Lions are more than 1.4 million strong...men and women... young and old. You will find us in more than 190 countries and geographical areas from the hinterlands of Australia and Brazil to thriving urban centers like New York City and Milan. We speak dozens of languages and vary in nature and customs. We share a common spirit. Since our beginning in 1917, we have been united in a single cause: helping those less fortunate. We are tackling the tough problems like blindness and drug abuse as well as diabetes awareness--and finding help and training for the deaf, disabled, underprivileged and the elderly. In fact, whatever the community needs to make life better, we're there to help. We are the youngest service club community based organization, yet we have grown to be the world's largest. We are succeeding because we have embraced all those committed to building a brighter future for the world and for themselves. And, with a new generation of enlightened members, Lions clubs are working smarter and faster with greater commitment than ever before.