Continuing the Crusade Against Darkness

LCIF Newsletter Dear Lions, Ever since Helen Keller challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness,” Lions have done just that. Lions have dedicated much of their work to restoring vision and fighting preventable blindness alongside Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and its partners. In recognition of October’s World Sight Day, let’s celebrate the vision-saving accomplishments of Lions and LCIF working together. Since the founding of SightFirst, LCIF has awarded 1,287 SightFirst grants totaling US$342.6 million. SightFirst initiatives take place in more than 100 countries across the globe. SightFirst’s work led to the elimination of river blindness in Guatemala, it restored sight to more than 7 million people with cataracts, and prevented serious vision loss for more than 30 million people. In addition to the outstanding work SightFirst is achieving, LCIF has many partnerships that are succeeding in saving sight for people of all ages, including Sight for Kids, a partnership with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care; Opening Eyes, a partnership with Special Olympics International; and the Project for the Elimination of Childhood Blindness, a partnership with the World Health Organization. Lions, as you plan your clubs’ service projects and think of ways LCIF could boost your impact, keep in mind our battle against preventable blindness. With estimates showing that 80% of blindness or visual impairment can be prevented, remember that while we have accomplished great things, there is still much work to be done. I know you will join me in continuing the “crusade against darkness.” Sincerely, Chancellor Bob Corlew Chairman, Lions Clubs International Foundation DONATE NOW Provide Disaster Relief by Supporting LCIF In recent months, our world has been impacted by several devastating natural disasters.  Thanks to the generosity of Lions, LCIF has been able to respond, working with local Lions to deliver relief where it’s needed most.  There are many reasons to consider a donation to LCIF to support disaster relief, including Accountability and transparency:  LCIF just received our sixth consecutive 4-Star Charity Navigator rating, an accomplishment that only 5% of evaluated charities receive. Immediate response:  LCIF proactively contacts local Lions when disasters hit, and in many instances awards Major Catastrophe grants within 48 hours. Recognition:  Donations to LCIF disaster relief are Melvin Jones Fellowship eligible. Oversight:  LCIF follows up on all grants awarded to ensure proper reporting and utilization of funds.  Expertise and Impact:  LCIF has extensive experience in providing long-term relief following disasters. Working together, and with the support of Lions globally, we can achieve more.  Walk the World with LCIF  LCIF is proud to partner with Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Companies to provide Sight for Kids. Now, you can walk, run, or bike to raise money for Sight for Kids wherever you are in the world. Simply download the Charity Miles app on your smartphone, select “Sight for Kids,” and take a walk! LCIF will receive a donation for every mile logged. Supporting this vital initiative has never been easier! To date, Lions have raised nearly US$15,000 through Charity Miles! This equates to almost 150,000 miles biked or almost 60,000 miles walked or run. Keep going, Lions! DOWNLOAD CHARITY MILES Diabetic Retinopathy and World Diabetes Day Another example of how Lions are working hard to preserve eye health and prevent blindness is the work being done to decrease the risk of diabetic retinopathy. Tuesday, November 14, is World Diabetes Day and Lions are working hard alongside LCIF to bring diabetes awareness and education to their communities. A great example is an LCIF-funded project that aims to increase screenings for diabetic retinopathy in Fiji. Lions of District 202-K are working with SightFirst to purchase new screening equipment and increase several area hospitals’ capacity to serve diabetic patients. The project is also tackling glaucoma, cataracts, and refractive error.   Lions Clubs International & LCIF | 300 W. 22nd St. | Oak Brook, IL | 60523 | USA