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LCIF Responds to Haiti Earthquake
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Dear Fellow Lion,
Since I last
wrote you, we have all learned more about the extent of the devastation in
Haiti. At Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), we have also learned more
about the situation on the ground from the Lions of Haiti. My heart goes out to
all the Lions in Haiti, who have been personally affected by this disaster,
losing at least two club members as well as many close relatives. Yet they have
put aside their own needs to help their community. LCIF is working non-stop
with Lions of that area to support "Lions Hope for Haiti."
Lions Hope
for Haiti has mobilized more than US$350,000, to date. Lions around the world are
responding generously and quickly to the LCIF designated fund for this
disaster. Donations are continuing to pour in from individuals, clubs and
districts, and I thank all of you who have already pledged your support.
LCIF is working
directly with Lions of Haiti as well as Lions in neighboring countries to
assess the immediate needs and also develop a long-term reconstruction plan.
Maureen and I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic in the next few days
to lead a team delivering urgently needed supplies into Haiti.
Lions around
the world are also assisting:
- Lions
in neighboring Caribbean countries are sending cargo containers of requested
supplies through connections with transportation companies.
- Lions
in Sweden are sending large tents through the Swedish government to provide
housing for those who are now homeless as well as relief workers, as they did
for the China earthquake.
- Lions
from District A-9, Ontario, Canada were in the area when the earthquake hit,
helping to establish a clean water system for an orphanage, and responded by
establishing a make-shift medical clinic, treating 600 people.
- Lions
are contributing generously, some examples include: US$86,000 pledged from
Lions in Norway; US$20,000 from Lions in China; US$14,000 from District 105-I,
England.
Like other
previous disasters, LCIF is not only committed to meeting the immediate needs
of the people, but will be working through the Lions in the region to provide
relief for years to come. After other relief organizations have moved out of
the area, Lions will still be on the ground, overseeing long-term
reconstruction projects. Similar to previous disasters, Lions will be
discussing the possibility of rebuilding homes and hospitals, redeveloping the eye
care delivery system, providing human resource support, and assisting the disabled,
including those disabled as a result of this disaster.
Lions who are
able to offer services or individual skills can post this information on the Lions
2 Lions page.
As we
continue to work with the Lions and determine needs, we will update the information
online with our plans and any news. We also hope to have photos to share
soon, that we will post online. Lions can promote their efforts locally by
sharing this information along with any local efforts with the local media, and
I encourage you to repost our videos and other postings on your individual and
club Web pages. LCIF is also working to promote our actions within the media.
Our Foundation has been added to several lists of reputable organizations
assisting the area.
If you
haven't already done so, I ask you to consider making
a donation to LCIF to support this disaster. You can donate in confidence
to LCIF, as 100 percent of every donation will go directly to Haiti relief, as
administrative costs are paid by interest earned on investments. LCIF just
recently received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest rating
possible from the independent charity evaluator. In 2007 LCIF was named the #1
non-governmental organization with which to partner, a title our Foundation still
holds today.
The needs are
great, but we can make a positive impact on the people of Haiti for years to
come.
Together We Serve,
Al Brandel
Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation
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Some examples of LCIF's previous disaster assistance
Tents donated by
Swedish
Homes rebuilt in Sri Lanka
Lions following China earthquake through LCIF funding |
For the most up-to-date information about LCIF's ongoing relief efforts in Haiti,
please visit www.lcif.org. | |
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