Lions Club Gdańsk-1

Lions Club Gdansk-1 was founded in the spring of 1990 (although the first organisational meeting took place in November 1989), as one of the first Clubs in Poland. It was chartered by our Dutch friends (among whom the most significant support was given by Jan van Pinxteren and Karl de Groot) from a club of de Bilt–Bilthoven, and thus joined the world Lions Club family.

A number of the present members of the Club have known each other since school years, and were involved in various charitable work during the years of "socialism" in Poland. The Dutch Lions were also involved in this, sending aid to the Gdansk Medical Academy, and they watched our activity with great attention.

In its history, the Lions Club Gdansk-1 has supported some major projects like the Gdansk Hospice, care centres in Sobieszewo and Junoszyno, and many other. One of the greatest projects of the Club was helping the Polanki children's hospital, which would have been impossible without the immense support of the Dutch friends from the Rotterdam Host Club. Thanks to the Rotterdam Lions - Rardy Tijdgat, Peter Verhoeff, Tom Foort and others, a children's intensive care unit in the Polanki hospital was created. Their contribution to the Gdansk children will always be remembered. Our Club has become quite successful in rising money. For many years, in June, we have been organising charity gala dinners. Also we have been organising sailing races in Puck, dragon boat races in the heart of Gdansk on the Motlawa river, Christmas concerts in December and several other events.

All of these activities will, of course, be continued, and it is worth stressing that lionism in Poland found very favourable conditions to develop. And the needs are enormous. Thus, let our slogan “we serve” be constantly filled with new meaning.

Lions Club Gdans-1 meets every first Wednesday at 8 p.m. at the „POMODORO” restaurant (The Old Town Hall) in Gdansk, 33/35, Korzenna street.