Conroe Noon Lions: Conroe club members attend Lions International Convention in Hong Kong

Recently, my husband and I had the privilege of representing Conroe Noon Lions Club at the 108th Lions International Convention in Hong Kong. While Hong Kong itself was an unforgettable destination, the greatest part of the experience was joining thousands of Lions from around the world who all share the same commitment to serving others.

Hong Kong is a fascinating city of contrasts. Towering skyscrapers stand alongside centuries-old temples. One moment you’re riding the historic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, and the next you’re navigating sidewalks filled with thousands of people who somehow all know exactly where they’re going. The city is remarkably clean and full of energy.

As memorable as the city was, the real reason for our journey was attending the 108th Lions International Convention. The convention brought together thousands of Lions from more than 100 countries, creating an incredible opportunity to celebrate service, exchange ideas, and strengthen our commitment to helping others.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the convention was seeing so many different cultures gathered with one common purpose. Everywhere I looked, I saw different languages, traditions, customs, and uniforms. Yet despite all those differences, every person was there because they shared the same desire to make their communities better places to live.

That experience reminded me that while Lions clubs around the world may serve in different ways, our mission is exactly the same, ‘We Serve’.
Here in Conroe, our club conducts vision screenings, recycles used eyeglasses, awards scholarships, support local families, and partners with organizations throughout Montgomery County to meet community needs. Around the world, Lions respond to natural disasters, support childhood cancer research, build schools, fight hunger, provide clean water, and protect vision. The projects may look different, but the heart behind them is exactly the same.

One of the highlights of the convention was witnessing the official installation of District Governors from around the world. It was especially meaningful to watch our own District 2-S2 Governor, Kevin Smith, from the Montgomery Lions Club take the oath of office alongside fellow leaders from across the globe. 

Another memorable moment was welcoming Lions International President Mark Lyon. Yes, his last name really is Lyon! President Lyon introduced his theme for the 2026-2027 Lions year: “Rooted in Service.” I couldn’t help but think about Conroe Noon’s theme for this year: “Driven to Serve.”
The more I reflected on those two themes, the more I realized how well they complement one another. A tree cannot grow without strong roots, and a vehicle cannot reach its destination without someone behind the wheel. Whether we’re rooted in service or driven to serve, we’re really talking about the same journey — understanding why we serve and then putting that commitment into action.

Attending the Lions Clubs International Convention also reinforced something I believe in: every act of service matters. It is easy to think of our club as simply serving Conroe, but gathering with thousands of Lions from around the world reminded me that every pair of eyeglasses we recycle, every child whose vision we help protect, every scholarship we award, and every family we assist becomes part of a worldwide movement dedicated to improving lives.

Representing Conroe Noon Lions Club on the international stage was both an honor and a privilege. I returned home with wonderful memories of Hong Kong and an even deeper appreciation for the work our club does right here in our own community.

The Conroe Noon Lions Club meets on Wednesdays, at noon, at the Lone Star Convention Center.  For more information about the Conroe Noon Lions Club, please visit our website, www.conroenoonlions.org, or call the club office at 936-760-1666.