LCIF November Newsletter

Dear Lion, Earlier this month, the Caribbean and the East Coast of the United States were hit by Superstorm Sandy. I was saddened and deeply concerned when I heard of the storm's impact, but I also knew that Lions would be there to help. Not only are Lions on the ground, supporting each other and people in the affected communities, but Lions around the world are generously providing donations to the disaster relief fund at Lions Clubs International Foundation. It is because of the disaster relief fund that LCIF could quickly respond to Superstorm Sandy, mobilizing US$220,000 in grants for those in need. Lions were immediately able to put provided funds to use, delivering food, water, blankets and flashlights to those affected by the storm. Your donations to the disaster relief fund are MJF eligible and will support Superstorm Sandy victims in the coming weeks, unless a disaster of similar scope and scale requires Lions' immediate response.  In addition to disaster relief, Lions are able to make an impact in many other areas of service. Just look at our efforts to eliminate measles. We not only met the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's challenge to raise US$10 million for measles, we have exceeded it! This means even more children will be vaccinated, saving them from the harmful effects of measles. Congratulations, and thank you for your efforts. LCIF is working with the Measles Initiative and Gates Foundation to plan for the future. I am inspired by all that Lions have accomplished through our Foundation. Together we save sight, provide disaster relief, support youth and meet humanitarian needs worldwide. Together we make a difference in millions of lives. Sincerely, Wing-Kun Tam Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation

Reaching 12,000 Students through Lions Quest Lions Quest held its largest ever training session in October 2012, training 280 teachers from 21 schools in Wood County, West Virginia, USA. Another 700 personnel attended an orientation on the program, focusing on social and emotional learning, as well as bullying and drug prevention, service-learning, and creating a positive school climate. More than 12,000 students will benefit from the partnership. LCIF received a grant of US$100,000 from NoVo Foundation for the three year implementation. This also supports LCIF's Clinton Global Initiative commitment to expand Lions Quest across one large U.S. school district. LCIF Awards Grants At the recent International Board of Directors meeting held in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, 82 grants were awarded totaling US$4,936,664. This includes US$1 million to continue the LCIF-Special Olympics Opening Eyes partnership. Through these grants, an estimated 1.24 million people will benefit, enabling Lions to have a great impact in their communities and around the world. Post-Convention Norwegian Cruise Are you wondering what to do after the 96th Lions Clubs International Convention in Hamburg, Germany? Naonis Travel is providing a post-convention roundtrip cruise from Hamburg to the Norwegian Fjords and North Cape, Norway. For each trip booked, a donation of US$50 will be made to LCIF. Book this cruise before December 31, 2012 for savings. For more information, contact Naonis Travel at info@naonisviaggi.it or +39 0427 701620.