International Association of Lions Clubs, civilian service organization established by a Chicago insurance broker, Melvin Jones, in Dallas, Texas, in 1917 to foster a spirit of “generous consideration” among peoples of the world and to promote good government, good citizenship, and an active interest in civic, social, commercial, and moral welfare. Jones remained an active member of the Lions Clubs until his death in 1961. Because the Lions Club adopted more lenient membership rules than other service clubs and did not impose a rigid quota on membership from each business and profession, it soon became the largest of all service club organizations.A certificate for The International Association of Lions Clubs CHARTER.....THE LIONS CLUB BENDIGO GOLDEN CITY 17th of October 1972. With the names of the original members. President Douglas Elliott, Secretary Stuart Spouse, Treasurer Malcolm McLeod, Cesare Albertella, Derg Aston, Ronald Barton, Jeffery Bertuch, David Blare, Ronald Carnatz, Dale Checcucci, Noel Cooper, Barry Cutmore, Robert Friend, Ian Gunn, Peter Hann, Jan Hente, Howard Hicks, Peter Huthnance, David Lee, Ronald Liddell, Fred Longano, Allan McCaig, Alan McMullen, John Norton, Ulo Oper, Lesley, James Post, Ian Scott, Frank Summer, Wayne Vincent, Victor Wallace, Bruce White. Behind glass in a red and gold coloured wooden frame. bendigo lions club, qualtrough collection