November 2009

Greetings Lions,

As the holiday season quickly approaches, its a good time to reflect on the past couple of months and celebrate our achievements. LCIF has marked 10 years of sight restoration in China, provided sight to more than 10 million kids throughout Asia and is celebrating 25 years of Lions Quest. In addition, LCIF has received a number of significant contributions totaling more than US$2 million to help fund our work worldwide. Our accomplishments are truly remarkable, but there is still much to do in service for others. During this season of giving, I challenge every Lion to think about those who are in need and answer their call through contributing to our great Foundation.

Best regards,

Al Brandel
LCIF Chairperson

 

High Ranking for LCIF on Charity Navigator
An updated review from Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator, awarded LCIF four stars. The top ranking means that LCIF exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its cause. More than 5,400 of America's largest charities are ranked on the Web site.

Large Donations to LCIF Despite Global Recession
In late September, Lion Philip Stern, an attorney and Lions District Governor in District 16-E, New Jersey, presented a US$95,000 donation to LCIF. The case he won claimed that a debt collector unlawfully left messages for consumers without making proper disclosures. At Stern's suggestion, the court approved a US$95,000 award to LCIF. More recently, during a welcome reception and LCIF seminar on October 26th in honor of LCIF Chairperson Al Brandel's visit, more than 225 Lions from across The Republic of Korea presented their combined 2009-2010 pledge of more than US$1.25 million for LCIF. While it is the Lions of Korea's tradition to present a pledge of donation to LCIF each year when the LCIF Chairperson officially visits Korea, this pledge was more than three times the amount usually pledged.

Disaster Update
LCIF and Lions have responded to a number of large-scale disasters recently. The Philippines, Samoa and Indonesia have all been affected by natural disasters ranging from earthquakes to typhoons.Updates and other details about LCIF and Lions relief efforts are posted on-line.

 

Lions Celebrate World Sight in Czech Republic
Lions marked World Sight Day in Prague on Thursday, October 8. Typically held the second Thursday of October, the annual event is now in its 10th year and has become an international event of Vision2020. With SightFirst funding from Lions Clubs International Foundation, Lions partnered with Prima Visuz and local ophthalmologists to provide free vision screenings to 125 kindergarten children on Lions World Sight Day at two schools in Prague.

Forging New Partnerships, Strengthening Established Ones 
A new partnership with The Clinton Global Initiative will work with LCIF and Lions on a cataract initiative in Peru. In total, 7,500 cataract surgeries are to be performed within the Lima metropolitan area. In addition to fostering new relationships with organizations, LCIF is working to strengthen and expand existing partnerships. The partnership with Special Olympics was extended for 12 months through a US$1,000,000 grant to continue the Lions-Special Olympics Opening Eyes Program. LCIF's partnership with The Carter Center was also recently extended to continue work with sight restoration in Latin America and Africa.

China Earthquake Reconstruction Update
Lions marked the year-and-a-half anniversary of the earthquake in Sichuan Province of China with the official dedication of the Peng Hua Lions Village. LCIF Chairperson Albert Brandel and his wife Dr. Maureen Murphy, Second Vice President Dr. Wing-Kun Tam and Lions from China, Hong Kong & Macau participated in the dedication, handing over the keys to 80 newly constructed homes. The Foundation has awarded more than US$3 million for reconstruction projects in the area, and Chinese Lions contributed financially to the rebuilding. Lions provided housing, but also helped rebuild the entire village, which was leveled during the earthquake.

Tis the Season for Giving

The upcoming holiday season is a perfect opportunity to give back to those who need humanitarian aid most around the world. By contributing to LCIF you are making a commitment to better the life of someone, somewhere.

New Issue of Sight Publication Available

The newest edition of the LCIF publication ForSight is now available on-line. Stories, news updates and recently approved grants are all included in the bi-annual publication.

Grants Awarded at Board Meeting

At the September 28, 2009 Board of Directors meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, 46 grants were approved totaling US$3.1 million for humanitarian projects worldwide. The complete listing of approved grants is on-line.

Braille Illiteracy Increases Unemployment among Blind

Lions have long been advocates for the blind by increasing awareness in communities around the world. One crisis that is in desperate need of attention is Braille illiteracy. Only one in 10 blind children learns Braille today. As illiteracy increases, so does unemployment of the blind. Visit the National Federation for Blind Web site to learn more.

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