THE CHINA EARTHQUAKE
The following article was released to the press on 14th May 2008:
For Immediate Release
Lions Mobilise $1.5 Million (£766,000) for China Earthquake Relief
As the only international volunteer service organization in China, Lions clubs are responding to immediate and long-term needs
Oak Brook, Illinois, USA, May 14, 2008—Today Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) announced that it is mobilizing US$1.5 million to aid Lions-led relief efforts in China.
Lions and LCIF are already responding to the powerful, massive earthquake that struck Sichuan Province in central China on Monday, May 12. Lions in Hong Kong and Macau have raised US$600,000 and LCIF has committed an initial grant of US$500,000 to address immediate needs and provide medicines, clothing, blankets, water purification and temporary housing. Lions have already sent 5,000 tents for displaced victims, and more are on the way. Through a vast network of Lions clubs members in Hong Kong and China, Lions and LCIF are also dispatching relief teams to the affected areas to deliver supplies and assist with hands-on relief efforts.
"As the only international volunteer service organization in the China, Lions Clubs International Foundation is working hand in hand with Lions in the area to assess and address immediate needs. Through our grassroots network of Lions in the affected communities, we are able to get relief supplies to those in the most need very quickly," said Lions Clubs International Foundation Chairperson Jimmy Ross.
Similar to Lions' response to other worldwide natural disasters, LCIF expects donations from Lions around the world to surpass US$400,000 in the first week. These immediate funds will help address immediate needs. Additional funds raised from Lions in the coming weeks will go toward long-term reconstruction and rehabilitation needs such as housing, schools and eye health care.
Lions have a long history of working with the Chinese government to provide humanitarian service. Since 2002, Lions Clubs International has been the first and only international volunteer service group to be officially recognized by the Chinese government. China's government issued an executive order that was countersigned by the Chinese premier to officially establish two pilot Lions clubs in Shenzhen and Guangdong. Today, there are 1,655 Lions clubs members in 79 clubs in China in addition to 1,429 Lions in 62 clubs in Hong Kong and Macau.
Lion's service in China began in 1997 with the SightFirst program. SightFirst is LCIF's blindness prevention program aimed at addressing and reversing preventable blindness. Through SightFirst China Action, LCIF has invested more than US$30 million to build up eye care services and eradicate preventable blindness, which was matched with US$200 million from the Chinese government. Those funds supported 4.6 million cataract surgeries in China and Tibet, established 104 surgical eye units in rural areas and trained eye health care workers where there previously were none. LCIF is providing sustainable eye care services for rural poor populations.
Lions Clubs in the British Isles & Ireland are participating in this major appeal to assist the victims of this major disaster.
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The following update from LCIF Chairparson Jimmy Ross was circulated to Lions clubs throughout the world on 27th May 2008:
"I would like to update you on Lions Clubs International Foundation's and Lions' response to the massive earthquake in China on May 12.
LCIF and Lions around the world are mobilizing more than US$2 million in funding and relief supplies. Within 48 hours LCIF committed a major catastrophe grant of US$500,000. Lions in District 381 Guangdong in mainland China have raised more than US$450,000 and relief material including food and medicine, Lions in District 380 Shenzhen in mainland China have raised US$250,000 & relief material of US$200,000 and Lions in District 303 Hong Kong and Macau have raised US$160,000.
A team of 40 Lions from Districts 381 and 380 traveled to Sichuan province to assist with hands-on relief efforts and the immediate and emerging needs of victims. The Lions are still in the area, disbursing relief materials including tents, medicine and food. Working with the Chinese Red Cross, Lions purchased 10 relief vehicles and ambulances.
An organizing committee comprised of Lions from Districts 380, 381 and 303 and the China Council of Lions Clubs has been formed in order to plan and coordinate efficiently on the relief project. An immediate and long-term relief plan is being developed by local Lions to involve four stages: rescue, support, resettlement and reconstruction. Lions are planning to establish Lions 'tent' cities using 800 family size tents. Swedish Lions helped supply the tents and are also contributing 3,000 blankets.
To support immediate and long-term needs, Lions around the world are responding. A designated LCIF account has been established to help channel donations for this disaster. Donations can be made online at www.lcif.org/donate noting "Lions China Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund" in the comments section.
Lions of Ethiopia have donated $10,000; Chinese clubs in Vancouver, Canada expect to collect $100,000; and Taiwan Lions have committed $50,000. Lions in Brazil have partnered with a local company to provide 7,000 blankets. Many Lions are also helping by sharing this news with fellow Lions and the media.
Frequent and massive aftershocks have caused further damages and casualties from the tremor. There remain significant and varying needs. As in past large-scale disasters, Lions are on the ground now and are also steadfastly committed to long-term relief and reconstruction. Days, week and months from now Lions will continue to provide aid. There is a great need for tents since many houses were toppled in the quake and the rainy season has begun. Generators and water purifying machines are also in urgent need and will be well-utilized. Lions are using immediate funds to purchase these items and are also requesting assistance to obtain these items. Chinese Lions and victims of the earthquake know they can count on Lions' support to help as long as it takes to rebuild structures and rebuild lives.
LCIF is in constant contact with local Lions to determine the best immediate and long-term response. These regular updates are being posted on the LCIF Web site in order to keep Lions and the general public up-to-date on the latest news and response efforts.
Lions and LCIF's efforts have not gone unnoticed. News of the relief being provided has appeared on AOL, Forbes, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Daily Herald and several other national newspapers around the world, including seven major daily papers in China.
LCIF and Lions in China thank you for your continuous support for the victims in the affected areas. LCIF and Lions are proving the international humanitarian good we can accomplish together."
Together 'We Serve,
