Fellow Lions,
A powerful 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 normalcy.
Yours in Lionism,
Al Brandel
LCIF Chairperson
Clubs that wish to make a designated donation to LCIF should make cheques payable to "LCI MD105 Appeal Fund", endorsed on the back "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief" and sent via their LCIF District Coordinator to PDG Arthur Clenton who is the Appeal Fund correspondent and responsible for forwarding funds to LCIF.
It is essential that the LCIF District Coordinators check the donations made to make sure that all the information about the club making the donation has been entered correctly.
Of course Clubs wishing to make undesignated donations that could be
used for any disaster relief or any of the other humanitarian activities supported by the Foundation would also be welcome.
