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Lions Clubs International Foundation Provides Relief for Haiti
Lions Clubs International Foundation Provides Relief for Haiti
Published 01-16-10
Submitted by Lions Clubs International
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has awarded a US$50,000 Major Catastrophe Grant to immediately provide help to the victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. LCIF is in contact with Lions in the immediate area, neighboring Latin American countries and area Lions leadership, to assess the situation and determine immediate needs and how Lions and LCIF can best assist.
As with past disasters, Lions clubs members worldwide are supporting LCIF relief efforts. Within 24 hours, Lions around the world have pledged nearly US$250,000 to help. Immediate relief efforts will center on providing water, food, medicine and other essential needs.
Lions members in the area are mobilizing. Lions within the Dominican Republic are collecting goods as well as using LCIF funding to purchase relief supplies, which they will drive across the border to disperse. Lions from Sweden will be sending tents to the Dominican Republic for the Lions to also transport to the area. These large tents will help house victims and relief workers.
Lions from Canada were in the area helping to establish a clean water system for the Mission of Hope orphanage when the earthquake hit. They are now assisting in providing immediate medical care. Lions have established a command post and are administering medical assistance 24 hours a day. They have worked out a shift system. In the first three hours of operation they tended to 100 sick and injured.
Lions Clubs International Foundation works with Lions in the immediate area to assess the greatest needs and ensure funds are used to help those who need it most. The Foundation has experience in disaster relief, providing more than a combined US$25 million for the South Asia tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the China earthquake.
Donors can assist Lions on the ground and Lions Clubs International Foundation by responding to this disaster with a designated donation to the "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief" Fund.
More information and regular updates on this disaster and Lions' and LCIF's response will be posted on the Lions Clubs International Web page at www.lionsclubs.org.
To donate online, visit www.lcif.org/donate and select Disaster. Please include "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief" in the comments section. You may also mail a check payable to Lions Clubs International Foundation (noting "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief" in the memo field) to LCIF, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA, Attn.: Donor Services.
Lions Clubs International Foundation is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International. Established in 1968, LCIF is committed to providing humanitarian services to those in need, including providing disaster relief, saving sight, supporting youth and combating disability. Each year, LCIF typically awards US$2 million in emergency grant relief funding. LCIF was ranked by a Financial Times study as the #1 non-governmental organization with which to partner. Learn more at www.lcif.org.
