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LCIF - UPDATES

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Messages  from LCIF Chairperson                                                    

 

LCIF Chairperson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mahendra Amarasuriya

2008-2009 LCIF Chairperson

 

   
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 1:49 PM
Subject: Lions Clubs International Support For Special Olympics

Dear Lion,

 

Lions Clubs International has had a long-lasting, and very rewarding partnership with the Special Olympics organization.  The Special Olympics organization is engaging in a new campaign, launching March 31, called Spread The Word to End The Word.  It is a national day of awareness for America to stop and think about their use of the R-word.  That R-word is not recession, but something more hurtful and painful retard.

 

Our partnership began with the Opening Eyes program.  The Special Olympics-Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes program is supported by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). The partnership program began in 2001 and has provided vision care to more than 100,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities.  Together our two organizations are dedicated to serving those in need; the combined effort helps a population whose needs are so often overlooked. 

Our partnership has been further solidified with recent initiatives, including new special interest Lions clubs popping up all over the United States, whose main focus is working with Special Olympics athletes.  I also had the pleasure of attending the Special Olympics Winter Games in Boise, ID in February, and can tell you first hand these athletes carry themselves with dignity, and deserve nothing less than our admiration and respect.

 

Support of this campaign is easy, and will just take a moment of your time.  Click on the link provided below to sign the pledge to stop using the R-word.  Declare your support for more respectful and inclusive language, specifically that referring to those with intellectual disabilities.  www.r-word.org

 

Spread the word Lions!!

 

Sincerely,

 

Al Brandel

   Posted March 19, 2009

   

Dear Fellow Lions,

The beginning of 2009 has been a great success for our Foundation. The Youth and Sight Partners Forums took place at the end of January and were a great success. The debut of the new Lions Clubs International Foundation Web site is quickly approaching. The Foundation and Lions are working together to aid the victims of wildfires that have devastated parts of Australia. Lions around the world continue to serve those in need through LCIF. Please enjoy the updates about our great accomplishments so far this year.

Yours in Lionism,
Mahendra Amarasuriya
LCIF Chairperson

LCIF Newsletter for March 2009
   Posted March 5, 2009

   

Dear Fellow Lions,

 

I would like to provide you with an update on LCIFs response to the recent hurricanes.

 

This summer there were a great number of hurricanes throughout the Caribbean and U.S. Gulf Coast. The destruction was significant, killing thousands and destroying properties across several countries and states from wind damage to flooding. Similar to past disasters, Lions and LCIF quickly responded to provide immediate relief items and help families to get back on their feet.

 

Hurricane Gustav caused $20 billion in damage and caused great flooding damage in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, areas previously hard hit by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. LCIF issued five Emergency grants to Lions districts in Mississippi and Louisiana, totaling $50,000 in relief funds. Grants totaling $15,000 were also awarded to Lions in the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

 

Hurricane Ike, the ninth hurricane of the summer, also hit the Gulf Coast of the U.S., making landfall in Texas and causing destruction along hundreds of miles of coastline. LCIF has issued five Emergency grants to districts in Texas and Louisiana, totaling $50,000 for immediate needs.

 

LCIF has responded to a number of recent natural disasters around the world. Since July 1, LCIF has issued $464,000 in Emergency grants. LCIF continues to be in touch with Lions in the affected areas to assess the situation and respond as needed.

 

Emergency grants and Major Catastrophe grants are funded through LCIFs general humanitarian fund. Donations to support these disasters and future disasters can be made online at www.lcif.org/donate or by calling 630-468-6774. Contact LCIF by e-mail at lcif@lionsclubs.org.

 

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our Foundation. As members, we all belong to LCI, but LCIF belongs to us.

 

Sincerely,

 

Mahendra Amarasuriya

Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation

    Posted September 19, 2008

  
Dear Fellow Lions,

This is the beginning of a great year for Lions around the world. I would like to update you on recent news in LCIF. I ask that you share this information with your club and district to help promote LCIF.

Yours in Lionism,

Mahendra Amarasuriya

2008-2009 LCIF Chairperson

LCIF Newsletter for August 2008
   Posted August 25, 2008

  

JIMMY M. ROSS

PAST INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT

2007-2008 LCIF CHAIRPERSON

 

   
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2008 11:07 AM
Subject: Update: LCIF Responds to China Earthquake

Dear Fellow Lions,

 

I would like to update you on Lions Clubs International Foundation's and Lions' response to the massive earthquake in China on May 12.

 

LCIF and Lions around the world are mobilizing more than US$2 million in funding and relief supplies. Within 48 hours LCIF committed a major catastrophe grant of US$500,000. Lions in District 381 Guangdong in mainland China have raised more than US$450,000 and relief material including food and medicine, Lions in District 380 Shenzhen in mainland China have raised US$250,000 & relief material of US$200,000 and Lions in District 303 Hong Kong and Macau have raised US$160,000.

 

A team of 40 Lions from Districts 381 and 380 traveled to Sichuan province to assist with hands-on relief efforts and the immediate and emerging needs of victims. The Lions are still in the area, disbursing relief materials including tents, medicine and food. Working with the Chinese Red Cross, Lions purchased 10 relief vehicles and ambulances.

 

An organizing committee comprised of Lions from Districts 380, 381 and 303 and the China Council of Lions Clubs has been formed in order to plan and coordinate efficiently on the relief project. An immediate and long-term relief plan is being developed by local Lions to involve four stages: rescue, support, resettlement and reconstruction. Lions are planning to establish Lions 'tent' cities using 800 family size tents. Swedish Lions helped supply the tents and are also contributing 3,000 blankets.

 

To support immediate and long-term needs, Lions around the world are responding. A designated LCIF account has been established to help channel donations for this disaster. Donations can be made online at www.lcif.org/donate noting Lions China Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund in the comments section. 

 

Lions of Ethiopia have donated $10,000; Chinese clubs in Vancouver, Canada expect to collect $100,000; and Taiwan Lions have committed $50,000. Lions in Brazil have partnered with a local company to provide 7,000 blankets. Many Lions are also helping by sharing this news with fellow Lions and the media. 

 

Frequent and massive aftershocks have caused further damages and casualties from the tremor. There remain significant and varying needs. As in past large-scale disasters, Lions are on the ground now and are also steadfastly committed to long-term relief and reconstruction. Days, week and months from now Lions will continue to provide aid. There is a great need for tents since many houses were toppled in the quake and the rainy season has begun. Generators and water purifying machines are also in urgent need and will be well-utilized. Lions are using immediate funds to purchase these items and are also requesting assistance to obtain these items. Chinese Lions and victims of the earthquake know they can count on Lions support to help as long as it takes to rebuild structures and rebuild lives.

 

LCIF is in constant contact with local Lions to determine the best immediate and long-term response. These regular updates are being posted on the LCIF Web site in order to keep Lions and the general public up-to-date on the latest news and response efforts.

 

Lions and LCIF's efforts have not gone unnoticed. News of the relief being provided has appeared on AOL, Forbes, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Daily Herald and several other national newspapers around the world, including seven major daily papers in China.

 

LCIF and Lions in China thank you for your continuous support for the victims in the affected areas.  LCIF and Lions are proving the international humanitarian good we can accomplish together.

 

Together 'We Serve,'

 

Jimmy Ross

LCIF Chairperson

   Posted May 23, 2008

   
Subject: Lions - LCIF's Response to the Chinese Earthquake

Dear Fellow Lions,

 

I want to update you on LCIFs response to the devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake that struck central China on Monday, May 12. LCIF is mobilizing US$1.5 million to aid Lions-led relief efforts in China.

 

Lions and LCIF are already responding to the powerful, massive earthquake. Lions in Hong Kong and Macau have raised US$600,000 and LCIF has committed an initial grant of US$500,000 to address immediate needs and provide medicines, clothing, blankets, water purification and temporary housing.

 

Local Lions have already sent 5,000 tents for displaced victims, and more are on the way. Through a vast network of Lions clubs members in Hong Kong and China, Lions and LCIF are also dispatching relief teams to the affected areas to deliver supplies and assist with hands-on relief efforts.

 

The Foundation expects donations from Lions around the world to surpass US$400,000 in the first week. Your donations will support both immediate and long-term reconstruction efforts. Every dollar that you donate will go directly toward the relief efforts in China. Please visit the LCIF Web site to contribute.  

 

For more information about LCIFs relief efforts for the Chinese earthquake, please view the Foundations Web site. This page will continue to be updated regularly with response efforts. Please distribute this release to your local media.

 

Together, Lions can bring a sense of hope and healing to those greatly affected by this disaster.

 

Yours in Lionism,

  

Jimmy M. Ross

Chairperson, LCIF

   Posted May 19, 2008

 

Dear Fellow Lions,

I would like to update you on recent LCIF news. This spring has brought many great achievements for our Foundation. With surpassing the US$150 million

CSFII minimum goal, the onset of Convention 2008 and many other exciting happenings, there is a lot to be proud of as a fellow Lion. Please share this information with your club and district to spread the good will of LCIF.  LCIF Newsletter May 2008.

Yours in Lionism,
Jimmy Ross
LCIF Chairperson

  Posted May 12, 2008


 
Sent: Friday, February 29, 2008 1:41 PM

 

Dear Fellow Lions,

 

I would like to update you on recent news in LCIF. I ask that you share this information with your club and district to help promote LCIF.

 

CSFII Surpasses Goal

Campaign SightFirst II has surpassed the $150 million minimum goal. On Worldwide Report Day February 20, National and Multi-National Coordinators telephone calls and reports revealed that Lions have raised more than US$157.9 million for CSFII. With four months remaining, Lions are now looking ahead to the additional challenge goal and helping ensure the future of SightFirst through continued and expanded efforts to eliminate preventable blindness worldwide. Lions support of CSFII is crucial in the remaining months. Visit the CSFII Web site for more information on the campaign and fundraising ideas.

 

LCIF #1 NGO Ads Available
In a special report released in July, LCIF was ranked the number one non-governmental organization worldwide. From 34 global organizations, LCIF came in first. As a result of the ranking, LCIF has received a great deal of media coverage and has also placed special ads in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and several other nationwide daily newspapers around the world. These ads are available to download online for Lions to use in their local newspapers as well. To localize the information, simply add a local telephone number and club Web site. The press release of this announcement is also online to share with your local media.


Milestone in Trachoma Treatments
LCIF reached a major milestone in trachoma treatments January 23 when LCIF Chairperson Jimmy Ross distributed the 10 millionth dose of azithromycin (Zithromax) to 16-year-old Messeleche Tilahun. The antibiotic, donated by Pfizer Inc, is a main strategy in the fight against the blinding disease in poor, rural areas. Messeleche lives in the Awi Zone in Ethiopia, the most trachoma-endemic part of the country, where an estimated 18 million are at risk. Representatives from The Carter Center, Lions clubs of Ethiopia, Pfizer, the national trachoma program, government of Ethiopia, and other partner organizations joined the celebration and are a part of the coalition working toward elimination of trachoma in the region by 2012. Lions in Ethiopia have been integral to achieving remarkable results in the country. The 10 millionth dose comes after just 18 months of full scale intervention and points toward meeting the elimination target date. Through SightFirst, LCIF has awarded numerous grants for trachoma control, outreach and training projects in Ethiopia and elsewhere in Africa.

 

SightFirst Grants Awarded
The SightFirst Advisory Committee Meeting awarded nine grants at its January meeting. This included grant funding to continue the childhood blindness project with the World Health Organization, which has established 30 need-based centers around the world. Other grants included cataract surgery campaigns, upgrading a Lions eye hospital and establishing and equipping a teaching hospital. A total of US$9,554,378 was awarded, US$3,580,708 of which represents grants from undesignated SightFirst funds. The full list is available online.

 

Grants Approved for Lions Quest

Seven grants totaling US$364,872 were approved at the January Lions Quest Advisory Meeting. The grants enable Lions Quest programs to expand in countries currently participating in the program or to begin the program in new countries. Japan, Kenya, Canada and Turkey received grants to implement and expand the program. Pakistan and Sri Lanka became the newest countries to launch the program. The full list of approved grants is online.

 

Lions Join Coalition

Lions Clubs International has joined the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) as a sustaining member and partner to enhance the work of local communities and help youth resist alcohol and other drugs. Lions will support their mission to build stronger capacity for anti-drug efforts through the 5,000 community coalitions nationwide. Through Lions Quest, Lions can teach youth how to avoid drugs and make responsible decisions. A letter announcing the partnership was sent to the 500 other organizations in the coalition encouraging these organizations and communities to work with their local Lions club on drug-free programs. LCIF also had a booth at CADCAs annual convention this month, the largest training conference in the U.S. for community coalition activists and substance abuse professionals.

 

New Giving Publication
A new publication, ForSight in Gift Planning, is available to those Lions wishing to increase their support to LCIF. It provides an overview of various donation programs, news updates and stories of those helped through Lions contributions. The publication is available online or by contacting LCIF Development Staff.

 

Increase Your Support Through an MJF
Have you considered becoming a Melvin Jones Fellow or extending your generosity through a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow? Fellows are a group of dedicated philanthropists who have changed the lives of hundreds of millions of people worldwide. To increase support for CSFII in the final months, President Mahendra Amarasuriya has issued a challenge to raise the number of Melvin Jones Fellows to 300,000 total. One Fellowship can save the sight at 167 individuals, each with a story, a family and a face. The application form is available online or credit card donations can be made securely online.

 

Cruise with the Chairperson
Support LCIF while soaking up the sun in the Caribbean. Join the LCIF Chairperson and fellow Lions from around the world for the 9th annual LCIF Cruise, which will set sail November 9, 2008 for 12 nights in the southern Caribbean. The cruise visits with local Lions in ports of call and there is a special Melvin Jones Fellowship reception on board. All of the cruises are open to the public and US$1,000 of every cruise is tax deductible. The cruise has raised over $300,000 for LCIF. To learn more about the cruise, download the brochure or email lcifdevelopment@lionsclubs.org. Space is limited.

 

Lions support and promotion of LCIF is crucial. I thank you for your continued dedication to LCIF.

 

Serving Through LCIF,

 

Jimmy M. Ross
Chairperson, LCIF

   Posted March 2, 2008


  
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 1:49 PM
Subject: Lions - Take the Lead: Pandemic Flu-Working Together to Prepare Now

Dear Lion Nelson,  

I want to tell you about an exciting new Lions partnership.  

In July 2007, The International Association of Lions Clubs agreed to help the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) disseminate information about large-scale or pandemic influenza (flu).  

This new partnership includes my participation as one of four leaders of national non-profit organizations to appear in advertisements for HHS awareness campaign, Take the Lead: Pandemic Flu-Working Together to Prepare Now. 

Participation in this national public health campaign is an honor for Lions clubs. This national campaign coincides with our Lions ALERT emergency preparedness program

Last century, there were three worldwide pandemic flu outbreaks. Millions of people died. Unlike seasonal flu, humans have little - if any - immunity to a pandemic flu virus. It takes several weeks or months for public health officials to identify a pandemic flu virus strain and develop a vaccine.  

As community leaders, we can participate in a pro-active pandemic flu plan. Additional information about pandemic flu appears on the HHS Web site: www.pandemicflu.gov and the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) Web site at: www.who.org. 

Lions from several US communities recently met with HHS representatives to discuss ways to develop pro-active pandemic flu plans.  I want to thank these Lions for representing the Association and for eagerly agreeing to help in the development of a pro-active pandemic flu plan.  

Sincerely,  

Jimmy M. Ross
LCIF Chairperson

   Posted January 16, 2008


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Page last updated: Thursday March 19, 2009 09:57 PM   rjn