Briefing No 17 Posted by MD105 Lions Disaster Response Committee 18 August 2010

Lions Clubs of the British Isles and Ireland donations = US$ 630,000

Donations from Lions Clubs throughout the world have now reached US$ 5million through the “Lions Hope for Haiti” programme.

300,000 people dead – 280,000 homes and businesses destroyed.

The latest information from Haiti indicates that the recovery programme is still facing major difficulties. Delays caused by the huge amounts of debris, that still await clearance, before any significant progress can be achieved in the essential reconstruction work. In this case “debris” also includes destroyed belongings and sometimes human remains.

Various estimates have been made but all relate to between 20 and 25 million cubic yards of debris, currently filling the streets, canals and property sites in and around Port-au-Prince – enough to totally fill five Wembley Stadiums from the pitch to the top of the roof.

Put another way it would take one dumper truck 1 million loads to remove. Currently around 5% has been cleared since January, in some cases transferred to fill other streets or in the sea. United States Agency estimates that complete clearance could take up to 20 years.

Debris is, of course, also an environmental and health hazard. Daily downpours of the rainy season results in toxic chemicals leaching into the storm water system and ultimately into the drinking water. It is reported that some streets are impassable because of large piles of refuse, resulting in travelling just a few miles can take many hours.

Removal of debris is, therefore, a major priority, together with the coordination of the clean-up operations of the mixture of aid groups, identification of critical facilities, such as schools and hospitals, and the roads that service them and establishment of environmental controls for debris disposal and landfill management. In addition, some areas have legal problems to be resolved into ownership of land to be used in the recovery programme.

Until there is progress in these areas it is unlikely that more positive plans can be put in place in respect of our LCIF assistance in the reconstruction of essential facilities for the people of Haiti. We will continue to liaise with LCIF and Lions Clubs in Haiti to keep you informed.

Briefing No 16 Posted by MD105 Lions Disaster Response Committee 15 July 2010

Haiti update - total MD105 donations US$629,891

Donations from Lions Clubs throughout the world have now almost reached US$5,000,000 through the “Lions Hope for Haiti” programme.

Day to day supplies and assistance at the Lions tented camps are being provided by LCIF working in conjunction with the International Organisation of Migration and partnership arrangements are being concluded with USAID and Catholic Relief Services.

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) are continuing to work alongside other NGO’s (Non-Government Organisations) and the Haitian Government to put in place a comprehensive rebuilding plan to restore major facilities. LCIF plans still identify education and medical facilities as its major objectives.

Lions in Haiti and LCIF are also currently evaluating the construction of more than 600 semi-permanent homes in partnership with NGO (HELP).

A Memorandum of Understanding is now in place to partner Humani Terra to provide orthopaedic surgeons and in the longer term, a national trauma and burns treatment unit. SightSavers Vision 2020 also has a planned project for the area and the LCIF SightFirst Grants coordinators are also involved in the planning work.

It is clear from our current discussions with LCIF that there is much planning work still to be done to ensure the true long term needs of the Haitian people as well as the continuing requirement to coordinate the involvement of the many NGO’s working in Haiti.

As your MD Lions Disaster Response Committee, we continue to keep in close contact with LCIF to obtain regular updates on progress and problems and to consider and determine projects for which your generous donations can be best utilised and we will continue to keep you informed.

Briefing No 15 Posted by MD105 Lions Disaster Response Committee 25 May 2010

Haiti update - total MD105 donations US$593,085

Lions Clubs “from the start; still there; until the finish; rebuilding the community”

Lions worldwide are continuing to respond to the aftermath of the tragic situation in Haiti, following the major earthquake, with total donations now passed the US$4.7 million. Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) made part of this available for immediate care projects and have earmarked the balance rehabilitation projects to help restore essential community facilities that were destroyed.

Haitian Lions have established a house in Port au Prince to provide accommodation for short term medical workers including doctors from Humani Terra – a French NGO started by Lions. We have also recently delivered a further 195 tents along with 1,950 blankets for the homeless.

Lions in Haiti and LCIF are also currently evaluating the construction of more than 600 semi-permanent homes in partnership with NGO (HELP).

A Memorandum of Understanding has recently been signed to partner Humani Terra to provide orthopaedic surgeons and in the longer term the construction of a national trauma and burns treatment unit. The MOU does not currently commit Haitian Lions to provide financial support but this is being considered for the future. SightSavers Vision 2020 also has a planned project for the area.

LCIF staff and Haitian Lions are currently (16^th – 19^th May) attending a meeting in San Domingo, Dominican Republic to discuss the recent assessment of eye care services in Port au Prince and the surrounding area and to make recommendations for the future development of those services in Haiti.

These possible projects, together with other long-term projects are being explored by Haitian Lions and LCIF, in conjunction with the Haitian Government, including the construction of schools and medical facilities.

As your MD Lions Disaster Response Committee, we will continue to keep in close contact with LCIF in order to consider and determine projects for which your generous donations can be best utilised and we will continue to keep you informed of progress.

Briefing No 14 Posted by MD105 Disaster Response Committee 12 March 2010

LIONS CLUBS IN HAITI - FROM THE START, STILL THERE, UNTIL THE FINISH - REBUILDING THE COMMUNITY

Lions Clubs of the British Isles and Ireland have donated £195,644 + Euro 109,339 = US$ 450,000

A major contribution towards the current total Lions Clubs International Foundation worldwide donations to date of US$2.4 million.

Meanwhile we are in close liaison with LCIF through the MD105 British Isles & Ireland Lions Disaster Response Committee which met last week to consider the range of our longer term possible options to provide a major project towards the rehabilitation of the devastated areas of Haiti.

Pictured some of the Lions Tented areas

The assessment programme in Haiti, to identify and prioritise the essential long term projects, is still in progress through the Haitian Government, United Nations, LCIF and other major response Agencies. It will be essential that our Lions Clubs response is implemented through the Haitian Lions and those in the adjacent Republic of Dominica and the Caribbean Region, alongside expert and reliable technical supervision on the ground.

We will shortly be in more detailed discussions with LCIF, particularly in respect of their list of educational or medically related projects in which we could have a joint involvement, but which are readily identifiable as being associated with Lions Clubs in the British Isles and Ireland. It is planned that we will be in a position to provide details of a specific project and launch a major Donation Appeal at the Multiple District Convention at Leeds next month with a target, including current donations, of US$600,000.

Briefing No 13 Posted 26 February 2010

Lions Clubs in the British Isles have already donated £175,000, with a further Euro 76,000 from Ireland. View

Briefing No 12 by MD105 HQ. Posted 19 February 2010

LIONS CLUBS IN HAITI

FROM THE START, STILL THERE, UNTIL THE FINISH

REBUILDING THE COMMUNITY

Contact details: Bill Blake wlb@blake-consult.org.uk 0845-833-9501

The Council of Governors has appointed a Disaster Response Committee to look into the Multiple Districts current and future response to the earthquake disaster in Haiti . Their deliberations will have particular emphasis on how we might assist, in conjunction with LCIF and the Lions Clubs of Haiti, with the longer term needs and rehabilitation of the people of Haiti .

The MD Committee also has the remit to investigate and produce a template plan, for Councils consideration, to provide a proactive response to any future major disaster of a similar magnitude to that in Haiti .

Members of the Disaster Response Committee are :

DG(SW) Christine Rowe

DG(M) Femi Onabolu

PDG Geoff Leeder - MD LCIF Coordinator

PDG John Charles - MD International Relations Office

PDG Bill Blake – MD Marketing & PR Committee

We will regularly advise all Clubs, in a format that can be used as a Press Release, of the current level of donations received through MD105 Clubs as well as updating news from Haiti and progress with future plans. The Press Release will be forwarded to major News Agencies and also feature on the MD Website. The first of these will be issued later today.

Finally, if your Club has or plans to arrange a special event to raise funds for the current appeal, please let us have your story by forwarding it to MD IT Officer David Colville, with a copy to the Committee (see above) MD105 Disaster Response Committee

Briefing No 11 by Al Brandel, LCIF Chairman. Posted 12 February 2010

I am sure that everyone remembers where they were one month ago when news of the devastating 7.0 earthquake in Haiti broke. The past month has truly demonstrated the great need for the humanitarian service of our Foundation. After the earthquake struck the Caribbean nation of Haiti, LCIF and Lions worldwide immediately responded. Through the generosity of multiple districts, districts, clubs and individuals, more than US$2 million has been mobilized in the past month to ensure immediate needs are being met and long-term reconstruction is a top priority.

Words of Thanks for Lions' Relief in Haiti

"It has been a day of blessings in that around 9 a.m. the Lions arrived to tell me our soccer areas have been chosen to receive their aid, which includes well formed tents, hot kitchen area, school in a box, dental and eye care. It is a real shot in the arm for us, as I had begun to accept that our neighborhood would have to move to one of the huge tent areas in order to obtain shelter and food. Since writing this, the initial boxes from the Lions club have arrived. I am glad the neighbors will soon have tents, hot food and everything else promised."

Sister Mary Finnick, Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, Haiti

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Funds Provide Shelter, Food, Water to Victims Lions provided immediate needs, including water, food and medical supplies on January 22. These supplies were distributed by Haitian Lions and Leos to a hospital and orphanage. LCIF partnered with the Lions of Sweden to provide 200 large tents to house those who are now homeless as well as relief workers. Haitian Lions have established three tent cities in Delmas, Blanchard and Carrefour-Feuille, neighborhoods located in Port-au-Prince. Each tent city can accommodate 300 families or 1,200 people. Lions are focusing their immediate relief efforts to support and maintain these tent cities.

Relief Efforts Furthered by Leveraging Funds To further relief efforts in Haiti, LCIF is reaching out to organizations in both Haiti and around the world. The International Organization of Migration has offered to provide supplies and assistance to Lions camps. LCIF is also partnering with the shipping company, Maersk, and the World Food Program, to ship tents donated by Lions of Sweden and food donated by the World Food Program, to Haiti free of charge. Additionally, the Foundation is in final discussions to partner with USAID and Catholic Relief Services.

Long-term Reconstruction Plans Lions leadership and local Lions are developing a long-term plan for reconstruction, and a committee made up of Lions from the area was established to oversee relief efforts. A return trip is planned for February 24 to continue planning and deliver additional supplies.
Currently, Lions are focused on immediate needs, such as shelter, food and water. But initial reports from the Lions of Haiti for long-term reconstruction focus on building a school and an ophthalmic clinic. This is similar to what Lions have been done for reconstruction following other catastrophes.

Briefing No 10 by Lions Clubs International. Posted 9 February 2010

Lions Hope for Haiti has mobilized nearly US$2 million to date. Following the devastating earthquake, Lions around the world responded generously and quickly to the LCIF designated fund for this disaster. Donations are continuing to pour in from individuals, clubs and districts. LCIF is working directly with Lions of Haiti as well as Lions in neighbouring countries to assess the immediate needs and also develop a long-term reconstruction plan. Donors can assist area Lions and Lions Clubs International Foundation in responding to this disaster with a designated donation to the "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief" Fund.

Briefing No 9 by Lions Clubs International. Posted 4 February 2010

Lions Hope for Haiti has mobilized more than US$1.8 million to date. Lions Hope for Haiti is Lions and LCIF working together to provide relief and hope for the people of Haiti. 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.

LCIF is working directly with Lions of Haiti as well as Lions in neighboring countries to respond to immediate and long-term needs. LCIF Chairperson Al Brandel and his wife Dr. Maureen Murphy led a team of 40 Dominican Republic Lions to deliver water, food and medical supplies into Port au Prince, Haiti on January 22. Supplies were distributed by Haitian Lions and Leos to a hospital and orphanage, and additional supplies are being delivered in the coming days. The Foundation is partnering with the Lions of Sweden to provide 200 large tents to house those who are now homeless as well as relief workers. Haitian Lions are establishing three tent cities in the Port au Prince area, where they are focusing their immediate relief efforts.

Chairperson Al also met with local Lions to develop a long-term plan for reconstruction, and a committee of Lions leaders from the area was established to oversee relief efforts.

Lions around the world are also assisting through generous contributions and other aid.

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. As an example, LCIF is still helping those in South Asia recover from the tsunami, Gulf States recover from Hurricane Katrina and China to rebuild following the earthquake. After other relief organizations have moved out of the area, Lions will still be on the ground, overseeing long-term reconstruction projects.

Similar to other disasters, Lions hope to rebuild homes and hospitals, redevelop the eye care delivery system, human resource support and provide help for disabled, including those disabled as a result of this disaster.

Briefing No 8 by Al Brandel, Lions Clubs International Foundation. Posted 1 February 2010

Dear Lions,

Maureen and I have just returned from Haiti where we led a team of Lions and Leos to distribute relief supplies. It brought tears to our eyes to witness the despair of the people, but Lions are committed to meeting these needs in the days and years ahead.

I'd like to first thank all of you for your tremendous generosity. Lions Hope for Haiti mobilized more than US$1.5 million. By the time you receive this message, I'm sure it will be even more.

While in Haiti, we met with local Lions to discuss immediate needs and long-term reconstruction. They appointed a committee and are discussing long-term relief efforts.

The Foundation is partnering with the Lions of Sweden to provide 200 large tents to house those who are now homeless as well as relief workers. Haitian Lions established three tent cities in the Port au Prince area, where they are focusing their immediate relief efforts. This weekend, Lions delivered additional relief supplies from the Dominican Republic.

We have launched a Haiti section on the Lions Web site, with photos, video and other news. As we receive additional information, we will continue to add it to the Web site.

If you haven't already done so, I ask you to consider making a donation to LCIF to support this disaster. Lions in Haiti appreciate your support and are anxious to serve.

Zone Chairperson William Eliacin's initial desperation turned to hope and gratitude for the people of Haiti when he learned of the great outpouring of support from Lions around the world.

He said, "We want to show the Lions and the Haitian people in general that the Lions Club is an extraordinary organization, that we are here and that our motto is, "We Serve". We serve our peers, we serve our brothers who are in need. That is why we are here. So I am appealing to you. You can count on us to achieve as much as we can with your contribution to help those who are in need."

You can donate in confidence to LCIF, as 100 percent of every donation will go directly to Haiti relief. Through LCIF, Lions around the world are helping those most in need.

Briefing No 7 by Lions Clubs International. Posted 31 January 2010

Lions Hope for Haiti has mobilized US$1.5 million to date. Following the devastating earthquake, Lions around the world responded generously and quickly to the LCIF designated fund for this disaster. Donations are continuing to pour in from individuals, clubs and districts. 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. Donors can assist area Lions and Lions Clubs International Foundation in responding to this disaster with a designated donation to the "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief" Fund.

Briefing No 6 by Lions Clubs International Foundation, posted 29 January 2010

Dear LCIF Coordinators:

Thank you for your outpouring of concern and requests to assist with LCIF's Haiti Relief Efforts.

As you know, LCIF Chairperson Al Brandel sent an update of our efforts to date and has posted a video to the LCI and LCIF's Web sites (www.lcif.org). Please be sure to check these sites regularly for updates on our ongoing efforts in Haiti.

LCIF and Lions have provided disaster relief and recovery following major disasters around the world for years, and we are doing so now in Haiti. The most important way to provide immediate assistance to those impacted by this natural disaster is through a donation. Per Board policy, Haiti relief donations are designated donations, and therefore not MJF-eligible. Individuals and clubs can help by making donations online and sending gifts by check, direct deposit, or wire transfer. Clubs can also assist by holding local fundraisers and requesting outright donations for LCIF's Haiti relief efforts.

Please work with local Lions leaders to encourage donations to LCIF's Haiti relief efforts. Forward the update message below or post it to your local Lions and news Web sites to remind Lions and non-Lions of how LCIF is serving the people of Haiti.

Lions on the ground in Haiti

Lions' members in the area are mobilizing and Lions within the neighboring Dominican Republic are collecting goods and using LCIF funds to purchase relief supplies which they will escort to the border to distribute to Haiti's most devastated areas.

LCIF Chairperson Al Brandel and his wife, Dr. Maureen Murphy, have travelled to the area to assist Lions' relief efforts and help establish an immediate and long-term relief plan.

Your Foundation and Lions' History of Disaster Relief

LCIF works with Lions in the immediate area to assess the greatest needs and ensure funds are used to help those who need it most. LCIF and local Lions have experience in disaster relief, and have provided more than $23 million in combined support for recent disasters including the South Asia tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the China earthquake.

These efforts are only possible because of Lions' worldwide generous contributions. Through LCIF, 100% of every donation goes directly to a grant.

Thank you, LCIF Staff

Briefing No 5 by Eberhard J. Wirfs, International President. Posted 20 January 2010

Dear Lions of the World,

It is with great sadness that the world's attention is focused on the devastating earthquakes in Haiti that left 1.5 million homeless, up to 200,000 dead, and countless injured and traumatized. It will take years for the country to fully recover, but we know that Lions will be there every step of the way.

Just like Lions have done with the South Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, the Sichuan earthquake in China and other calamities, Lions and LCIF will be there for the both the short - and long-term - providing immediate aid now but also working to rebuild communities, to restore hope and to support those affected for as long as it takes.

If there is one thing that makes Lions unique from other service agencies, it's that we commit for the long term and we work within the affected communities - through our local Lions -- to rebuild for a better tomorrow. The Haitian Lions are our brothers and sisters, members of our international family, and we will never let them down.

As you are likely aware, Lions have already moved swiftly to provide immediate assistance despite the coordination challenges. Lions relief tents are being shipped from Sweden; Lions from Canada on a mission in Haiti during the quake gave first aid assistance during the first hours and days; and Lions in the Caribbean area are sending aid over land and by sea. Additionally, a coordinating committee of Lions in Haiti, Dominican Republic and nearby countries are actively planning for the next steps, and our foundation chairperson, Al Brandel, immediate past international president, will be traveling there to meet with them beginning tomorrow.

Naturally, the response by Lions to LCIF's Lions Hope for Haiti donation appeal has been tremendous. Within days, we have already mobilized more than US$350,000. By the time you receive this email, I am sure it will be even much, much more. But we'll need millions more if we are to help the country rebuild, to provide homes for the homeless, to rebuild schools for the children, to rehabilitate those left disabled, and to help heal so many shattered and broken hearts. So please donate what you can.

Lastly, I am extremely saddened to report that two of our Haitian Lions -- our family -- have perished and other Lions may have lost family members. On behalf of Lions the world over and members of our international board, we offer our sincere, heartfelt condolences and sympathies to our Lions family who have suffered such personal losses.

To our Lions family in Haiti, I commit to you that the Lions of the world will be there for you today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, the year after that - and again for as long as it takes.

There will be more updates from LCIF Chairperson Brandel in the days to come. Meanwhile read the latest LCIF update on Haiti, including information on how you can make a personal online donation. I thank you all ahead of time for any further assistance you can provide.

With sympathies,

Eberhard J. Wirfs
International President

Briefing No 4 by Al Brandel, LCIF Chairperson. Posted 19 January 2010

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 neighbouring 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 organisations 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 organisations 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 best 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

Briefing No 3 by District Governor 105W Lion Martin. Posted 16 January 2010

Fellow Lions. We cannot fail to be touched by the terrible devastation in the Caribbean caused by the Haiti Earthquake on 12 January. The TV screens project the hopelessness and devastation into our homes.

We have the opportunity to help by supporting the LCIF appeal. Many of you will have been out today in the High Street shaking tins and buckets, let the public know that we as Lions, care for those suffering from this staggering catastrophe. Help LCIF, support the local Lions of the region, do what Lions do best, helping those in need.

Please note that all contributions to this appeal should be made through our District Treasurer, this will enable us to keep a check on District contributions. Cheques are to be made payable to 'Lions Clubs International District 105W' endorsed Haiti Earthquake on the back.

Click here for a template Press Release that your Club PRO can use locally in your area.

Briefing No 2 by Communications Manager, Lions Clubs International. Posted 16 January 2010

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has awarded a US$50,000 Major Catastrophe Grant to immediately provide help to the victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti . LCIF is in contact with Lions in the immediate area, neighbouring Latin American countries and area Lions leadership, to assess the situation and determine immediate needs and how Lions and LCIF can best assist.

As with past disasters, Lions clubs members worldwide are supporting LCIF relief efforts. Within 24 hours, Lions around the world have pledged nearly US$250,000 to help. Immediate relief efforts will center on providing water, food, medicine and other essential needs.

Lions members in the area are mobilising. Lions within the Dominican Republic are collecting goods as well as using LCIF funding to purchase relief supplies, which they will drive across the border to disperse. Lions from Sweden will be sending tents to the Dominican Republic for the Lions to also transport to the area. These large tents will help house victims and relief workers.

Lions from Canada were in the area helping to establish a clean water system for the Mission of Hope orphanage when the earthquake hit. They are now assisting in providing immediate medical care. Lions have established a command post and are administering medical assistance 24 hours a day. They have worked out a shift system. In the first three hours of operation they tended to 100 sick and injured.

Lions Clubs International Foundation works with Lions in the immediate area to assess the greatest needs and ensure funds are used to help those who need it most. The Foundation has experience in disaster relief, providing more than a combined US$25 million for the South Asia tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the China earthquake.

More information and regular updates on this disaster and Lions' and LCIF's response will be posted on the Lions Clubs International Web page at www.lionsclubs.org

Lions Clubs International Foundation is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International. Established in 1968, LCIF is committed to providing humanitarian services to those in need, including providing disaster relief, saving sight, supporting youth and combating disability. Each year, LCIF typically awards US$2 million in emergency grant relief funding. LCIF was ranked by a Financial Times study as the best non-governmental organization with which to partner. Learn more at www.lcif.org.

Briefing No 1 by Al Brandel, LCIF Chairperson. Posted 14 January 2010

A powerful 7.0 earthquake ravished the island nation of Haiti on the evening of Tuesday, January 12. Much of the capital city of Port-au-Prince has been destroyed. It's estimated that 3 million people, nearly one-third of the country's population, has been affected by the earthquake. The casualty numbers are not known at this time, but significant loss of life is feared. Rescue efforts remain ongoing at this time.

LCIF is responding to the Haiti earthquake. We are in contact with Lions leadership in the area to assess the situation and determine immediate relief needs. A US$50,000 Major Catastrophe Grant has already been awarded to support immediate disaster relief efforts.

When catastrophes occur, LCIF and Lions answer the call for help. I have seen first hand the impact large-scale devastation has on communities. Homes, schools, hospitals are destroyed and lives are often lost. Through our efforts, we are able to bring hope and healing, even if it's just a little bit, to people who are in such desperate need.

I ask that you help support LCIF disaster relief efforts in Haiti by making a contribution. A designated fund, "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief", has been established for donations for this disaster. It's through Lions' commitment to serving those in need that those suffering from the earthquake's devastation will receive some sense of normality.

	Lions Clubs International - District 105W Haiti Earthquake January 2010
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