The Bellingham Central Lions Charity Golf Tournament raises funds every year for numerous club programs, non-profit organizations and families and individuals in need. It is our club’s largest single-day fundraiser. The Community Needs Committee and the Bellingham Central Lions Board of officers carefully review each request to make sure we have the greatest impact possible in the community and to help the most needy. Listed below are just some of the organizations supported in the past. The assistance to individuals for a great variety of needs each year is significant.
Frank Haskell Eye Clinic
The Frank Haskell Lions Eye Clinic is an all volunteer activity that provides eye examinations and eyeglasses to the homeless and others in need. Located at 800 E. Chestnut Street in Bellingham, the Clinic is currently open one twice per month and serve clients from both Whatcom and Skagit Counties.
Al Boe Wheelchair Warehouse
The Wheelchair Warehouse loans durable medical equipment to community members in Northwest Washington. It is a free service, though we gladly accept donations. Equipment loaned includes low vision aids, wheelchairs, power chairs, walkers, crutches, canes, and bedside and bathroom helpers of all kinds. Loans are for three months, but may be extended based on need. This past year we helped over 5,000 people.
Lions Camp Horizon
Camp Horizon, where campers with developmental disabilities have the opportunities to challenge themselves, gain confidence, show independence, and create meaningful relationships that will stay with them the rest of their lives. For over 50 years we’ve provided summer camp programs for individuals with a wide variety of disabilities. Kids of all ages from the greater Puget Sound area and British Columbia look forward to spending a fun-filled week here each summer making new friends in a setting where the focus is on their abilities, not their disabilities.
Bellingham Central Lions Community Needs Committee
A significant portion of the money raised through club efforts goes to non-profits organizations, low-income families and individuals in need. The committee receives numerous requests each year which it researches and presents to the board of Bellingham Central Lions for funding. This process allows the club to have the most impact with the funds available.
Lions Books for Kids
Is a program we gather new to gently used children books along with craft supplies and games that we distribute back into the community. We try and hold 1-2 events a month throughout Whatcom county. We have partnered with the schools, food banks and outreach programs. Each year we give out about 12,000 books.