Our History

Located at the base of the Sequoia National Park, The Three Rivers Lions Club was founded in 1947. We are a non-profit service organization of volunteers associated with The Lions International that serves the foothill community of Three Rivers, California.  Lions Clubs International was founded by Melvin Jones in Chicago on June 7, 1917.  The Lions motto “Together We Serve” sums up the fundamental guiding principle of the Three Rivers Lions Club.  The club is open to both men and women and meets on the first and third Thursday of the month. 

The Three Rivers Lions Club is involved in a variety of charitable contributions to worthy benefactors such as college scholarships for local high school students, student vision screening, Deerskin Youth Diabetes Camp, Future Farmers of America, Canine Companions, Comfort for Kids Quilt Project, Volunteer Firefighters, Three Rivers Historical Museum, and Three Rivers Bread Basket food pantry.  The club sponsors the Central California Blood Bank community blood drive six times per year for the residents Three Rivers.  They also receive donations of medical supplies such as wheelchairs, hospital beds and walkers to provide on loan and free of charge upon request.  Additionally, the club has partnered with the Three Rivers Fire Safety Counsel to provide free “chipping” for fire hazard reduction available to the community.  The Three Rivers Lions Club owns and maintains our arena for community gatherings and public service events including use as a base camp for firefighters.  

Our major club fundraisers are providing food and beverages at JazzAffair Music Festival and the Three Rivers Lions Club Team Roping both in April, and selling Christmas Trees in December each year.  

*How does fundraising help with our charity?*  

Fundraising helps the Three Rivers Lions Club to continue to fund our local projects and services such as providing college scholarships for local high school students, student medical, vision, dental and hearing screenings, helping finance projects at Bearskin Meadow Diabetic Youth Camp near Hume Lake in Sequoia National Forest, supporting Future Farmers of America, and providing monetary assistance to local students for unique educational opportunities, including annually sponsoring a student to attend the Hugh O'Brian Youth Conference (HOBY).  Monetary assistance to our Sister Lions Clubs in Ensenada, Mexico has helped purchase much needed school supplies.