Peter Lynch
630-571-5466 ext. 303

For Immediate Release

Three New Countries Join Lions Clubs International

OAK BROOK, Illinois, USA, January 31, 2006—Men and women in three more countries have taken the initiative to make a difference in their communities by joining Lions Clubs International. The addition of Kazakhstan, Somalia and Maldives brings the total number of countries where Lions serve to 197.

The ninth largest country in the world, Kazakhstan was approved by the board of directors during the October board meeting. Somalia, making up the "Horn of Africa," was also approved during the October board meeting.

The Republic of Maldives was approved during the January executive meetings at International Headquarters.

Lions continue to make a difference in their communities while reaching out to new areas of the world.

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with nearly 1.35 million members in approximately 44,600 clubs in 197 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world.