Lions Provide Immediate Help in Haiti

OAK BROOK, Ill., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today Lions Clubs International leaders from the Dominican Republic and neighboring Latin American countries led a convoy of emergency relief supplies into Haiti. Lions members in Haiti will distribute the supplies to victims of the recent earthquakes there. To date Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has mobilized more than US$620,000 to provide immediate relief and long term aid for victims of the devastating quakes.

Several Lions members in Haiti were victims of the earthquakes, losing immediate family members, friends and, for some, their own lives, but the Haitian Lions are putting aside their personal needs to oversee Lions international relief efforts.

Tents from Lions in Sweden arrived this week, and area Lions are setting up the tents in affected communities. These large tents will house victims and relief workers.

Lions from Canada were in the area helping to establish a clean water system at an orphanage when the earthquake hit. They established a command post to administer medical assistance, treating 600 injured people.

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.

As they have done following other previous disasters, LCIF is not only committed to meeting the immediate needs of the people, but will work through the Lions in the region to provide relief for years to come. Lions will explore the possibly 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.

Donors can assist Lions on the ground and Lions Clubs International Foundation by responding to this disaster with a designated donation to the "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief" Fund.

Donations continue to pour in from Lions members and other supporters, including contributions from Lions within China and Samoa who were recent recipients of LCIF's aid following devastating natural disasters.

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.

To donate online, visit www.lcif.org/donate and select Disaster. Please include "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief" in the comments section. You may also mail a check payable to Lions Clubs International Foundation (noting "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief" in the memo field) to LCIF, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA, Attn.: Donor Services.

Donations can be made in confidence, as LCIF has been rated 4 stars by Charity Navigator, the highest rating from the independent evaluator. LCIF was ranked by a Financial Times study as the #1 non-governmental organization with which to partner. Additionally, 100 percent of every donation will go directly to relief for Haiti, as administrative costs are paid by interest earned on investments.

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. Learn more at www.lcif.org.

SOURCE Lions Clubs International