Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario is a 45-year-old Canadian non-profit charity that provides free vision and hearing screenings, financial assistance for eyeglasses, hearing aids, prosthetics, and subsidized medical-travel accommodations across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, delivered through 78 Lions Clubs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1981
- HeadquartersWinnipeg, Canada
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated does
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated is a federally registered Canadian non-profit charitable organization, established in 1981 under the Canada Corporation Act and operating continuously for 45 years across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. The foundation delivers four core programs — KidSight (free vision screening for children aged 6 months to 18 years using specialized hands-free camera technology), Simply Sound/Hearing Program (hearing screenings, hearing aid recycling, and pediatric hearing aid loaner program partnered with Horizon Hearing Centres), Giving Glances (financial assistance for eyeglasses and adaptive technology, plus the Recycle for Sight eyeglass redistribution program that has distributed over 800,000 eyeglasses since 1996), and Helping Hands (financial assistance for medical expenses, mobility equipment, prosthetics, and rehabilitation not covered by provincial health plans). Serenity Suites, located at Lions Manor near major Winnipeg hospitals, provides financially subsidized furnished accommodations for northern and rural patients traveling for medical treatment. A 'Bringing Care Closer' mobile vision and hearing screening unit is scheduled to launch in September 2026.
The foundation operates a federated community-led go-to-market model: applications and services flow through a network of 78 Lions Clubs across three districts (5M10, 5M11, 5M13), supplemented by direct applications to the Winnipeg headquarters. Paid headcount is minimal — an Executive Director, Executive Assistant, and Fundraising/Marketing Coordinator — with a volunteer Board of Directors providing governance. Revenue is generated through donations from Lions Clubs and individuals, recurring raffles (Care That Counts monthly 50/50 and the Journey for Sight annual snowmobile fundraising raffle), community grants (Canada Post 2023, Red River Co-op 2023), planned giving and bequests, and small corporate contributions. The mobile outreach unit and a 45th Anniversary Gala planned for 2026 indicate a renewed capacity-expansion and fundraising cycle. There is no disclosed AI or proprietary software component; the technical edge rests on specialized medical screening hardware and a deeply embedded volunteer ecosystem.
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated
- Legal name
- Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated
- Website
- https://lionsfoundation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1981
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario is a 45-year-old Canadian non-profit charity that provides free vision and hearing screenings, financial assistance for eyeglasses, hearing aids, prosthetics, and subsidized medical-travel accommodations across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, delivered through 78 Lions Clubs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Nonprofit Health and Social Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Civic and Social Organizations (813410)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH)
Keywords
Where Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Winnipeg
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: Financial support provided by Lions Clubs and their members, as well as community-minded individuals and organizations. The foundation conducts regular fundraising campaigns including raffles and events.
- Raffle and Event Fundraising: Journey for Sight 50/50 Raffle (tickets available through local Lions Clubs and riders) and monthly Care That Counts 50/50 Raffle. Journey for Sight is an annual snowmobile fundraising event.
- Grant Funding: Received grants from organizations such as Canada Post (2023 Community Grant) and Red River Co-op (2023 Community Grant) for the Kidsight Vision Program.
- Planned Giving and Legacy Donations: Accepts bequests through wills, life insurance gifts, RRSP/RRIF beneficiary designations, securities donations, and endowment funds.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 50/50 Raffle tickets |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Journey for Sight Raffle |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Decibel Award (hearing program recognition) |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Hope Medal (charitable achievement recognition) |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | KidSight Sight Saver Award |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | BJ Ben Ward Fellowship Award (highest award) |
| Other | Monthly | Serenity Suites Accommodations |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario delivers free community health programs including vision and hearing screenings for children, financial assistance for eyeglasses, hearing aids, prosthetics, and mobility equipment not covered by provincial healthcare, subsidized accommodations for medical travelers at Serenity Suites, and eyeglass/hearing aid recycling programs. Services are delivered through a network of 78 Lions Clubs across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario with the support of specialized screening cameras and a mobile outreach unit.
Product overview
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario is a registered non-profit charitable organization established in 1981 that offers a portfolio of community health and support programs. The core programs include KidSight (vision screening for children), Simply Sound/Hearing Program (hearing support and hearing aid recycling), Giving Glances (vision financial assistance and eyeglass recycling), Helping Hands (medical expense financial assistance), and Serenity Suites (subsidized accommodations for medical travelers). The organization also recently announced the launch of 'Bringing Care Closer,' a mobile vision and hearing screening unit planned for September 2026. These programs work together to provide comprehensive support for individuals and families facing vision, hearing, and mobility challenges across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- KidSight Free vision screening program for children aged 6 months to 18 years using specialized hands-free camera technology. Delivered in partnership with regional Lions Clubs at schools, daycares, and community events across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.
- Simply Sound Hearing Program Hearing program supporting individuals affected by hearing loss, including the Kids Hear Program for children aged 6 months to 18 years, hearing aid recycling, and the pediatric hearing aid loaner program. Partners with Horizon Hearing Centres for follow-up care and hearing aid fitting.
- Helping Hands Financial assistance program easing the burden for families dealing with medical issues not covered by Provincial Health Care, including out-of-town medical travel, mobility equipment, prosthetics, medical appliances, and physical rehabilitation therapy. Applications are submitted through community Lions Clubs or directly to the Foundation office.
- Serenity Suites Financially subsidized fully furnished accommodations for adults and children from northern and rural Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario who must travel to Winnipeg for medical treatment. Located at Lions Manor near Health Sciences Centre, Children's Hospital, CancerCare Manitoba, Misericordia Health Centre, and St. Boniface Hospital, with kitchens, cable TV, internet, laundry, on-site hair salon, cafeteria, and ATM.
- Giving Glances Vision programs providing financial assistance for eyeglasses and adaptive technology, and operating the Recycle for Sight program that has distributed over 800,000 eyeglasses to children and adults in developing countries since 1996.
- Bringing Care Closer Mobile vision and hearing screening initiative launching September 2026 that brings free on-the-spot screenings directly to children through a fully equipped mobile outreach unit with advanced optometry and audiology devices, capable of reaching up to 40,000 children per year at schools, daycares, community centres, and public events across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 800,000 eyeglasses distributed since 1996 through Recycle for Sight program
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Canada PostcoreCanada Post awarded Lions Foundation a 2023 Community Grant in recognition of the Kidsight Vision Program. This partnership supports the foundation's vision screening initiative for children.
- Red River Co-opcoreRed River Co-op awarded Lions Foundation a 2023 Community Grant Fund in recognition of the Kidsight Vision Program. Partnership supports children's vision care.
- Horizon Hearing CentrescoreLions Foundation partners with Horizon Hearing Centres to make hearing aids available to those in need. Successful hearing program applicants are referred to Horizon Hearing Centres for follow-up care.
- Manitoba OptometristsminorCommunity partner supporting the Bringing Care Closer mobile vision and hearing screening initiative.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- March of Dimes Canada: National disability-services nonprofit offering assistive devices, mobility programs, and post-rehabilitation support. Directly comparable to Lions Foundation's 'Helping Hands' financial-assistance and mobility-equipment mandate and similar donor/funder base.
- Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB): National Canadian charity delivering vision-loss rehabilitation, assistive tech, and advocacy. Directly comparable to Lions Foundation's 'Giving Glances' vision program, eyeglass recycling, and children's screening, but operating at a national scale rather than within a single region.
- The War Amps: Canadian charity funding prosthetic limbs, assistive devices, and financial assistance for amputees. Mirrors the Lions Foundation's financial-assistance model for medical equipment not covered by public healthcare and its community-led donation framework.
- Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba: Regional charitable operator of subsidized lodging for families traveling for pediatric medical treatment. Directly comparable to Lions Foundation's 'Serenity Suites' accommodation program in service model and target population.
- Canadian Hearing Services: National Canadian charity providing hearing healthcare, hearing aid access, and communication support services. Closely matches Lions Foundation's 'Simply Sound' program, hearing-aid recycling, and pediatric Kids Hear screening in mission and service mix.
Broad incumbents
- United Way Winnipeg: Regional community foundation aggregating workplace giving and distributing funds to health/social-service agencies. Comparable as a Manitoba-based community-led fundraising model with overlapping donor pool and social-services mandate.
- Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF): Global charitable arm of the Lions Clubs movement that funds large-scale humanitarian grants. Analogous organizational structure to Lions Foundation of Manitoba & NW Ontario, but operating across all districts with broader international reach.
- Rick Hansen Foundation: Canadian disability-focused charity funding spinal cord injury research, accessibility, and inclusion programs. Comparable mission to Lions Foundation's disability-and-mobility support, but at a national scale with broader programming.
Regional players
- Health Sciences Centre Foundation: Regional hospital foundation raising funds for equipment, research, and patient care at Manitoba's largest hospital. Same Winnipeg healthcare-fundraising ecosystem as Lions Foundation, sharing corporate sponsors and donor prospects.
- Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba: Regional healthcare foundation raising funds to support pediatric care at HSC Children's Hospital. Operates in the same Winnipeg pediatric-health ecosystem that Serenity Suites serves, and shares a pediatric donor base.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated social profiles
Digital presenceLions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles16 records
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated
What does Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated do?
The Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario delivers free community health programs including vision and hearing screenings for children, financial assistance for eyeglasses, hearing aids, prosthetics, and mobility equipment not covered by provincial healthcare, subsidized accommodations for medical travelers at Serenity Suites, and eyeglass/hearing aid recycling programs. Services are delivered through a network of 78 Lions Clubs across Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario with the support of specialized screening cameras and a mobile outreach unit.
Is Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated a public or private company?
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated founded?
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated was founded in 1981. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated based?
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated is headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are raffle and Event Fundraising, grant Funding and planned Giving and Legacy Donations.
Who are Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are March of Dimes Canada, Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), The War Amps, Ronald McDonald House Charities Manitoba and Canadian Hearing Services. Broad incumbents are United Way Winnipeg, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and Rick Hansen Foundation. Regional players are Health Sciences Centre Foundation and Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.
Does Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated have an API?
No public API is recorded for Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated.
What industry is Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated in?
Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Incorporated's product category is Nonprofit Health and Social Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support, with a secondary code of BPAGACAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support. Its NAICS code is 62412 and its SIC code is 8300.