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Briefing
No 20 Posted by Lions Clubs International
Foundation 12 January 2012.
Lions
Clubs International Foundation Marks Second Anniversary of Haiti
Earthquake.
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) will mark
the 2nd anniversary of the devastating Haiti earthquake with several
unique redevelopment projects, including opening a rebuilt nursing
school and completing housing in one of Port-au-Prince’s toughest
neighborhoods, Cite Soleil.
The school’s inauguration is set for this month.
Students are currently studying in make-shift tents. The new facility
has four classrooms and a lab practice area with hospital beds where
students will treat patients. A dormitory is also planned.
Three-hundred-fifty nursing students will attend the school this year.
The facility is hurricane and wind proof, with windows built to serve as
emergency exits in future disaster situations.
LCIF has also completed two out of three phases of a
housing project in Cite Soleil. The second phase will be complete within
the next two months.
“What's unique about Lions Clubs International is we
have stayed committed to the same Haitian families for the entire two
years. We started by providing tent shelters and recently asked them to
turn in their tents so we could give them new homes,” said LCIF
Chairperson Sid L. Scruggs III.
Lions have completed 403 homes and 197 are still in
progress. LCIF has only about 20 people still living in tents, and is
providing temporary shelters or homes to everyone originally given
tents.
“As the funding arm of the world's largest volunteer
organization Lions Clubs International, we are working through our local
Lions clubs members in Haiti,” continued Scruggs. “The Haitian Lions
members are overseeing our redevelopment projects, which enables us to
incorporate input from the Haitian people into everything we do. For
example, the homes have been developed in the local style.”
“Because we have local Lions members who live in the
community we can best meet the local needs. In the early days when many
other organizations' goods were stuck sitting in customs because there
was no one to claim them, Lions went to the shipping yard to personally
claim our tents and put them up quickly.”
These projects are possible due to Lions’ generous
outpouring of support, providing more than US$6 million to LCIF in
support of relief efforts in Haiti. Other projects include additional
housing projects, a community center and school, with additional
projects currently being developed. Learn
more about projects here.
Lions have seen a surge in membership in Haiti, from
80 in 2009 to 132 currently, as more people in the community want to be
involved in volunteerism relief efforts. Lions live in the community and
remain committed to long-term relief, developing future projects that
address needs not currently being met.
Briefing
No 19 Posted by MD105 Lions Disaster Response
Committee 13 January 2011.
HAITI
and LIONS CLUBS
INTERNATIONAL
ONE
YEAR ON
Major
problems in developing the essential comprehensive rebuilding programme
still exist in
Haiti
caused by a number of
factors including the recent cholera outbreak and lack of a cohesive
infrastructure. The primary problem, however, still relates to the
clearance of wreckage and rubble, originally estimated to be around 20
– 25 million cubic yards. At this stage there is no reliable estimate
of when this clearance is likely to be completed – clearance and
collection is one thing – where it is to be dumped is another.
In spite
of these problems there has been some progress by Lions Clubs
International Foundation with the recent provision of 600 houses for
some of the one million homeless who had previously been accommodated in
the Lions Clubs tented compounds.
Latest
news today is that Lions Chairperson Eberhard Wirfs, Lions Clubs
International Foundation (LCIF) has signed-off a project to rebuild the
National Nurses School of Port au Prince. LCIF will provide US$368,421,
or 27% of the entire cost of construction and equipment.
This
School was completely destroyed in the earthquake and more than 100
students and staff killed. Prior to the earthquake there was already a
shortage of trained healthcare professionals, especially nurses.
The new
building will be constructed of prefabricated containers which are
durable and storm and earthquake resistant, and will facilitate a short
construction time.
Other
projects for Lions Clubs funding are still in the development stage,
including suitable educational/medical projects for the donations now in
excess of US$660,000 provided by Lions Clubs in the British Isles &
Ireland.
Lions
Clubs International
British
Isles & Ireland
Disaster
Response Committee
Briefing
No 18 Posted by Arthur Clenton, Correspondent Trustee, LCI MD105 Appeal Fund, 20
September 2010.
As at 14 September for this financial year the Lions
of MD105 have sent to Lions Clubs International Foundation for:
Haiti - £5,864.07 ($9,162.61) meaning that the MD has
now contributed $652,634.68.
Briefing
No 17 Posted by MD105 Lions Disaster Response
Committee 18 August 2010
Lions
Clubs of the
British Isles
and Ireland donations
= US$ 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 (16th
– 19th 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
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.
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