Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International. The foundation was chartered in 1968 to support the efforts of Lions clubs around the world in serving their local communities and the world community through humanitarian service, major disaster relief and vocational assistance programs. SightFirst, the aggressive global service initiative that mobilizes Lions resources at all levels, responds to worldwide needs for the prevention of blindness. LCIF SightFirst grants are supporting projects that meet critical needs in both developing and developed countries. The SightFirst program has already provided over one million cataract surgeries, initiated eye health awareness programs, supported eye disease treatments plans, constructed hospitals and funded training for ophthalmic personnel worldwide.

The newest LCIF grant program, “Core 4,” provides grants of up to $ 200,000 for high impact Lions service projects. The Core 4 program addresses the larger humanitarian needs in the communities where Lions serve. LCIF Core 4 grants are limited to a list of specific types of projects consistent with the top four humanitarian concerns of Lions: preserving eyesight, combating disability, promoting health and serving youth.

Donations to LCIF support grants in these categories: LCIF SightFirst, Core 4, Standard, International Assistance Grants (IAG), Emergency, Major Catastrophe and Major International Service Program.

LCIF honors donors with a variety of awards and forms of recognition. The highest form of recognition is the Melvin Jones Fellowship. Other recognitions include Honor Roll and Contributing Membership.

LCIF responds to disasters wherever they may happen around the world. LCIF promised a total of five million dollars (US) for aid to the victims of the South Asia Tsunami Disaster. Half of this amount would come from LCIF, and the other half would come from Lions Clubs around the world.

District 4-C1, like many other Lion's Districts, has come through for the victims of this disaster. To date, our district has contributed at least $6050 to this disaster fund. So far, donations have come from 10 clubs and 12 individuals or couples.

LCIF normally does not allow funds designated for a specific purpose to be used for a Melvin Jones Fellowship. However the board of directors made a special exception for this disaster so that anyone sending a check for $1,000 could receive the award. Three of the above clubs have opted to do this.

Other donations to LCIF this year have amounted to at least $3,010. Included in this are two clubs, Sutter and Gridley, that have become 100% contributing member clubs, which means they have sent in at least $20 for each member of the club. Chico Breakfast has 32 members that have become contributing members.

In addition to the three Melvin Jones Fellowships mentioned above, we have one other credited to this year. The funds were actually sent in during the last quarter of last year, but not credited at that time. I would encourage more clubs to consider becoming 100% contributing member clubs. LCIF has done a great deal for our District and I would like to see us do as much as possible in return.

Questions: Call or e-mail PDG Bob Trueax, 530-846-4855 or rtrueax@wcisp.com.

Links:

Other LCIF Resources

LCIF has many resources (most of them free) to help Lions understand, promote or support LCIF:

Friday, May 23, 2008

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

 
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Copyright © 2008 Lions Club District 4-C1
Last modified: February 02, 2008