The Stamford Lions Club
The Founding
In January 1957, five community-minded men — brothers Curt and Bud Collard, Bruce Malcolm, Past District Governor Al McDonald, and Dr. Charlie Newman — met to discuss and consider the formation of a Lions Club in the Township of Stamford.
On May 6th, 1957, under the sponsorship of the Niagara Falls Lions Club, the Stamford Lions received their charter with Lion Ben Prior serving as Charter President. A short time later, a number of their wives met to see if there was any interest among them to start their own club, and on October 24th, 1957, the Stamford "Lionettes" — who would become the Lioness in 1982 — elected Flo MacPherson as their first President.
Finding a Home
Both clubs held their meetings at the Red Casque Inn on Highway 8 until it was destroyed by fire in April of 1959. They then moved to the Stevens Hotel on Ferry Street until 1963, and then to the Park Motor Hotel on Clifton Hill. In 1972, the Lions purchased the Memorial Hall from the Stamford Women's Institute, and after a number of renovations, the hall was officially dedicated on June 22nd, 1974 by Niagara Falls Mayor George Bukator.
Early Fundraising
The Stamford Lions Club's first fundraiser was selling jars of screws door to door. They were able to raise over $600.00 at the club's first ham roll. Once the hall was renovated, they ran bingos to help pay off the mortgage, which, with the help of the Lioness, was accomplished by 1982. Years gone by saw the Lions put on a yearly carnival, run a hockey league, and host an annual hockey tournament.
Growing Together
Through the years, both clubs expanded their fundraising efforts. The Lions have held their very popular Harvest Breakfast for over 40 years, and more recently their annual Wild Game Dinners and the twice-yearly Elimination Draw and Steak Dinner. The Lions also work Bingo at the Delta Hall on Drummond Road. The Lioness raised funds with Chili Fests, Euchre Tournaments, and Murder Mystery Evenings — though their main money-maker was catering weddings and parties.
The two clubs worked well together, helping out at each other's functions, catering at each other's dinner meetings, and running joint events such as dances and Trivia Tournaments.
Making a Difference
The funds raised by the Stamford Lions and Lioness have been donated to Lions projects including Lake Joseph, Camp Trillium, Camp Dorset, Camp Huronda, Camp Kirk, and the Lions Foundation of Canada.
Local organizations receiving funding include the Greater Niagara General Hospital, the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara, Project Share, Women's Place of Niagara, the Canadian Mental Health Association — Niagara Branch, and high school bursaries.
A New Chapter
The year 2020 brought major changes to Stamford. After almost 50 years, the club reluctantly sold the hall due to the high cost of maintaining the building. With Lions International's decision to discontinue the Lioness Program, the Stamford Lioness Club — one of the strongest and most active clubs in District A-2 — was disbanded. Several Lioness members joined Stamford and carry on their service as Lions.
Today, the Stamford Lions Club, with the continued support of the citizens of Niagara Falls, carries on serving our community and upholding the Lions motto — We Serve.