OAK BROOK, Ill., Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- President Barack Obama signed the "Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act" into law on Oct. 5, 2012, providing a worthy tribute to the millions of Lions who have served their communities during the last 100 years. With the tireless work of Lions across the United States, the bill gained strong bi-partisan support before Congress passed it in September.
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The US $1 coin will be available in 2017 to celebrate Lions Clubs International's 100th anniversary. In addition to highlighting a century of charitable services to people in need, a surcharge of US $10 for every commemorative coin sold – without any cost to taxpayers – will be donated to Lions Clubs International Foundation. These funds will support ongoing Lions programs that assist the visually impaired, disabled, youth and those affected by major disasters.
Throughout the last century, Lions clubs have played a lead role in the fight against blindness by preventing vision loss for more than 30 million people. Additionally, Lions efforts have saved the sight of more than 14 million children through eye screenings, surgeries, vaccinations and other treatments.
"This coin will provide greater awareness of our organization, encourage Lions to move forward with their selfless volunteer service, and raise critical resources to continue to help those in need," said Lions Clubs International President Wayne A. Madden.
"On behalf of Lions clubs and our communities, I would like to express our deep appreciation to the sponsors of the Commemorative Coin Bill, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, U.S. Representative Peter Roskam of Illinois, and U.S. Representative Larry Kissell of North Carolina. It is thanks to their determined efforts along with the support of all of our House and Senate co-sponsors that this bill was signed into law. Lions should be proud of our advocacy and outreach success in getting such broad support for the Coin Bill."
The U.S. Mint creates only two commemorative coins per year by acts of Congress. For further information regarding Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act, visit www.lionsclubs.org/coin/.
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with 1.35 million members in more than 46,000 clubs in 207 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org.
SOURCE Lions Clubs International
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