Lions Clubs International Foundation is committed to aiding communities affected by disasters, including the most recent disaster in Chile following an 8.8 earthquake on February 27. The earthquake is one of the largest ever recorded, and more than 700 people are dead and 2 million people displaced as a result of the devastation to more than 1 million residences. The earthquake hit near the second largest city, Conception, and more than 60 earthquake aftershocks have been recorded.
"Many of you know firsthand how quickly the Foundation acts after disaster," said LCIF Chairperson Al Brandel. "I have tried to call and sent messages to our two Past International Directors who live in Concepcion, but have not been able to reach them yet. LCIF staff and I will continue to try to contact them, as well as the District Governors and Council Chairperson of Multiple District T."
There are four districts in Chile, and three emergency grants each for $10,000 have been awarded to Districts T-1, T-2 and T-3. District T-3 includes the city of Conception, the hardest hit area in the country. Lions Clubs International Foundation awards approximately US$2 million each year in emergency grant funding, in addition to grants for larger disasters.
As more information is known it will be posted to this Web page.
