, such as a yearly hockey tournament at the Garson and Falconbridge arenas, Garson Summerfest at the Garson Mall, and participation in the Garson Santa Claus parade. Many members grew up as children being influenced by the Garson Lions Club and see their example, joined.

Today the Garson Lions meet at Gongas Grill in Garson on the first Tuesday of every month. The club is smaller than it was but new members have been joining over the past several years. The club is growing.

The Garson Lions continue to promote all of the objectives they emulated in the past. Members in the club look for ways to raise money and always search in all directions to help others in need.

The Garson Lions Club is proud to be a part of Zone 47 East and very proud to be a part of this A-5 Convention. As always, we serve. ROAR!!!