International

Rebuilding Lives in Haiti

Lions are committed to rebuilding communities following disasters for as long as it takes. Our relief efforts in Haiti remain ongoing, and individuals and families throughout Port-au-Prince are benefiting from Lions’ caring work. Thanks to the generous support of Lions around the world, we’re mobilizing more than US$6 million for projects developed by Lions in Haiti to meet needs that other organizations are not.

Starting Anew in New Homes

Lions are helping 600 families move from Lions’ tent cities into new homes. The homes are a joint initiative between LCIF, the Lions of MD111 Germany and HELP, an international non-governmental organization (NGO). LCIF is providing US$1.4 million for this project that will erect transitional homes directly on a family's plot of land to avoid the hardship of further displacement. Lions in Haiti have an active role in the project.

In Shiogama City, Miyagi , Past Lions District Governor (PDG) Shigenobu Shiga is accepting relief supplies from across Japan. Although the tsunami seriously damaged his house/office building near Shiogama Port, he is also making tremendous efforts to distribute them to neighboring communities that need assistance.

On March 30, five members from the Shiogama Lions Club delivered ten tons of rice and boxes of baby diapers to PDG Masao Sugiyama and Zone Chairperson Hiroshi Abe in Ishinomaki City. PDG Sugiyama is offering his company offices, which were flooded on the first floor, to store donations. He is also distributing donated items and announcing distribution dates and items available on radio/TV. “Many Lions were also affected by the disaster. Our beacon of hope is still far and tiny, but we will work together towards reconstruction. I would like to ask everyone’s support,” says PDG Sugiyama.

On February 22, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake devastated Christchurch, New Zealand, killing at least 180 and injuring hundreds more, with these numbers expected to increase. Thousands have been left homeless. Clean drinking water has been compromised and aftershocks are expected to continue for up to a year.

As the recovery shifts to medium-and long-term efforts, Lions are identifying expected areas of need. In the medium-term, Lions will support transitional shelters, provide supplies to repair homes and offer social services for those in longer-term temporary housing.These social services may include counseling and therapeutic activities for victims, especially children. Based on what is known from similar past disasters, Lions also expect a great need for supplies like wheelchairs, glasses and hearing aids, especially among seniors, As longer-term plans and needs are currently being assessed, Lions are focused on the re-development of services for the elderly, disabled and visually impaired.Insert body text here ...

The Lions Club of Bletchley, Milton Keynes is actively involved in building relationships with two Lions Clubs in Poland, Elblag and Wroclaw. Lions from Poland and England have so far made visits to each home town and have had lots of fun, met some great people and learnt a lot. It is proposed that we move towards some type of informal twinning arrangement.

Watch this space.....

A special treat is in store for everyone when the Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Band leads the 2011 Lions Clubs International Parade of Nations on Tuesday, July 5. The Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Band is the only blind marching band in the country, and possibly the world. They achieved world acclaim when, on January 1, 2010, they marched in the 121st Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, USA.

Band members march guided by volunteers from all walks of life. Director Dan Kelley, blind since birth, inspires with charisma and exceptional skill.

The band's mission is to demonstrate the abilities of those with disabilities, as well as provide a model for other schools and band directors so all students with visual impairments may participate in marching bands.