by Nicole Brown

Three years ago, for first time, individuals in mainland China were given the opportunity to volunteer as a group in their community. The birth of volunteerism within the country is a reflection of the rapid changes in society. As part of the ongoing reforms within the country, Lions Clubs International became the first and only volunteer service group to be officially recognized by the Chinese government. Then in June 2005 it was granted the status of a membership federation, known as the China Council of Lions Clubs.

Building On Past Successes
In 2002, China’s government issued an executive order that was countersigned by the Chinese premier to officially establish two pilot clubs—the China Shenzhen Lions Club and the China Guangdong Lions Club. The Shenzhen Lions Club began with 165 members and grew to over 300 within a year. In Guangdong, the original four clubs have now grown to 17. By the end of March 2005, there were 44 clubs within the two cities with approximately 1,500 total members. Due to the success of the clubs in the pilot areas of Shenzhen and Guangdong, Lions Clubs International has moved farther into China. By the end of 2005, it is expected that there will be 4,000 Lions members, more than double the current number.

Campaign SightFirst, which was launched in China in 1997, helped draw the interest of high-level Chinese officials. According to the World Health Organization, blindness caused by cataracts affects nearly 4 million people in China and one-fifth of the world’s blind reside in China. More than 2 million cataract surgeries were performed in China, and SightFirst funds established surgical eye units in 104 rural counties that previously had none during the five-year program of Phase I. LCIF is currently in Phase II of SightFirst China Action. Phase II will perform at least 2.5 million cataract surgeries and strengthen eye care infrastructure by creating secondary eye care units at hospitals in 200 underdeveloped counties, provinces and Tibet. A $15.5 million grant from LCIF has been matched with approximately $200 million in money and other assistance from the Chinese government. LCI’s growth in China is the result of many years of cooperative efforts with the government through SightFirst China Action.

A founding ceremony for the China Council of Lions Clubs was held June 14 in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. It included 400 Lions participants from mainland China, China Hong Kong, China Macao, then International President Clement Kusiak and other LCI officials as well as Chinese government officials. At that time President Kusiak and fellow officers chartered five clubs in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Tsingdao, Dailian and Liaoning. Clubs in other cities are not far behind. The Chinese Premier has said that he’d like to see Lions clubs expand across China.

As the number of people in the world’s most populous nation continues to soar, China’s government is looking to groups like Lions clubs to assist the once government-only task of caring for orphans, disabled people and the poor. The country is home to the largest disabled population in the world—60 million people, and social services within the country are inadequate for this group. It is not uncommon for disabled children to become orphans. Tang Xiaoquan, secretary-general of the State Council Coordinating Committee on Disability, said the full introduction of Lions into the country would enhance welfare services. “The establishment of Lions clubs in China is in accordance with the trend that welfare services, which were mostly government organized, are inviting in more capable resources from society.”

Guiding Lions Lead By Example
Lions in Hong Kong and Macau will serve as Guiding Lions for the new clubs, introducing the objectives, mottos, regulations and service scopes of LCI to the members. Clubs began in Hong Kong in 1955 and Macau in 1971. Lions in these areas will draw upon their many years of experience to help the budding Lions clubs fully develop.

In Hong Kong, Lions have developed the Lions Nature Center to educate the public and promote caring for the environment. The Lions developed the nature center with herbal and fruit plants, a pond with amphibious animals and an insect house. All of the plants are meticulously labeled to teach visitors the name and herbal remedies of each plant. “It has taken us many years to develop this nature center. Educating the children and many visitors who come to the nature center is so meaningful and helps with the conservation of the environment,” said Lion Joe Janz. He also points out that the nature center provides a relaxing reprieve from the hectic city.

At the nature center, Lions have built a restaurant that is both managed and operated by mentally and physically disabled persons. For many, this is the first opportunity to hold a job. “I’m proud being a Lion because not only in Hong Kong, but all over the world, we are providing necessary services and meaningful projects. Not only at this center but elsewhere there are people who need us,” said Janz.

Shenzhen Lions Answer Needs
The action of volunteering time or donating money is new to Lions in China, yet Lions have quickly responded to community needs. The Shenzhen Xiang Mi Xu Lions Club is working to provide housing and other necessities for autistic and other orphans. Lions have built a playground at the orphanage and have also been instrumental in establishing the first rehabilitation and therapy center of its kind where children receive speech, behavioral, occupational and music therapy. The therapy is done in a one-on-one setting, and Lions act as companions, regularly visiting the children for play sessions. As the average family is unable to afford these services, Lions have ensured more children are able to receive this treatment.

Also at the orphanage are children with harelip (also known as cleft palate), a physical disorder that results in a deformed mouth and lip and prevents children from eating and swallowing normally. It is difficult for orphans with harelip to get adopted, so Lions have developed “Angel of Love,” a program where club members who are doctors donate their time and the club provides the funds to correct the harelip. This surgery also increases the child’s likelihood of being adopted.

Lion Danny Chen of the Shenzhen Xiang Mi Xu Lions Club was named Lion of the Year during the Academy Awards of Lions Clubs International at the 2005 International Convention in Hong Kong for his efforts with the orphanage. “The government cannot fill all the needs of people, so as Lions it is our responsibility to help. We are proud to do these things.” He continues, “I view these orphans as my own children. I want them to live a happy life, the same as I wish for my own daughter.”

Shenzhen Lions are also supporting a thalassemia project. Thalassemia is a group of genetic blood disorders, and children born with it require blood transfusions each month of their life in order to live. The procedure is very costly. As it is very difficult for the average family in China to afford these treatments, Lions are providing the necessary funds to cover the blood infusions. “It’s difficult to describe how proud I am to help with this project,” said Chen.

Last year alone 2,000 children were screened through the Sight for Kids program in Shenzhen. LCIF and Johnson & Johnson have teamed up with local Lions on this ambitious project to offer free vision screenings and eye health education to children. Johnson & Johnson has committed up to $835,000 over four years to fund Sight for Kids in China as well as in Korea, MD300 Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia and Thailand. Lions in Shenzhen have set a goal to screen 50,000 children through the program. “China is a large country with many small villages where there is a lack of goods and medical treatments. It is important that children in other areas outside of Shenzhen benefit from the help of Lions, and the expansion of Lions clubs in China will help fulfill these needs,” said Jin Ping, President of the Hong Li Lions Club and chairperson of the Sight for Kids Project.

These are just a few of the ways Lions have quickly identified community needs and developed projects to answer those needs. “Lions in China have been quick to assess community needs and respond to those needs. They are a great addition to our organization and have fully embraced the ‘We Serve’ spirit,” said Immediate Past President Kusiak.

Continued Growth
The development and growth of clubs in China is part of an initiative to make a difference in the lives and communities of other countries. “As a member of Lions Clubs International, I know it’s not only myself helping others, but that there are people all over the world helping others,” stated Chen. “The more Lions, the more help to society and the world, making it a better place.”

In June, The Republic of Sudan became the newest country where Lions clubs exist, bringing the number of countries where Lions serve to 194. Efforts are also under way for Lions clubs in several new countries. Part of President Mehta’s Plus One Growth Initiative is a plan for LCI to expand to additional countries by the end of the 2005-2006 fiscal year. “I am confident we can extend the reach of Lions Clubs International. The expansion of clubs in China is one step toward fulfilling our goals to broaden the reach of Lions clubs while answering community needs in new regions,” said President Mehta.