Volunteer Power, Community Results.
Airdrie 1st Club is a volunteer organization committed to creating meaningful connections, uplifting local initiatives, and making a difference in our community.
Mission Statement: Airdrie 1st Club provides service to our community and its citizens
How We Help
We support Airdrie through hands-on volunteering, fundraising, and community programs that make a real impact year-round.
Our work includes major local events such as:
Airdrie Festival of Lights, Seniors Week activities, SINGFest, Sirens Charity Hockey Game, Birthday Closet, Seasonal fundraising events, and more.
We also run the Holiday Hamper Program, which provides holiday essentials to hundreds of families during the holiday season. With over 370 hampers created in 2025!
When Lioness Clubs were invited to join the international Lions organization, we chose to remain independent so we could continue focusing entirely on serving our local community.
In 2021, with that decision came a new name: Airdrie 1st Club. It reflects our simple priority to put Airdrie first in everything we do!
Why We Changed Our Name?
Who we help
Airdrie 1st Club is proud to support a wide range of local organizations that serve children, seniors, families, and individuals in need. Whether it’s through funding, volunteer time, or donations, our mission is to uplift every corner of our community.
From food banks and libraries to youth programs and senior care, we’re honored to stand alongside the groups that make Airdrie a more caring, connected place to live.
Our Story
Club Founded
The Airdrie Lioness Club was founded by Dolly Dunne and 29 passionate women, united by a vision to make a lasting impact in their growing community. That same year, the club introduced their signature red vests, launched a flea market booth to fund programs, and began the Adopt-A-Family Program, now known as the Holiday Hamper Program. These early efforts laid the foundation for decades of service, support, and sisterhood in Airdrie.
Pie Sales
Pie sales at the Airdrie Trade Show became a key fundraiser, with proceeds supporting club programs. The tradition grew into a major team-building effort and a well-loved staple of the trade show for many years.
Year-round Hampers
The club expanded its support programs by creating hampers for individuals and families facing unexpected crises such as fires, medical emergencies, or other life challenges outside the holiday season. This initiative continues today through Airdrie 1st, reflecting a lasting commitment to year-round community support.
Seniors Christmas
The club launched its first annual Seniors Christmas celebration for seniors who were unable to spend the holiday with their families. The inaugural event welcomed 70 seniors, who were served a traditional turkey dinner by Lioness volunteers before being taken to the Airdrie Festival of Lights. This meaningful tradition continued for many years.
Hamper Foundation
The Airdrie Lioness Hamper Foundation was created as a registered charitable organization to support the Holiday Hamper Program, allowing tax receipts to be issued and strengthening fundraising and community support.
Blankets 4 Kids
The Blankets 4 Kids program was launched, with members creating handmade blankets to provide comfort and warmth to children in hospitals and shelters during difficult times. The initiative is now known as Comfort Blankets and is used solely in support of the Helping Hands program.
Helping Hands
The Helping Hands Hamper Program was launched to provide support throughout the year for families experiencing unexpected challenges, offering help beyond the holidays.
Sirens Hockey Game
The first annual Sirens Hockey Game was held, featuring the RCMP and Fire Departments competing in a friendly hockey match to raise funds and collect gifts for the Holiday Hamper Program. The event brought the community together in support of families in need during the holiday season.
Valentines for Seniors
The first annual Valentines for Seniors fundraiser was launched, inviting the community to purchase valentines for seniors in local care homes. Each gift included a rose and a treat to help brighten Valentine’s Day and bring connection and joy to seniors in the community. The initiative continues to this day.
Rebranding
In 2021, the club rebranded as Airdrie 1st to reflect its local focus and independence. The name captures the spirit of putting Airdrie first in all of their service efforts.
Birthday Closet
In partnership with Community Links we have started the Birthday Closet, a place where anyone can receive support to celebrate their birthday.
Meet the team
