By the PoleCom Team: Elyette Ville-Haeweng (DCNCM), Gérard Gondry, André Pelletier

«Too far east is the WEST.» (Lao-Tseu)

Welcome to the West District (Brittany – Pays de Loire).
The region of Brittany and the Pays de la Loire has unique features. Brittany is known for its rich Celtic culture, renowned gastronomy, spectacular coastal landscapes and historical heritage. The Pays de la Loire, meanwhile, offers a diversity of landscapes ranging from the magnificent castles of the Loire to the vast expanses of vineyards with renowned appellations.
On one side the ocean with, every four years, the start of the Route du Rhum (Saint Malo-Guadeloupe) and, on the other side, the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix on the 24 hours of Le Mans circuit.

In 1955 the District has 7 clubs, the first one created is that of Le Mans in 1954 in Pays de Loire, then it will be the turn Quimper in Brittany. In 1955 creation of the clubs of Saint Brieuc, Laval Premier, Rennes Centre, Brest Doyen, Saint Malo. In 2024 the District has 82 clubs in eight departments of western France.

The Western Lions are committed to all international causes, especially pediatric cancer, vision, diabetes, the environment, but also by developing projects and actions that meet the specific needs of local populations, environmental issues, not to mention humanitarian interventions related to cataclysms or climate change…

With a seafront of more than 1000 km, the coastal clubs are naturally engaged in the protection of the coast: cleaning of the beaches, but also in the support of the National Society of Lifeguards at Sea (SNSM), an association that volunteers to help sailors in distress.

As part of Médico Lions Clubs de France, the District organizes, in addition to collecting glasses, medical devices, hospital supplies and their delivery, especially to countries in Africa.

It is also worth noting two flagship and perennial actions of the West.

«A rose for a smile»

Since 2014, this action has mobilized more than 1,500 Lions who sell some 100,000 roses offered by the Intermarché-Netto commercial network. The proceeds of this sale are dedicated to the four associations of Clowns Hospitallers of the District, whose mission is to soothe, to make smile to children, even elderly, in hospital, to de-dramatize certain medical care and even sometimes to accompany them to the operating room.

« FOROMAP »

This «Youth» action, launched in 1995 in Finistère with the organization of a Forum of Apprenticeship and Alternance Training, allows to make known to young people, from 14 years, the professional reconversion, the diversity of this form of education and their prospects for professional integration. This show has become over the years a real institution. https://www.foromap29.fr/

The District has indeed a strong involvement with young people, whether competitions to highlight their talents, but also meeting centers such as «Centres Internationaux Francophones».
The District regularly welcomes young Francophones from five continents who come to forge friendships while discovering the cultural and heritage riches of the West.

«Vacances Plein Air Lions de France» is the beneficiary action of the Europa Forum. Every year, our District welcomes children from other French districts to the Kerber centre in Conquet, Brittany. www.centrekerber.com

The District’s twinnings are rich, dynamic and varied. At each of our congresses it is always very pleasant to welcome friends from England, overseas, Tunisia, Morocco, Africa 403A2, Turkey…

Our commitment to solidarity, caring and improving the quality of life in our district is important in community life and authentic partners in the city.

Finally, to be in the presence of a «President» who sits on our tables, soft, sometimes flowing, you see who we are talking about with the taste buds awake?  Our camembert of course!