Update on Lion's Efforts In Japan

(download)

The Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has received donations or commitments exceeding $6 million, including $3 million that the Lions of Japan are working to raise themselves during their own crisis.

With the expected death toll now exceeding 18,000 and rising, the devastation is clearly greater than anyone could have imagined. And more than 400,000 people are still in shelters, in the cold, often going without a hot meal for days on end.

While many of you have already generously donated, please encourage your friends to also donate by visiting www.lcif.org/donate. Please know that every donation will be put to careful use, and 100 percent will go to the cause.

 

 

Helping the People of Japan!

(download)

Lions from around the world and alongside our clubs in Japan are responding to the devastating earthquake and tsunami with aid and assistance for the thousands of people in need.

Within hours of the disaster, Lions Clubs International Foundation committed over US$1.25 million, or 100 million Japanese Yen, for immediate relief for Japan. This includes a major catastrophe grant, six emergency grants and designated donations from Lions worldwide. Lions also established a designated fund for Lions to directly support this disaster.

To help the thousands, maybe millions, in need, we need your help. Read this appeal from Eberhard J. Wirfs, Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation:

We need to do more. You know firsthand that in the case of disasters, Lions are committed for as long as it takes. Our simple motto "We Serve" does not stop at a community or country border but extends to every corner where there is need. Our hands are building bridges for a better tomorrow.

I ask for your help in making the hope for a brighter tomorrow for those who so urgently need from us. The most immediate way to give hope is through a designated donation to LCIF.

Your financial support of earthquake and tsunami relief is critical the meeting the immediate and long terms needs of the most vulnerable families. Please consider supporting LCIF for this initiative and being a part of building that bridge of hope for those who are suffering.

With cordial regards,

Eberhard J. Wirfs, Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation 

Would you like to help? Visit www.lcif.org/donate to make your donation today.

 

Our Next Meeting

Welcome_mat
Come and join us for our next club meeting!

Our twice-monthly meetings are informal gatherings where club members reflect on past service projects, plan for upcoming activities, and receive information on service programs happening in our community and regionally through the Lions Club. We often welcome guest speakers from local business, government, or other community and service organizations.

We are a casual, bi-lingual, diverse, service-focused club, and would love to have you join us in serving and bettering the Azusa community. Visitors are always welcome. If you’d like more information about location, time, and our club, please call Shannon at 626.484.1139 or send email to information@azusalions.org.

 

Lions Responding to New Zealand Earthquake

(download)

You have likely been following the news reports of the devastating earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. Much of the city is without water and sewerage systems and aftershocks continue. Thousands have been left homeless as a result of the destruction.

Lions have been providing assistance since the devastating earthquake February 22, and LCIF is providing $110,000 to help Lions in providing relief to their communities. If you’d like to help make the hope for a brighter tomorrow a reality for the people of New Zealand, the most effective and immediate way to help is through a designated donation to LCIF for New Zealand relief.

Since the quake, here’s what the Lions have been up to:

  • Providing food, bedding and water
  • Delivering 500 portable toilets to medical oganizations and households
  • Going door to door in the suburbs with the Red Cross to find those who need assistance
  • Providing grocery and fuel vouchers to families in need
  • Volunteering at welfare centres in Christchurch and Timaru
  • Distributing meals through a food caravan in Christchurch
  • Assisting in door-to-door outreach, delivering food and helping with clean-up
  • Organizing dinners for displaced families and housing for people in need
  • Staffing two daily shifts at the Red Cross coordination office in Wellington
  • Delivering a 40,000 litre tanker of fresh water to the suburbs of Christchurch
  • Providing weekend breaks to families to escape from the city for two days

Lions in the area are committed to helping their neighbors, despite many being affected themselves. At an emergency meeting of the Earthquake Committee last night, there was one Lion who had damage to his house, his place of work was closed, he had no power, water or sewerage connections, yet was still attending a Lions meeting to see how he could assist the citizens of Christchurch. This exemplifies Lions' "We Serve" motto.

The Lions Club’s greatest asset is its volunteers- 1.35 million of them around the world. Wherever there is a need, there is a Lions club nearby, ready to respond with their hearts and hands. In the case of disasters, we are the first to offer help, and the last to leave. From New Zealand to Haiti to Pakistan, Lions are rebuilding homes and lives.