by Wing-Kun Tam
President, The International Association of Lions Clubs
As international president, I travel the world, and, in making small talk with me, Lions and others I meet often comment on the many foods, customs and climates I must encounter. That is certainly true. The world is complex and multifaceted. But this year, although I knew it as a fact, I discovered firsthand a common thread among nations and in the world of Lions: the wonderfully effective presence of LCIF.
Our Foundation is everywhere. When I was in Mumbai, India, I visited Anjuman-I-Islam, a school that uses Lions Quest. It was clear Lions are helping these schoolchildren become productive, thoughtful citizens. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, I spent time at an eye hospital in Kinshasa. I was overwhelmed to see how SightFirst is changing lives for desperately poor people. In the Netherlands, I tested a prototype of an ultra-modern white cane that uses GPS and surface-scanning sensors. LCIF is giving the blind a new dimension of mobility.
LCIF is an incredible vehicle for Lions to serve both across borders and in their own communities. Our Foundation gives sight to the blind, helps victims of disaster and generally addresses needs that otherwise would go unfulfilled by governments and other civic groups.
The best is yet to come. Campaign SightFirst II and the Lions Measles Initiative, in particular, will help untold millions retain their health and vision. As Lions, we are eager to bring opportunity and happiness to others. LCIF allows us to do that on a massive scale.
The efforts of Lions through LCIF and our contributions to it make me proud to be a Lion. LCIF makes many people’s dreams come true. It represents the power of We. When we believe, we can change the world. Our belief in the Foundation endows it with power and productivity.
For the past year, I have compared Lions clubs to families in which members must look after one another as in a family. LCIF is our precious family heirloom, given to us to grow and support. Please continue to support LCIF. Please continue to believe in it and treasure it. The family of Lions is as enriching and satisfying as it is in no small part because of LCIF.
