The Quiet Roar of Lions that made a difference
Quietly, with no fuss, Lions Clubs International Foundation collected donations locally from a very generous public to help the unfortunate in Haiti. Although Lions are not a Charity and do not receive a great deal of publicity they are always on the ground supporting and rebuilding in disaster situations.
Immediate contact with Lions Clubs in the Port au Prince area helped establish three tent cities and additional relief supplies were delivered through the Dominican Republic. Lions from Sweden sent large tents to provide housing for both the homeless and relief workers. Lions from Ontario, Canada, were already working in the area when the earthquake hit, helping to establish a clean water system for an orphanage and responded by establishing a make-shift medical clinic treating 600 people.
"Lions Hope for Haiti" has pledged large amounts of monies; $86,000 from Norway, $20,000 from China, $14,000 from England and at present the total stands at $1.5 million.
Like previous disasters Lions are not only committed to meeting the immediate needs of the people but will be working through the Lion members in the region to provide relief for years to come. After other relief organisations have moved out of the area Lions will still be on the ground overseeing long term reconstruction projects, i.e. rebuilding homes and hospitals, redeveloping eye care systems by providing human resource support and assisting the disabled.
The needs are great, but we can make a positive impact on the people of Haiti for years to come.
A local, surviving Haitian member of the Lions said, "We want to show the people that the Lions Club is an extraordinary organisation, that we are here and that our motto is "We Serve". We serve our peers, and we serve our brothers in need. That is why we are here. You can count on us to achieve as much as we can with your contribution to help people in need."
Paignton Lions Club President, Alan Walker, said, "100 percent of every donation sent through Lions Clubs International Foundation will go directly to Haiti relief. We have already sent a cheque for £1000 so please give locally and support our fundraising through "Just Giving" at www.justgiving.com/lionsclub-paignton
Thanks to everyone who helped. Through our International Office Lions contine to provide support in the country
