In this month's Lions Newswire, learn about the April edition of LQ, Family Unit Reporitng, UN World Environment Day, Recycle for Sight and more.
Continuing the Success of Lions' Campaign SightFirst II (CSF II)
Thousands of Lions clubs worldwide have raised funds and helped to surpass Campaign SightFirst II’s US$150 million minimum goal and ensured many millions of people will receive SightFirst treatment. Now, Lions are selecting one day as “Campaign SightFirst II Day” during the week of May 11-17, 2008. Please join the thousands of clubs worldwide that will make an additional impact and will provide “Vision for All” to many more people. Here are some ideas your club can use to participate in CSFII Day:
- Make a Club Commitment, payable over three-to-five years
- Designate one Melvin Jones Fellow for CSFII each year for the next three years to save 500 people from blindness
- Hold an additional club fundraising event or activity
- Harness “The Power of 30”– Each US$180 donation to CSFII saves 30 people from blindness
- Submit the results of your club’s success so your efforts can be included in CSFII’s final funds-raised total.
It is just one day for you and your Lions club, but it will change the lives of thousands
of people who need Lions’ help. Visit www.lions-csfii.org to learn more.
Share LQ with Club Members
The most recent edition of LQ—Lions Quarterly video magazine--is online. The April edition begins with an inspiring story of how one mother's dream brought together an entire community to build a playground for children of all abilities. It also shows how Lions Quest is helping to develop strong, healthy young people; Lions working with authorities to sponsor drug dogs in Sweden; plus how Lions’ runs, walks and rides are bringing people together while raising money at the same time. View LQ from the LCI Web site, download the podcast from iTunes or request a DVD (available in English-only) from the PR Department. If you have a unique project, e-mail story ideas and photos for consideration for LQ to the Public Relations Department or call 630-468-6739.
Family Unit Reporting
Family units must be certified by May 30, 2008 to receive reduced dues for the July billing period. Club secretaries can certify family units online or mail in the completed form to the Club Records Department with their MMR. Learn more about Family Dues.
Share Your Talents
Talented Lions, Leos and Lionesses are invited to volunteer to provide a short (five to 10-minute) performance for attendees of the Eighth Annual Lions Performance Festival to be held during the 91st Lions International Convention in Bangkok, Thailand, June 23-27, 2008. For details, e-mail the Program Development Department or call 630-571-5466, ext.316.
May is Recycle For Sight Month
Take this opportunity to start an eyeglass collection campaign in your community. New “Lions Recycle For Sight” promotional materials are available to enhance your collection efforts and include a colorful community poster, brochure, window cling and more. Order the new Lions Recycle For Sight Information Kit (US$5) to obtain all the information and materials necessary for your campaign. Eyeglass collection is a rewarding project for students; contact local schools to encourage their involvement. A “Lions Recycle For Sight” sample press release is available to publicize your club and its activities. For further details, e-mail the Health & Children’s Services Department or call 630-571-5466, ext. 6768.
White Cane Week 2008
May 13-19 is White Cane Week. The familiar white cane with a red band at the bottom is an important mobility tool used by blind and visually impaired people in many countries. Lions may conduct a fundraising event, which they sometimes call “White Cane Tag Day,” to support programs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired, as well as for sight conservation. Lions should work with their district and/or multiple district with regard to turning in their raised funds. The Club Supplies Department offers white cane tags that can be given to contributors during a White Cane fundraising campaign. Learn more information about White Cane Week.
Lions Celebrate UN World Environment Day
United Nations (UN) World Environment Day, June 5, is a great time to get your club involved in environment projects. Lions clubs take part in many environmental projects throughout the year by participating in community clean-ups, tree plantings and recycling projects.
In 2008, 64 multiple districts from 24 countries entered the Lions Environmental Photo Contest. These photos will be on display at the Lions Clubs International Convention, June 23-26, in Bangkok, Thailand. Convention attendees will vote for their favorite photos. Winning photographs along with 2009 contest details will be posted to the Lions Web site in July.
In addition, a 2009 Lions Clubs Environmental Photo Contest Calendar that includes 25 of the 2008 winning multiple district photos can be purchased for US$5 each at the convention or through the Program Development Department.
Walk for Diabetes Awareness
If you are attending the 2008 Thailand Convention, don’t miss the 3rd Annual Convention Strides Walk for diabetes awareness on Monday, June 23. Meet Lions and Leos from around the world as they gather with friends and family for an enjoyable, low-impact activity through the IMPACT Convention Center. The walk begins at 2:30 p.m., Room Phoenix 1, immediately following the Diabetes Awareness Seminar. All walkers will receive a “We Stride” commemorative pin. Learn more about the Strides Walk program.
Top 10 Youth Exchange Chairpersons Awarded
Every year, the International Board of Directors selects and awards recognition pins and certificates to the association’s Top Ten Youth Exchange Chairpersons. The 2006-2007 Top Ten Youth Exchange Chairperson Award recipients are:
- Karen Ates - MD 11, USA
- David & Mary Rumble - District A-15, Canada
- Jan Lofjärd - MD 101, Sweden
- Erik Holsko - MD 106, Denmark
- Jaakko Harjumäki - MD 107, Finland
- Mario Nicoloso - District 108 TA2, Italy
- Sonja Schockmann - District 111-BS, Germany
- M. Tanju Alp - District 118-T, Turkey
- Tadayoshi Hasegawa, MD 335, Japan
- Moufid Hammami, District 414, Tunisia
The Youth Programs Department congratulates the award recipients on their promotion of international understanding and goodwill through youth exchange programs.
ForSight - Now Available in Languages
ForSight is a publication produced by the Foundation to highlight projects, initiatives and accomplishments of SightFirst. The publication also provides updates on the most recent SightFirst grants approved by the Sight Advisory Committee (SAC). Download the PDF version of ForSight, now available in all languages online and in hardcopy. For additional information about ForSight e-mail LCIF.
Lions Services for Children
Learn how your club or district can take an active role in serving the health and educational needs of children in adverse circumstances. Join us at the “Lions Services for Children Seminar” to be held during the 2008 Thailand convention, Tuesday, June 24, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. The seminar will feature a panel of dedicated, experienced Lions who are actively involved in service activities for children. Discover how your district can host a children’s symposium to address the needs of underprivileged children in your area. For more information, e-mail the Health and Children’s Services Department.
