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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:
Ways to Contribute
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