Tour of Chinese quake area is truly humbling. I spent 3 days inspecting the devastation. Went to one city where every building was destroyed. It looked as if an atomic bomb hit it. Soldiers still digging for bodies. People living in tents outside their former homes. Children attending classes sponsored by Lions in the shadows of a fallen building where 16 of them were trapped and 13 of their classmates died.

 

 I am  encouraged with the Lions efforts. Some Lions traveled for 3 days to one village. When they arrived they built a temporary school in 33 hrs for the children. I was there.

 

Some Chinese Lions are spending 10 days at a time at their projects setting up villages, building schools and teaching classes. Lions from Malaysia traveled here to assist. lions supplied 3 to 5 thousand tents for the victims but the rains will start here soon followed by winter later on. They are attempting to get the population out of tents into more suitable temporary housing.

 

I thought I was dedicated but these new Lions redefine what it means to be a Lion member.

 

I have been doing news conferences locally and also by phone with US outlets. I will be doing more interviews next week when I get back to Oak Brook.

 

A small donation to LCIF designated to China Earthquake Relief can go a long way. Right now 3 million dollars has been raised. It wil help a lot. I hope to raise some more. It will make a difference. The Lions have 8 projects on the table. Not all can be done if we don't help them with money. The Lions of Hog Kong and China have personally raised the majority of the 3 million.

 

Maureen and I will be making a personal donation next week.

 

Al