Dear Lions,
In recent days, heavy rains in Colombia precipitated a massive mudslide in Putymayo Province in the southwestern portion of the country. Over 200 people are reported dead and many are still missing. In addition to loss of life, scores of people have been left homeless.
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has approved an emergency catastrophe grant of US$100,000 to allow local Lions to provide much needed first-response assistance of food, water, blankets and other supplies.
As this tragedy plays out in Colombia, our attention is also focused on areas of East Africa, where drought conditions are threatening a famine of epic proportions. LCIF, along with Lions in Kenya, Sweden and other countries, are working to provide aid to as many people as possible there.
Our centennial motto, “Where There’s A Need, There’s A Lion,” could not be more appropriate than in times of natural disasters when local Lions on the ground in disaster areas are able to put actions plans in place to provide much needed first response supplies of food, water, temporary shelter, and clothing.
Last month, LCIF surpassed the US$ 1 billion mark in grant giving. This was made possible because of your generosity. LCIF grants have changed the lives of millions of people. As always, your generous donations to LCIF enable us to respond swiftly wherever and whenever the need exists.
I know you join me in keeping all the victims of these latest natural disasters in your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Bob Corlew
International President
Lions Clubs International
