Lions Clubs International Donating $500,000 to Relief Efforts in Philippines

OAK BROOK, Ill., Nov. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lions Clubs International has mobilized $500,000 through its foundation for relief efforts in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan.

On Friday, November 8^th, as early reports of the destruction filtered in from hard hit areas of the Philippines, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) made $130,000 available to Philippine Lions to provide immediate relief.  That amount increased to $500,000 through donations from Lions Clubs members in neighboring countries and around the world.

When the typhoon struck, LCIF Chairperson Wayne Madden was in Singapore attending a regional Lions leadership conference, which included Lions from the Philippines and other East Asian countries.  Within one hour, attending Lions had raised $370,000 earmarked for disaster relief in the Philippines.

"I am humbled by the generous support of our Lions," said Chairperson Madden, of Auburn, Indiana. "We are now focused on mobilizing our relief efforts and working with local agencies to assess the greatest need in the short-term.  Our motto is 'we serve' and that's exactly what we intend to do for the people in the Philippines."

More than 12,000 Lions members in the Philippines will work with government officials and other agencies to send food, water and other supplies to the disaster area.  Lions will base their local support operations in Cebu.

Known for their work with the blind and visually impaired, Lions have also shown their ability to react to disasters by providing relief around the world where and when needed.  Lions provided financial assistance and hands-on support for relief efforts following Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and the Oklahoma City tornado in May of 2013.  In the last ten years, LCIF has provided more than $100 million for disaster-relief programs worldwide.

Lions Clubs International, headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, is the world's largest service club organization, with 1.35 million members serving in 208 countries and geographic areas around the world.

About Lions Clubs International
Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world. Our 1.35 million members in more than 46,000 clubs are serving communities in 208 countries and geographical areas around the globe. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives and strengthened local communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects.  For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit lionsclubs.org.

About Lions Clubs International Foundation
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International. Since its founding in 1968, LCIF has given more than $826 million in grants to support the work of Lions in their local and global efforts to save sight, serve youth, provide disaster relief, and meet humanitarian needs, including efforts to combat measles. Learn more at www.lcif.org.

SOURCE Lions Clubs International