LIONS FOUNDATION of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated is a public non-profit charitable Foundation, created by Letters Patent under the Canada Corporation Act, on June 15, 1981, for the purpose of serving and benefiting the citizens of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. The Foundation is a federally registered public charitable Foundation under the Income Tax Act, and this requires that funds be disbursed only to qualified donees, as defined by the Act unless special dispensation is obtained. Accordingly, receipts issued by the Foundation qualify the amounts given as charitable donations under the Income Tax Act.

LIONS FOUNDATION of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario and it’s programs are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Financial support is provided by Lions Clubs and their members, as well as community-minded individuals and organizations. Lions are recognized worldwide for their humanitarian services to the blind and visually impaired. This began when Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become “knights of the blind” in 1925. Lions accepted Keller’s challenge and for more than 90 years, Lions have been recognized throughout the world for their commitment to blindness prevention. In Manitoba, Lions members continue their humanitarian service to help those who suffer with vision disabilities through the Lions Eye Bank and the annual snowmobile fundraising event the Journey for Sight. Both Lions and non-members bring rays of light to many who suffer with corneal blindness.

Using a co-funding method, the Foundation will match donations by Lions clubs to help cover the costs of medical treatment, devices, travel and accommodation, as well as incidental expenses not covered by Provincial Medical or private insurance. The Foundation will consider funding equipment for public medical facilities where the need arises.