Measles is No Match for Lions Clubs International Foundation

LCIF Newsletter Dear Lions, Happiness is seeing healthy children run and play and go to school. Unfortunately, in areas where measles is prevalent, some children have those simple pleasures taken away. Nearly 400 people die from measles every day, most of them children. Survivors can be left with life-altering complications including permanent hearing loss, blindness, and brain damage. This doesn’t have to happen. Measles is a preventable disease, which is one reason why Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is supporting measles initiatives. One measles vaccination costs about US$1. I’ve seen Lions pull together and accomplish great things, so I know that we can eliminate measles by donating to the cause and volunteering in local measles campaigns. Let’s see what we can do to fight measles and give all children a healthy start to life! Consider donating to LCIF’s measles initiative, One Shot, One Life. Sincerely, Chancellor Bob Corlew Chairman, Lions Clubs International Foundation READ MORE ABOUT ONE SHOT, ONE LIFE Lions and LCIF Work Together to Fight Measles As many Lions know, LCIF has committed to raising US$30 million dollars by the end of 2017, which will go to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, an organization that will match LCIF’s measles contribution dollar-for-dollar. Meanwhile, Lions are using LCIF grants to get measles and rubella vaccinations to areas that need it the most. Through organized campaigns, Lions are helping to vaccinate children at no cost to their family. Learn how Lions and LCIF are fighting measles by visiting our blog. Help us with the vaccination of 114 million children; donate today! DONATE NOW Lions Quest Makes Its Way to Alaska, USA Anchorage, Alaska, home to many of the USA’s most diverse neighborhoods, is now implementing Lions Quest, LCIF’s social and emotional learning program, into their students’ curriculum. In late September, the Anchorage School District began implementation of Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence by training their educators. Lion Walt Hays, the local project administrator, described its positive introduction, stating, “During the recent Lions Quest training, our middle school teachers were impressed by the comprehensive content, the ‘teachability’ of the curriculum, and how it might be adapted to a variety of settings and needs.” It sounds like Anchorage is off to a great start! Lions Clubs Centennial Commemorative Coin: Opportunity Ending Soon!  In December 2017, the opportunity to purchase the beautifully crafted Lions Clubs Centennial Commemorative Coin will end. Hot off the U.S. Mint presses, this is the most impressive item of Lions’ memorabilia. These silver collectable coins are the perfect gift for hard-working members or to say thank you to long-time Lions. You can order a coin with proof finish for US$52.95 or an uncirculated finish for US$51.95. There is a US$2.95 handling fee per order, or per coin if shipped internationally. If you would like to place a bulk order, place your order through Club Supplies. Time is running out; purchase your coin today! PURCHASE YOUR COIN Lions Clubs International & LCIF | 300 W. 22nd St. | Oak Brook, IL | 60523 | USA Click here to unsubscribe and/or manage your subscriptions

World Diabetes Day is coming up

Reminder: World Diabetes Day is coming up  50% of people with diabetes do not know they have it. The good news is that many lives can be saved through simple lifestyle choices and better access to effective treatment.  Diabetes is so pervasive—and so much can be done to prevent and manage it—that we hope your plans are in place to meet with your club on World Diabetes Day (Tuesday, November 14) or at some point during our Worldwide Week of Service for Diabetes (November 13–19). If your club hasn’t scheduled a meeting yet, please contact your club officers right away. We need every Lion and Leo to join the fight against diabetes. P.S. Can’t wait till next week?  Check out what we’re doing now. Follow us!      View in browser    |    Unsubscribe    Powered by Lions Clubs International © 2017 Lions Clubs International. 300 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842 Privacy Policy   |   Terms of Use

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

Save the date: November 14- World Diabetes Day

Save the Date: November 14 World Diabetes Day is coming up on Tuesday, November 14. That’s when Lions and Leos around the world will elevate the fight against diabetes. We’re asking your club officers to schedule a club meeting on that date, or during our Worldwide Week of Service for Diabetes from November 13–19. Every Lions Club should start talking about diabetes during this week. Please encourage your officers and fellow club members to get involved. In the meantime, follow us for updates and info to share with your friends on World Diabetes Day: Powered by Lions Clubs International © 2017 Lions Clubs International. 300 W. 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842 Privacy Policy   |   Terms of Use

Invitation to the Lions Golf World Cup & European Championship

Dear Lions, We are pleased to invite you to the Lions Golf World Cup & European Championship.   From March 25 through April 1, 2018, come meet your fellow Lions in Andalucía, Spain, and compete in a tournament that benefits the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). Andalucía is a paradise for golf lovers with over 100 golf courses and exceptional climate, sun and warm weather all year round. Hotel Tamisa Golf is part of it, surrounded by great golf courses and only a long tee shot away from Ryder Cup course Valderrama, the #1 golf course in Europe.        The deadline to receive the “early bird booking rate” is October 31, 2017. Be sure to reserve your spot and save by booking early!    For further information about the Lions Golf World Cup & European Championship, please visit: www.lionsgolf.info (website is available in English only). Or, download this informational flyer. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to LCIF. We look forward to see you in sunny Spain!   With best regards, The Lions Golf Organizational Team PID Luis Calderon Dominguez Dr. Volker Bernhardt charity@drgolf.info Lions Clubs International & LCIF | 300 W. 22nd St. | Oak Brook, IL | 60523 | USA

When Disaster Strikes, Lions Clubs International Foundation Responds

LCIF Newsletter Dear Lions, When service projects are too large for a club or a district to financially support, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is there to assist. A great example of Lions and LCIF working together happens in the midst of disaster. This summer, the world watched as natural disasters struck around the world. In South Asia, parts of India, Nepal and Bangladesh are experiencing devastating monsoon rains. In Mumbai alone, over 1,000 people have been reported killed in the floods. In the past 3 months, LCIF has approved 20 emergency grants to South Asia, totaling US$125,000. In July, flooding in Japan took lives and destroyed homes. LCIF awarded a US$100,000 Major Catastrophe Grant to help the community recover. In August, Hurricane Harvey devastated the Texas coast stretching from the Houston area into Louisiana. During one of the worst natural disasters in American history, thousands of people lost their homes and everything they own. Some people lost family members. LCIF immediately awarded a US$100,000 Major Catastrophe Grant to assist in reconstruction efforts. Within two weeks of Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma struck Florida and other areas of the Southeast United States, and destroyed much of the islands in the western Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. At the same time, Mexico was hit by its strongest earthquake in 100 years. LCIF has made funds available for two more US$100,000 grants to aid Lions assisting with Hurricane Irma and Mexico’s earthquake. Most recently, LCIF awarded a US$100,000 grant to support Puerto Rico hurricane relief and reconstruction in the wake of Hurricane Maria. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals affected by these and other natural disasters.  At the same time, LCIF issues a heartfelt thank you to our donors. Please consider joining them and making a contribution. Donations will continue Lions’ relief efforts around the world, and no gift is too small. Very truly yours, Chancellor Bob Corlew Chairman, Lions Clubs International Foundation DONATE NOW World Sight Day On October 12th, World Sight Day will focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment. Lions have been leaders in supporting this cause since 1925, when Helen Keller challenged them to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.” Lions Clubs International developed and launched World Sight Day in 1988 to recognize the importance of fighting preventable blindness around the world. Since the inception of the SightFirst program in 1990, LCIF has awarded 1,287 SightFirst grants totaling US$342.6 million, with activity taking place in over 100 countries. So much has been accomplished, and there has been a significant reduction in the prevalence of visual impairment worldwide. However, much work remains.  Currently, 253 million individuals are blind or visually impaired, and it’s critically important that Lions, and LCIF, remain engaged in this cause. What is your club doing to address visual impairment or blindness in your community? Email LCIF@LionsClubs.org to find out if an LCIF grant can help. Purchase Your Lions Clubs Centennial Commemorative Coin Today!  Hot off the U.S. Mint presses is the most impressive item of Lions’ memorabilia that has ever been offered—the Lions Clubs Centennial Commemorative Coin! For a limited time only, you can order this beautifully crafted Lions Clubs Centennial Commemorative Coin and support the life-changing work of LCIF. For every coin sold, US$10 is authorized to be paid to LCIF. This represents a US$4 million opportunity to improve the lives of people in need through LCIF initiatives around the world. These silver collectable coins are the perfect way to reward hard-working members or to say thank you to long-time Lions. Own a piece of Lions history. You can order a coin with proof finish for US$52.95 or an uncirculated finish for US$51.95. There is a US$2.95 handling fee per order, or per coin if shipped internationally. Purchase your keepsake coins today! PURCHASE YOUR COIN Changes to the LCIF Grants There have been some recent changes to LCIF’s grant categories.  What was previously called Standard grants will now be known as Humanitarian Matching grants, a more descriptive title. Diabetes Grants (formerly Core 4 Diabetes), and Lions Quest Grants (formerly Core 4 Lions Quest) have also been placed under the umbrella of Humanitarian Grants. These changes come in response to our ever-changing world. As the needs of the world change, LCIF will evolve so Lions can focus on sustainable service projects that reach the most people possible. Grant Application Deadline is Approaching LCIF provides grant funding to assist Lions in developing and implementing large-scale humanitarian projects. These grants help Lions expand their outreach and increase their impact within local and global communities, and serve even more people around the world. To date, LCIF has awarded more than US$1 billion in grants. Remember, October 10, 2017, is the deadline for Humanitarian and SightFirst grant applications, which will be intended for review at the January 2018 Board of Trustees, Lions Quest Advisory Committee (LAC) and SightFirst Advisory Committee (SAC) meetings.  Lions Clubs International & LCIF | 300 W. 22nd St. | Oak Brook, IL | 60523 | USA