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A 7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti on Tuesday, January 12, with a massive aftershock on January 19. Following the devastating earthquakes, Lions around the world responded generously and quickly to the Lion Club International Foundation (LCIF) designated fund for this disaster.
Lions Hope for Haiti has mobilized more than US $750,000 to date. Lions Hope for Haiti is Lions and LCIF working together to provide relief and hope for the people of Haiti. Donations are continuing to pour in from individuals, clubs and districts. The Warren Lions Club is donating $1,000 to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund.
LCIF is working directly with Lions of Haiti as well as Lions in neighboring countries to assess the immediate needs and develop a long-term reconstruction plan. An initial truckload of relief supplies has been transported by Dominican Republic Lions to Haitian Lions and Leos for distribution. Tents are being set up for victims and relief workers. Lions have established a camp in Port au Prince to provide relief.
Like other previous disasters, LCIF is not only committed to meeting the immediate needs of the people, but will be working through the Lions in the region to provide relief for years to come. As an example, LCIF is still helping those in South Asia recover from the December 2005 tsunami, Gulf States recover from Hurricane Katrina in August 2006 and China to rebuild following the May 2008 earthquake. After other relief organizations have moved on to the next disaster, Lions will still be on the ground, overseeing long-term reconstruction projects.
Similar to other disasters, Lions hope to rebuild homes and hospitals, redevelop the eye care delivery system, human resource support and provide help for disabled, including those disabled as a result of this disaster.
Donations can be made in confidence to LCIF, as 100 percent of every donation will directly to Haiti relief, as administrative costs are paid by interest earned on investments. LCIF just recently received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest rating possible from the independent charity evaluator. In 2007 LCIF was named the #1 non-governmental organization to partner with, a title our Foundation still holds today.
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