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To: Lion Richard Hauser The South Asian tsunami is considered the largest natural disaster in modern history. LCIF and Lions are responding accordingly. I am pleased to tell you that LCIF is initially committing US$5 million to assist in the recovery. The funds will enable Lions in South Asia to provide for long-term reconstruction by building homes, school and child welfare centers for orphans. The US$5 million commitment is a matching donation from LCIF. Half of the US$5 million will come from LCIF reserves, and the other half from the expected US2.5 million in donations to LCIF for tsunami relief from individuals, clubs and districts worldwide. The second piece of important news is that until March 31 donations to LCIF for tsunami relief are eligible for Melvin Jones Fellowship recognition. This covers donations for tsunami relief from Dec. 26, 2004, to March 31, 2005. See below for more information. Lions in South Asia continue their vital relief operations. Lions there already have spent an estimated $8^ Even as they distributed crucial supplies. Lions began planning long-term reconstruction of communities. Lions have been meeting with government officials and other relief organizations to develop comprehensive but entirely realistic and practical recovery initiatives. You can be assured that Lions, who are key civic, business and community leaders themselves, are making certain that their service and their funds are applied expeditiously and efficiently. LCIF is mobilizing tremendous financial support for recovery for South Asia. To date, LCIF has received more than US$630,000 in donations from Lions. This includes US$200,00 from the Lions of Korea and US$120,000 from the Lions of Sweden. The Lions of Japan are expected to make a major donation and the Lions of Ireland expect to contribute US$460,000. These donations will enable LCIF to partner with local Lions on rebuilding communities. The real impact of LCIF's assistance to tsunami victims in South Asia will be fully realized in the next several years as LCIF partners with Lions to rebuild communities. This long-term approach plays to the strength of LCIF and Lions, who belong to their communities, understand local needs and know how to get things done. The shock and horror of the tsunami disaster will remain with us for a very, very long time. But LCIF and Lions are doing all they can to help victims and get communities back on their feet. I humbly thank you for your service and compassion. Sincerely,
Dr. Tae-Sup Lee, 1/18/2005 LCIF Tsunami Relief Update Bulletin 3 -January 14, 2005 Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF) Recognition LCIF's normal policy is that MJF recognition is not allowed for designated donations. To encourage donations for tsunami victims, the LCIF board of trustees temporarily has amended this policy. Donations for tsunami relief from Dec. 26, 2004, to March 31, 2005, are eligible for MJF recognition. These must be donations that fully provide for an MJF through a US$1,000 donation. The Melvin Jones Fellow does not have to be named at the time the donation is made. Using tsunami relief donations to provide for MJF recognition is an option for clubs and districts. Be sure to indicate whether you want MJF recognition when sending in the donation. LCIF prefers that districts and clubs not request MJF recognition when donated funds are secured as the result of large-scale solicitation of the public. Whether or not MJF recognition is obtained, donations for tsunami relief count toward an individual's and a club's cumulative giving totals to LCIF, which help qualify an individual and club for various award programs. Press Coverage LCIF has received inquiries from Lions about media coverage of Lions' relief efforts. Lions have received some favorable attention from the media, and LCIF is working with a public relations firm to further publicize the great service of Lions. But you, too, can help spread the word about Lions' assistance to tsunami victims. LCIF has created a sample press release on Lions' tsunami relief. http://www. lions-tsunami.org/sample_release.shtml Visit the Web LCIF has set up a Web site to keep Lions informed of developments related to tsunami relief: www.lions-tsunami.org. The site is loaded with current and comprehensive information. Please bookmark it and refer to it periodically. Donations Needed Lions are encouraged to continue to send donations to the Asia Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund (#5105). Donations to LCIF are a highly efficient and effective way to help people impacted by the tsunamis. Every donated dollar goes directly to relief efforts; LCIF's administrative costs are paid for by interest on investments. http://www.lions-tsunami.org/making_a_donation.shtml Why Donate to LCIF Lions who donate to other relief agencies or Lions districts that donate directly to another district affected by the tsunami are to be commended for their generosity. But donating to LCIF carries several important advantages. Read more. |
