Meet our Team
These Are the Heroes with the Passion to Transform Their Communities
President - Carmelo Tortolano
Carmelo Tortolano is a dedicated community leader and the passionate founder of multiple nonprofit initiatives based in Montreal, including Friends4Cause (F4C), Give4Hope (G4H), and the Hope for Humanity Lions Club. With a deep commitment to helping others, Carmelo has spent years building grassroots movements that focus on supporting children in palliative care, individuals with autism, and vulnerable communities in need of food and basic necessities.
Secretary - Luigi Macchiagodena
Luigi Macchiagodena is a seasoned Retail Sales Supervisor based in Montreal, Quebec, with over seven years of experience. Since March 2018, he has been self-employed, previously supervising sales at Rubino Shoes and gaining valuable expertise in customer service. Active in his community, Luigi values strong relationships and is dedicated to the retail industry.
Treasurer - Sabina Turturro
Sabina Turturro is a dedicated volunteer and treasurer at Friends4Cause for two years, expertly managing financial records and demonstrating her passion for community service. A seasoned businesswoman, she owned Panzerotti, a beloved restaurant in Montreal, contributing to the local dining scene. Sabina also brings her creative basket-making skills to fundraising events, making her an invaluable member of the F4C family.
Leadership
The District U-1 leadership (Lions at the regional level) provides guidance and support. Notably, District officials were closely involved in the club’s inception – for example, Lions District U-1 Governor Antoine Menassa presided over the Charter Night ceremony in 2023, officially welcoming the club into the Lions family . The current District Governor and zone chairpersons continue to advise the Hope for Humanity Lions as they grow. This structure means that while the club operates autonomously day-to-day, it is never isolated – it benefits from the mentorship and oversight of the larger Lions organization in Quebec.
Lions Club Hope for Humanity is governed by an elected Board of Directors that ensures every activity reflects both the club’s local mission and Lions International’s global standards.
Founding President – Lion Carmelo Tortolano: Chartered the club in 2023 and continues to set strategic direction and community priorities
First Vice President: Oversees day-to-day service operations and steps in for the President as needed, guaranteeing continuity of leadership
Secretary: Maintains official records, submits service reports through the MyLion platform, and acts as the primary liaison with District U-1 and Lions Clubs International Headquarters
Treasurer: Manages all club funds, issues financial statements to members, and ensures donations are promptly directed to approved causes and to LCIF when applicable
Service, Fund-Raising, Membership & Marketing Chairs: Lead dedicated committees that plan projects, recruit and orient new members, and promote events across web and social platforms
Together this volunteer board translates the Lions motto “We Serve” into concrete action in Saint-Léonard, Rivière-des-Prairies, and neighbouring communities
The club’s organizational structure follows the Lions Clubs International standard: a President, Vice President(s), Secretary, Treasurer, and various committee chairs (for service projects, membership, fundraising, etc.) make up the leadership team. These roles are filled by members who volunteer their time to ensure the club runs effectively and upholds Lions values.