Financials

In 1972 the Hamilton East Lions rented cottages in Parry Sound for two families living with dialysis. A third cottage was rented to house the dialysis machine. In 1973 six families were brought to cottages in Dorset for a relaxing getaway. By 1974 they brought twelve families to Dorset, but with funds exhausted another 30 families were left on a waiting list. 

The idea of a Lions Camp Dorset came about at the 1974 International Lions Convention. Lion Sandy Ailles of Dorset and Lgion Herb Walpole of Hamilton East had a chance meeting. The Dorset Lions had obtained 380 acres of crown land in the early 70s as part of a plan to build baseball diamonds. However, after hearing of Hamilton East's dialysis retreats, the idea of building a full-scale camp emerged. Soon after, Hamilton East Lions and the Dorset Lions began to raise funds for the building of the camp. 

On April 17, 1978, construction began. In the first year 3 cottages were built and the next year 5 more were constructed. Lions Camp Dorset acquired the property lease later from the Dorset Lions. The property of 51.69 acres was then bought by Lions Camp Dorset Corporation from the Ministry of Natural Resources. 

With some assistance from corporate sponsors and various government grants, the Lions of Ontario has developed the Camp into a unique facility. Construction was completed by Lions, Lioness, Leos and other interested parties. The largest share of the funding for both construction and maintenance comes from members of the Lions Family across Ontario. The camp is mortgage and debt-free thanks to the donated funds.