Local Lions take motto to heart, aid tsunami victims

Wednesday, January 12, 2005

By Steve Moyer

Nevada Daily Mail

Lions Clubs all over the world are providing aid to the victims of the tsunami, that struck South Asia in December, through the grant-making arm of Lions Clubs International, Lions Clubs International Foundation. Direct grants have been made from LCIF. In addition, individual Lions, as well as private individuals, have sent donations to LCIF for distribution where relief is most urgent. Lions were on the scene in just a few short hours after the tragedy struck.

Dr. Tae Sup Lee, chairman of LCIF and the immediate past international president of Lions, said, "The disaster in South Asia has prompted a tremendous outpouring of support from Lions around the world, and Lions in the effected countries are working day and night to bring life-saving supplies to victims. Thanks to Lions, lives are being saved and communities will be rebuilt."

LCIF has, as of Jan. 5, awarded immediate grants to Lions in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia in the amount of $470,000. This includes, in U.S. dollars, $220,000 in emergency grants for Lions to secure and deliver food, water and blankets and a $250,000 major catastrophe grant for long-term relief.

In addition to the immediate needs created by the tsunami, Lions are active in many areas locally and worldwide. Vision is a special concern of Lions everywhere, Helen Keller spoke at the Lions' International Convention in 1925 challenging Lions to become "Knights of the Blind," a challenge the Lions have accepted and have rallied around to become a resource for those needing help with vision problems.

Locally the group collects eyeglasses to be refurbished and given out to needy individuals in poor areas around the world and in addition has pledged $5,000 to the Laser Eye Treatment room at Nevada Regional Medical Center.

"Local Lions take to heart the groups motto "We Serve" and have given many hours of labor to raise funds for worthy projects," Sue Quitno, president of the Nevada Lions, said. "Our next project is the semi-annual Pancake Day at the Nevada community center Saturday, Feb. 12. We've teamed up with the National Honor Society. They will be selling tickets to Pancake Day to help them raise funds for their projects. Our proceeds will go to the Laser Eye Treatment room at NRMC."

Grants from LCIF will climb much higher as needs are continually assessed and requests for assistance are made. In addition, Lions, and Lions Clubs worldwide, are making personal pledges of support to the victims of this tragic event.

LCIF provides immediate relief and long-term reconstruction after a disaster. LCIF is not only helping people stay alive after the tsunami but it also will rebuild communities for years to come. The real impact of LCIF's assistance to South Asia will be fully realized in the next several years as LCIF partners with Lions to rebuild homes, schools and community centers. This long-term approach plays to the strength of LCIF and Lions, who belong to their communities, and understand local needs and know how to get things done.

Having prior successes with disaster relief in South Asia, LCIF efforts bode well for its initiatives in response to the tsunami. In 2001, $2.5 million was mobilized to assist communities in India to rebuild after the Gujarat earthquake. More then 700 homes, 20 primary schools and a general hospital were all built by those funds and the help of local Lions. In almost every disaster anywhere in the world, Lions and LCIF are there with aid and assistance in similar fashion to help alleviate the suffering and hardships of the victims.

Donation checks should be made payable to "LCIF" and mailed to: LCIF, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523, Attn.: Donor Services. Credit card donations can be made by calling LCIF at (630) 571-5466, ext. 517 or 554, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., CST.

LCIF grants are often matched by grants by other agencies making the impact even greater. No funds are sent by LCIF until precise needs are known and assurance is given that local Lions are not duplicating efforts of others. An important note: Every dollar received goes directly to the relief effort as administrative costs for LCIF are paid from interest on investments.

The Lions life up to their motto "We Serve", time after time, year after year and disaster after disaster. Anyone can be a part of this great effort either by making a donation, and/or becoming a member of the local Lions Club. More information on this effort is available on the Lions International Web site at: www.lionsclubs.org

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