Lions' Commitment to LCIF Changes Lives

Dear Lion,

 

As the year comes to an end, I want to thank you for all of your admirable service work through your clubs and through Lions Clubs International Foundation. LCIF would not be what it is without your support and dedication to service.

 

This can easily be seen through your disaster relief response to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. As I was shown the devastation and wreckage during my visit recent visit there, I was humbled and saddened by what I saw. But I also saw Lions' efforts to provide aid, including where other organizations could not. This filled me with great pride. Lions on the ground have made a huge difference in the month following the typhoon.

 

Lions around the world are helping to amplify typhoon relief efforts through more than US$ 1 million in disaster relief donations to LCIF. The Lions, Multiple Districts and countries that have made large contributions and commitments for the Philippines can be found on the LCIF website.

 

Along with Lions, our partners at VSP Global should also be recognized for their commitment – they are matching every dollar that VSP Global employees donate to LCIF for disaster relief in the Philippines, up to US$10,000. We are grateful for everyone's support – every dollar helps and can restore hope when someone has lost everything.

 

I witnessed more of Lions' dedication to supporting LCIF at several recent fundraisers. Contributions made at local golf events in Japan and MD 300 Taiwan will strengthen humanitarian programs. And I am looking forward to attending a Lions golf fundraiser and tournament in Spain this March. Lions must register by January 31, 2014. The tournament proceeds will support LCIF's efforts to stop measles worldwide.

 

Lions around the world are truly making a difference. I am excited to see what the next few months hold for Lions and LCIF as we continue our humanitarian efforts to change lives.

 

Sincerely,

 

Wayne A. Madden

Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation

LCIF and Lions Make a Difference

Dear Lions,

 

So much has happened in the past month. I want to thank you for the immediacy of your response to the devastating typhoon in the Philippines. With LCIF's disaster relief fund, the Foundation was able to provide US$130,000 to the Lions of the Philippines instantly. And within less than one day, the Lions of OSEAL donated US$370,000 towards relief efforts while gathered at a forum in Singapore.

 

It took one day for our organization to mobilize US$500,000 for disaster relief in the Philippines. That is amazing. And, we continue to receive donations to LCIF for disaster relief. Thank you for your support. Every donation, no matter the size, provides help.

 

Our hearts go out to everyone in the Philippines. Being able to provide a meal, clean water and necessary medicine to those in need can make a huge difference. LCIF is able to help local Lions meet these immediate needs thanks to your donations. As the damage is assessed, Lions and LCIF will also assist with the long-term rebuilding of communities.

 

Lions are truly everywhere, and do everything when it comes to service. In the past month, I had the opportunity to travel to Ethiopia with members of the GAVI Alliance to be a part of a lifesaving vaccination campaign. It was an inspirational event to be a part of. With our partners, we are making a real difference in areas that need vaccinations most. That is why we have committed to raising US$30 million for measles by 2017. Those funds will help save millions of lives.

 

Everything our Foundation does, it does for people in need. From measles vaccinations to disaster relief and everything in between, you are the reason why our Foundation is one of the most trusted foundations worldwide.

 

Sincerely,

 

Wayne Madden

Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation

Donate to Lions Club International Foundation

Why donate to LCIF???

When you visit the LCIF Web site, you can you can find the information and resources you need to apply for a grant, obtain outreach materials, donate to the latest disaster campaign and support the Foundation. You’ll find everything organized under six main categories:

• About Us: Acquaint yourself with LCIF’s mission and history, view financial reports and meet our leaders.

• Our Programs: Learn about our four main areas of service – restoring sight, providing disaster relief, supporting youth and addressing other humanitarian needs such as health and disability.

• Our Impact: Read stories about the impact of our work on the lives of individuals around the world.

• Ways to Give: Become familiar with LCIF donation options and recognition programs, and have your Melvin Jones Fellowship questions answered.

• News: Read the latest LCIF news, our monthly e-newsletter and recent media coverage.

• Lions Center: Find useful grant information, outreach materials and coordinator resources such as forms, calendar and reports.

To learn about more about LCIF or to make a donation, visit the LCIF Web site now.

  DONATE TO LCIF

A Year of Giving Through LCIF

Dear Lion, Every year at this time, I send my personal greetings to you, the members of my Lions family. This year is no different, except I want to take the extra time to reflect on what we have accomplished together through our Foundation. Thanks to your donations and your service, we have met needs all over the world and made a great impact in many people's lives. Together, we met the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's challenge grant to raise US$10 million for measles. Through this major accomplishment, we helped vaccinate 157 million children against measles in 2012. Lions also provided disaster relief worldwide following typhoons, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires and other disasters this year. One recent example is Superstorm Sandy in the United States. Many Lions gave generously, and even Lions who were affected by the storm were out serving their communities the next day. In addition to disaster relief, Lions and LCIF have been continuing to fight preventable blindness. When I was in Thailand for the 10 year celebration of Sight for Kids with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, I was able to see the impact that a simple vision screening can have in a child's life. It is easy to see why organizations like Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Bausch + Lomb, The Carter Center and more partner with us in our efforts to save sight. Our Foundation has also supported youth in many ways during this year. The Lions Quest program is continually growing to help provide children with positive life skills. The U.S. State Department is helping the program expand in Africa, while the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is working with Lions Quest curriculum in Central Asia and Southeastern Europe. I am amazed at all the different kinds of service that we are able to provide together. Though I have been Chairperson of our Foundation for just six months, it is easy to see all the good that we have accomplished this past year, and every year since the Foundation was created. All of our accomplishments are because of your generous donations. I invite you to see the impact your donations have made by viewing this video. As this year ends, I look forward to a new year full of service and caring. Though we always pray for no disaster and diseases in this world, they still happen. Please continue your support to LCIF so that we can strive for a better world to live in with no disaster and diseases in the coming future. Sincerely, Wing-Kun Tam Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation District 132 Macedonia (FYROM) Implements Lions Quest In December, District 132 Macedonia (FYROM) is hosting the country's first Lions Quest teacher training workshop. This project will help create and foster the spirit of community service and social responsibility. In the pilot year, 250 students will be taught social and emotional learning, including anti-bullying, substance abuse prevention and how to interact with others in a positive way. District 132 Macedonia (FYROM) is the 78th country to begin a Lions Quest program. Lions Quest curriculum has been translated into 36 languages. Watch Relief Efforts Following Superstorm Sandy When Superstorm Sandy hit the United States, Lions immediately went to work. In this video, watch how Lions supported each other and their local communities during a time of need. Note: This message has been sent to all Lions clubs members.

A Year of Giving Through LCIF

Dear Lion,

Every year at this time, I send my personal greetings to you, the members of my Lions family. This year is no different, except I want to take the extra time to reflect on what we have accomplished together through our Foundation. Thanks to your donations and your service, we have met needs all over the world and made a great impact in many people's lives.

Together, we met the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's challenge grant to raise US$10 million for measles. Through this major accomplishment, we helped vaccinate 157 million children against measles in 2012.

Lions also provided disaster relief worldwide following typhoons, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires and other disasters this year. One recent example is Superstorm Sandy in the United States. Many Lions gave generously, and even Lions who were affected by the storm were out serving their communities the next day.

In addition to disaster relief, Lions and LCIF have been continuing to fight preventable blindness. When I was in Thailand for the 10 year celebration of Sight for Kids with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, I was able to see the impact that a simple vision screening can have in a child's life. It is easy to see why organizations like Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Bausch + Lomb, The Carter Center and more partner with us in our efforts to save sight.

Our Foundation has also supported youth in many ways during this year. The Lions Quest program is continually growing to help provide children with positive life skills. The U.S. State Department is helping the program expand in Africa, while the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is working with Lions Quest curriculum in Central Asia and Southeastern Europe.

I am amazed at all the different kinds of service that we are able to provide together. Though I have been Chairperson of our Foundation for just six months, it is easy to see all the good that we have accomplished this past year, and every year since the Foundation was created. All of our accomplishments are because of your generous donations. I invite you to see the impact your donations have made by viewing this video.

As this year ends, I look forward to a new year full of service and caring. Though we always pray for no disaster and diseases in this world, they still happen. Please continue your support to LCIF so that we can strive for a better world to live in with no disaster and diseases in the coming future.

Sincerely,

Wing-Kun Tam

Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation

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.

Meeting Needs through the Lions Lens®

Lions in the United States have a long history of helping restore vision to community members in need. To aid Lions in these efforts, LCIF and Essilor International have developed a high-quality, low-cost Lions Lens^® for Lions' refractive error programs for underserved populations. This lens is available to large-scale Lions or Lions-affiliated nonprofit eye care institutions/clinics in the United States and is to be used only for qualified patients. Additional Lions Lens^® information and a program application are available on the LCIF website.

Celebrating 10 Years of Sight for Kids

LCIF and Johnson & Johnson Vision Care are celebrating 10 years of partnership this year and reaching a vision screening milestone of more than 16 million children through the Sight for Kids program. Sight for Kids addresses childhood visual impairment and blindness in Asia, an area of great need. Led by Lions and local partners, Sight for Kids recruits eye care professionals who train local teachers and Lions clubs members to conduct school-based vision screenings and eye health education in underserved communities. When needed, students are referred to a local eye care professional and receive an eye exam, eyeglasses and further care at no cost. During this anniversary year, the Sight for Kids partners are celebrating accomplishments and also focusing on the program's potential and a new decade of efforts.

Message from Chairperson of LCI

Dear Lion,

 

Earlier this month I was in Bangkok, Thailand, to celebrate 10 years of Sight for Kids, one of our most successful partnerships. While celebrating our accomplishments, such as the vision screening of more than 16 million children, I was also struck by the fact that many people are still needlessly blind or visually impaired. Did you know that 80 percent of visual impairment in the world can be avoided or cured? That is why our Foundation provides support for preventing avoidable blindness and restoring sight to those in need.

LCIF has been collaborating with the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases through the Sabin Vaccine Institute to help end suffering caused by neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), including ones that affect sight. More than 1.4 billion people in the world are affected by these diseases. The Global Network envisions a world where children and families can grow in a community free of NTDs, with a goal to eliminate or control 10 common NTDs by 2020.

Through LCIF's SightFirst program, Lions have already been working towards this goal by focusing on two of the most common NTDs that affect sight: trachoma and onchocerciasis (river blindness). Through initiatives that prevent and treat infectious diseases, like our SightFirst programs, visual impairment around the world has been decreasing, according to the World Health Organization.

Another area of health where Lions' efforts are helping to make a difference is with measles. Thanks to routine immunization and vaccination campaigns, fewer children die each day. Though the number has declined, 380 children still die each day from this easily preventable disease. We have the power to help them.

With less than US$1 million left to meet the US$10 million challenge grant issued by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we will help vaccinate 157 million children this year alongside our partners through the One Shot, One Life: Lions Measles Initiative. Thank you for your continued donations and support of this initiative. We are truly making an impact on the world.

Sincerely,

Wing-Kun Tam

Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

November provides special service opportunities for you to raise awareness about diabetes. Empower your community and take action now! Partner with local health care providers to organize diabetes or vision screenings; distribute new diabetes bookmarks (download or purchase a quantity); or plan a Strides: Lions for Diabetes Awareness event. Through Strides, your club can organize a fun, visible community event that encourages healthy exercise while promoting diabetes awareness, prevention and control. For more information, email programs@lionsclubs.org.