the first on the scene, providing immediate relief to the tens of
thousands who lost everything. Again, in August 2005, Lions demonstrated
how they answer the immediate needs of communities by rushing to assist
victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Lions Clubs International has a long record of aiding those affected by
natural and other disasters.
When a tsunami struck Southeast Asia in December 2004, Lions were among
the first on the scene, providing immediate relief to the tens of
thousands who lost everything. Again, in August 2005, Lions demonstrated
how they answer the immediate needs of communities by rushing to assist
victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Through Lions Clubs International Foundation, Lions provide long-term
assistance, continuing after many other organizations have left the
area. Every dollar donated to LCIF goes directly to a grant. Since it
began in 1968, LCIF has awarded $356.9 million to help Lions serve others.
Lions mobilized nearly $12 million for tsunami victims. In the Aceh
province of Indonesia, Lions built 205 homes. They also plan to build a
school and fund "economic revival" projects such as fishing boats. A
$900,000 grant from LCIF is aiding Lions in Thailand in building an
entire village on the devastated Lanta islands.
In Sri Lanka, Lions are building 3,000 homes. Lions also will provide
psychological treatment and physical rehabilitation for children and adults.
Since many Southeast Asians lost their eyeglasses when the tsunami
destroyed their homes, Lions from California distributed recycled
eyeglasses and taught 125 Sri Lankan Lions how to use two donated
lensometers and run an eyeglass recycling operation.
Lions also staffed shelters and collected funds, food and supplies for
Hurricane Katrina victims. The Louisiana Lions Children's Camp in
Leesville housed and fed hundreds of people who fled north from New
Orleans before Katrina hit. Lions also helped at larger venues such as
the Louisiana State University gym and the Houston Astrodome, which
housed thousands of displaced people.
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