When It Rains, LCIF Aid Pours In
Torrential rains in the Philippines washed away homes, farm crops and farm animals. But they did not sweep away hope or douse the impulse to help.

LCIF provided an emergency grant of US$10,000 last year for the flood victims of Davao City and Davao del Norte. More than 1,000 families desperate for food received rice and assorted canned goods.

"The relief aid from LCIF gave hope and reassurance to the victims that they are not alone, that there are Lions who care and are willing to share with the less fortunate and victims of natural calamities," said then-District Governor Levi Damaso Jr.

The floods were particularly devastating because the rural communities affected are dependent on agriculture. Farm crops about to be harvested were lost in the raging waters.

Fourteen Lions clubs took part in the relief effort. The business and religious sectors followed the Lions' lead in reaching out to victims, said Damaso.

Emergency grants are a core element of LCIF. Emergency grants are awarded in amounts up to US$10,000. District Governors should telephone, e-mail or fax LCIF for quick action when a disaster occurs.

LCIF has distributed 126 emergency grants totaling US$1,075,000 in fiscal year 2002-2003. This represents a 34 percent increase in the number of emergency grants from the same time last year. The increase in dollars is only 16 percent because more grants have been for US$5,000 instead of US$10,000.

LCIF also provides major catastrophe funding for up to US$1 million each year when calamities of international magnitude occur. These grants generally range between US$50,000 to US$250,000 and support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.