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Lions Clubs
International Foundation
L.C.I.F. HELPS WITH FLORIDA HURRICANE RELIEF... YOU CAN TOO!
To My Fellow Lions,
After Hurricane Frances devastated the Port St. Lucie area in Florida, Lions handed out vouchers for food and clothing redeemable at WalMart. Residents had little food because their power was out, and their possessions were ruined by days of rain, which poured in after the high winds tore their
roofs off. The vouchers were made possible by an LCIF Emergency Grant.
"The voucher program works very well," says 35-D District Governor Doris Hollins. "The TV stations went into the community and interviewed the residents and most told them, 'The Lions are the only people who give us something in our hands so we can go shop and get medicine, food and
clothing.'"
In the wake of the recent hurricanes, LCIF has provided 17 Emergency Grants to districts in Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania as well as to districts in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. The $10,000 or $5,000 Emergency Grants enable local Lions to respond to immediate needs and supplement the volunteer service Lions do following disasters.
Lions in the areas devastated by the hurricanes or flooding want other Lions to know they've responded to the disaster and appreciate the support through the emergency grants. "The devastation here has been unbelievable. A little creek in Lisbon became a flash flood of water that wiped out homes and roadways," says 13-D District Governor Verna Williams of Bristolville, Ohio.
"The Lisbon Lions were the first on the scene, helping people with food and shelter. We need to spread the word about Lionism."
Lions who wish to contribute to an LCIF fund for those affected by the storms can send a check to LCIF at 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523. Make the check payable to LCIF with a notation that the donation is for the U.S. Hurricane Relief Fund 2004 or the Carribean Hurricane Relief Fund 2004.
(Because the donation is for a specific fund, these donations are not eligible for Melvin Jones Fellowship recognition or a Contributing Membership.)
The large number of disasters this year, both in the United States and elsewhere, has resulted in a far larger number of Emergency Grants this year so far. Since July 1, LCIF has made 87 Emergency Grants for US$745,000, compared to 155 Emergency Grants for US$1,150,00 for the entire 2003-2004
fiscal year.
Lions who wish to help replenish the Emergency Grants fund can send a check to LCIF at the same address as above or make an online donation.
Donations to replenish our Emergency Resources are eligible for Melvin Jones Fellowship recognition or a Contributing Membership.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tae Sup Lee
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LCIF Tsunami Relief Update
Bulletin 1 – December 29, 2004
In the last 72 hours, $170,000 in LCIF Emergency Grant funds have been dispatched to Lions districts in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia to help the Lions provide food, blankets, water and other relief items.
There are 73,000 Lions in the hardest hit regions of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia on the spot, coming to the aid of those in need. They are working in the affected communities, as well as coordinating with the government at national levels. In Sri Lanka, the Lions have formed a joint commission with the government to expand the country’s response in dealing with the critical issues of shelter, water supplies and sanitation. In India, the hardest hit districts in and around Chennai have also come together to coordinate the expenditure of US$50,000 in LCIF funding awarded for districts that cover the coastline from Tamil Nadu north to Orissa.
For Lions wishing to help support these efforts, LCIF has created a special designated fund, the “South Asia Tsunami Disaster 2004 Fund,” to receive donations that will be forwarded on to the affected areas. This fund will complement funds already awarded. Funds will be used to support both immediate and long-term needs of the victims. Already Lions around the world are making pledges of support, including US$120,000 from the Lions of Sweden and US$200,000 from the Lions of Korea.
Lions and others interested in supporting this special fund can do so by making a donation to LCIF. In North America, checks can be sent to LCIF. In other countries, funds can be sent directly to the LCI or LCIF accounts. In both cases, a cover note or memo on the check/deposit slip should indicate that the donation is for the “South Asia Tsunami Disaster 2004 Fund.” You may also contact your district’s LCIF chairperson for more details on making donations to LCIF. If you have any questions, please contact lcif@lionsclubs.org.
LCIF will continue to keep you updated through these bulletins. More funds will be awarded by LICF in the coming days as needs are assessed. Your support is needed to help Lions of the world respond to what is the world’s largest catastrophe in modern history.
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Dear Fellow Lions,
It was with great shock, disbelief and immense sadness that the people of the world have witnessed the horrific earthquake and tsunami disaster that has impacted millions across South Asia. Lions around the world have been contacting me to learn of LCIF’s relief aid provided thus far, and also how they can support Lions in the region respond to this great tragedy.
I am pleased to report that nearly US$200,000 in emergency grant funding has been disbursed and a special designated fund established for Lions and others who want to help out. Below is a first bulletin with an update of details of LCIF’s relief efforts for this catastrophe.
On behalf of Lions of South Asia, I sincerely thank you for your interest, concern and compassion.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tae-Sup Lee
LCIF Chairperson
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