letter from LCIF- fr ur info

Dear Lion, Lions have long been committed to programs that serve our youth. They are truly tomorrow's leaders. But they need us! I would like to encourage all Lions to support our youth, particularly this next month, as we focus on service to youth. I'd like to share with you one youth program that is near and dear to my heart - Lions Quest. I have seen its great impact worldwide, as well as in my home country. This is a program loved by youth, teachers and parents alike. Why is it so loved, you ask? Because it has real results, and it gives hope for the future. Others know this, too. The Minister of Culture in Germany told me - after Lions Quest was implemented - that it is not enough to deliver facts only in schools. We must also deliver ways to live and values for life. And, this message is spreading. The Minister from Bhutan who attended our Lions convention spoke to me about wanting Lions Quest in their schools. Leaders are realizing the value of Lions Quest. Three additional countries added the program last year - Bulgaria, Mauritius and the Philippines - bringing the program to 60 countries now. Next month we will be meeting in Colombia with Latin American leaders about expansion throughout the region. But there are so many other countries and communities where this program could make a difference. Lions, now is our chance to make a name for ourselves as leaders in youth service. I challenge you to join me in global extension of Lions Quest. With my cordial regards, Eberhard J. Wirfs Chairperson LCIF
Sight and Youth Grants Approved At the August 2010 SightFirst Advisory Committee meeting, 21 grants were approved for a total of US$2.68 million. The Lions Quest Advisory Committee approved 19 grants for a total of US$695,135.  A full list of approved grants is online.  Providing Relief Following Disasters Lions and LCIF are committed to aiding communities affected by disasters, now and for years to come. LCIF is mobilizing US$120,000 for Pakistan flooding relief. A designated fund has been established for Lions wishing to support the relief efforts. Relief in Haiti also remains ongoing. Six hundred families are moving into new homes. This is the first of many reconstruction projects to receive support from LCIF thanks to the generosity of the international family of Lions. Lions-Measles Initiative Launched with Gates Foundation LCIF is working with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support efforts of the Measles Initiative for global elimination of measles, a leading cause of childhood blindness. Four African countries have been chosen for pilot Lions-Measles Initiative programs. LCIF and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are contributing a combined US$700,000 to the initiative. View a video on this program. LCIF at Upcoming Forums Learn more about Lions Clubs International Foundation at the Forums. LCIF will have a booth at the USA/Canada and Europa Forums, as well as seminars on LCIF and Lions Quest at all regional Forums. Lions Quest Announces Educator Award Winner Angela Troppa has been named as the Lions Quest Educator Award winner. Troppa, a social worker at Fairview Elementary School in Springfield, Illinois, USA, was selected for her successful implementation of the Lions Quest program. The Educator Award was established to celebrate the contributions of educators across the U.S. toward positive youth development.		After the earthquake, my family of 8 was sleeping under sheets. We didn't have much money, no food and no water. It was very hard. And then the Lions arrived, and everything changed. We again had food and shelter. They helped us regain our hope. Immacula Simeon, Haiti Quick Links Current News Lions Quest LCIF Materials

2nd G.B of July

Message from International President Sid Scruggs to Lion Leaders August 2010

Message from International President Sid SMessage from Intrnational PresideMessage from International President Sid Scruggs to Lion Leaders August 2010 nt Sid Scruggs to Lion Leaders August 2010 cruggs to Lion Leaders August 2010 Dear Lion Leaders, Do you remember the reason you first became a Lion?  If you are like most Lions it was because you saw people in need and wanted to serve.  This year I am asking you and all Lions to rededicate yourselves -- individually and personally -- to that ideal of service. That is what being a Beacon of Hope is all about.  Each individual Lion and every Lions Club around the world is a shining light for someone in need.  However, it is not only those we serve who need to see our light.  When we shine as brightly as possible we send a signal to the entire community that Lions are active and that the local Lions Club is the place to be for likeminded individuals who also wish to serve. There are many ways to be a Beacon of Hope and I hope that every Lions Club will have a signature service activity.  In developing or expanding these signature activities, I urge you to be innovative, be responsive and meet the urgent needs unique to your community.  I also hope that you will join in the Global Service Action Campaigns that will unify our service and raise our visibility throughout the world.  I am pleased to tell you that the new Beacon Awards have been established to recognize excellence in participation in these campaigns. Please read below about these awards and all the exciting ways in which Lions around the world are coming together in service. Then take the steps needed to make your club, your district and yourselves a Beacon of Hope for all to see! Thank you for all you do as a leader of Lions. Best wishes, Sid L. Scruggs III International President Beacon of Hope Highlights Service Commitment Pledge Campaign Declare your commitment to Lions ideal of service and invite fellow Lions to do the same!  Join President Scruggs in pledging to "support and participate in your Lions club's service activities and to make a difference in someone's life this year."  Add your name to the growing list of members who know that their personal efforts can bring light where there is darkness and despair, and that by working together, Lions can have a huge impact on the entire world. Sign the  Pledge now! Global Service Action Campaigns Shine a Light on Youth This month Lions around the world are focusing on including young people in service and meeting the needs of youth in thousands of ways including painting playgrounds, providing care packages for children's hospitals, collecting school supplies for children who have none.  In addition to shining a light on youth, be sure to shine a light on Lions!  Publicize your activity in the community and invite potential members to participate.  Read further for Engaging our Youth publicity materials and tips. Next Campaign: Sharing the Vision Lions have long been key players in the worldwide effort to end preventable blindness.  In October we will reaffirm our commitment to the cause and reinforce our status as irreplaceable leaders in the field.  By organizing vision screenings, organizing eyeglass collections and participating in activities to aid the visually impaired, Lions will show that we are unwavering in the commitment we made in 1925 when Helen Keller challenged us to "hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided." For more information on planning your participation visit our Global Service Action Campaings Web page or contact the Service Activities Division at International Headquarters. On the Horizon October has traditionally been the month for Lions Clubs to focus on membership growth.  Recognizing that the opportunity to serve directly and meaningfully is the best recruitment tool, this October Lions will be asked to recommit to the idea of success through service.  Watch the Lions Clubs International Web site for more information on October Membership Growth Month.