News

Foundation News Update

Four Stars for LCIF
An updated review on Charity Navigator, an independent charity evaluator, recently awarded LCIF four stars, the highest ranking a charity is able to receive. More than 5,400 of America’s largest charities are ranked on the Web site, where LCIF received higher rankings than both the Red Cross and Feeding America. The four star ranking demonstrates LCIF’s commitment to using funds as effective and efficiently as possible, and remaining committed to serving those in need.

Large Donations Highlight Lions’ Generosity to LCIF Despite Global Recession
In late September, Lion Philip Stern, an attorney and Lions District Governor in District 16-E, New Jersey, presented a US$95,000 donation to LCIF. The case he won claimed that a debt collector unlawfully left messages for consumers without making proper disclosures. At Stern’s suggestion, the court approved a US$95,000 award to LCIF. More recently, during a welcome reception and LCIF seminar on October 26th in honor of LCIF Chairperson Al Brandel’s visit, more than 225 Lions from across The Republic of Korea presented their combined 2009-2010 pledge of more than US$1.25 million for LCIF. While it is the Lions of Korea’s tradition to present a pledge of donation to LCIF each year when the LCIF Chairperson officially visits Korea, this pledge was more than three times the amount usually pledged.

Forging New Partnerships, Strengthening Established Ones
A new partnership with The Clinton Global Initiative will work with LCIF and Lions on a cataract initiative in Peru. In total, 7,500 cataract surgeries are to be performed within the Lima metropolitan area. In addition to fostering new relationships with organizations, LCIF is working to strengthen and expand existing partnerships. The partnership with Special Olympics was extended for 14 months through a US$1,252,542 grant to continue the Opening Eyes Program. LCIF’s partnership with The Carter Center was also recently extended through a US$2,057,470 grant to continue work with sight restoration in Latin America and Africa.

China Earthquake Reconstruction Update
Lions marked the year-and-a-half anniversary of the earthquake in Sichuan Province of China with the official dedication of the Peng Hua Lions Village. LCIF Chairperson Albert Brandel and his wife Dr. Maureen Murphy, Second Vice President Dr. Wing-Kun Tam and Lions from China, Hong Kong & Macau participated in the dedication, handing over the keys to 80 newly constructed homes. The Foundation has awarded more than US$3 million for reconstruction projects in the area, and Chinese Lions contributed financially to the rebuilding. Lions provided housing, but also helped rebuild the entire village, which was leveled during the earthquake.

New Issue of Sight Publication Available
The newest edition of the LCIF publication ForSight, specifically about sight initiatives worldwide, is now available. Stories, news updates and recently approved grants are all included in the bi-annual publication. ForSight is available by download online or by contacting LCIF Communications.

U.S. Government Employee Donations
U.S. Federal Government Employees: State & Local Government Employees:

Be a Hero in the Community
In efforts to increase awareness about the Lions Quest program and increase participation among Lions and their local Lions Quest classrooms, the Heroes in the Community Contest is being held during this school year. The contest joins Lions Quest classrooms with and local Lions clubs together in service. For more information, please visit www.lions-quest.org.

New Videos Now Available
Several new videos are now available about the foundation, including Jimmy Carter Recognizes Lions, LCIF Partnering for Service, Lions Quarterly: LCIF Highlights, and Lions Quest: Skills for Life. To view, please downloadthe videos online.

LCIF Tabletop Exhibit Available for Lions Conventions
The LCIF tabletop exhibit is available for Lions to book for local and state conventions, community fairs or other events to promote the foundation. Please contactLCIF Communicationsto book the display for your upcoming event.

Braille Illiteracy Increases Unemployment Among Blind
Lions have long been advocates for the blind by increasing awareness in communities around the world. One crisis that is in desperate need of attention is Braille illiteracy. Only one in 10 blind children learns Braille today. As illiteracy increases, so does unemployment of the blind. To learn more about this issue, visit www.nfb.org.