Struck by mounting terrorist attacks, as well as a skyrocketing number of deadly road accidents, Israel has been suffering from a shortage of blood for many years. The country's people, who represent ethnic groups from all over the world, are ready and willing to donate, but only a limited number of bloodmobiles exist to collect blood. Yet a single pint of blood often means the difference between life and death.

Now, following a nationwide Lions fundraising campaign and thanks to a $30,000 grant from LCIF, Israel's Blood Bank Center has received a new, state-of-the-art Lions Bloodmobile, which will vastly increase the capacity of blood collection in Israel.  

"This new bloodmobile will allow an additional 1,800 people a month to donate blood, resulting in the saving of thousands of lives," says Carmela Bar-Noy, Israel's District Governor, who was instrumental in getting the project off the ground. "LCIF's support for this project provides concrete evidence of its commitment to serve the world community and those in dire need."

Lions representatives and Israeli health officials gathered together last year for the dedication of the new $60,000 bloodmobile. Ironically, the ceremony took place on the same day as one of the country's most deadly terrorist attacks, adding special meaning to the ceremony.

"These kinds of events demand the transfer of great amounts of blood quickly and immediately," explained Eilat Shinar, director of the country's National Blood Services Center.  "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lions not only for this important addition to our existing fleet, but also for their generosity over many years by providing thousands of blood donations themselves. This new bloodmobile represents the cherry on the cake."

The bloodmobile project, which began four years ago as a "mere fantasy" according to then-District Governor Moti Nagor, became a reality not only because of  widespread support from the country's many Lions' clubs but also as a result of the involvement of important public institutions in Israel.  

In a campaign called "Give Blood-Give Life, " Israeli Lions enlisted the cooperation of Israel's equivalent to the Red Cross, "David's Red Star," which helped contribute funds as well as raise awareness of the need for a new bloodmobile. Lions also mobilized two of the world's major credit card companies, Diner's Club and Visa, to join the campaign in Israel.  

"It was really a very innovative idea, which we called 'Points for Saving Lives,'" said Past District Governor, Ezra Shamir, another leader of the project.  "Both Diner's and Visa publicized our campaign in their membership booklets, offering members to 'buy points,' which were then transferred into cash toward funds for the new bloodmobile.  In addition, Lions produced a special brochure explaining the campaign to members, using the slogan 'Save one life and you save a whole world.'"

The new bloodmobile, which displays the Lions logo, will also help save the lives of those who live beyond Israel's borders. While the country's medical facilities must cope with tragedy and terror on a daily basis, Israel often extends its advanced medical care both near and far. For years, desperately ill patients from the Middle East as well as Eastern Europe have sought and received expert treatment in Israeli hospitals.  

The success of the bloodmobile project once again demonstrates the long arm of LCIF and  its commitment to helping those in need all over the world.  In a region filled with turmoil and tragedy, Lions has reached out to serve humanity.

Story written by Janet Agassi, chairwoman of International Relations for the Lions of Israel.