LCIF Cabinet Report

More than $4.7 million in grants were approved at the March 2007 LCIF Board meeting in San Antonio, Texas.  Lions clubs from all over the world were granted funds to assist many humanitarian projects, such as: construction a high school  for disadvantage children in England, equipping a hospital in India, repairing a residential facility for abused children in Japan, expanding a medical facility for diabetes care in Mexico and equipping an eye surgery unit at a hospital in California.

LCIF recognized its 250,000^th Melvin Jones Fellowship donation in February.  Lions surpassed a major campaign milestone by reaching more than $75 million raised, half of their Campaign  SightFirst II fund raising, we are making great strides in reaching our ultimate goal: saving sight by raising funds to continue the SightFirst program.

The Lions Quest Advisory Committee awarded $560,300 during its January meeting.  The grants will enable Lions to implement the program in five new countries and expand existing lions Quest programs in several countries.

After Hurricane Katrina, LCIF established a designated fund for contributions.  Through millions in donations and a $200,00 major catastrophe grant, LCIF mobilized $5 million in funding for immediate disaster relief and long term reconstruction efforts.  LCIF also continued support to South Asian countries devastated by the tsunami to a total of 15 million.

SightFirst Lions efforts have restored sight to 7 million people through cataract surgeries, prevented serious vision loss for 20 million people and improved eye care services for hundreds of millions. Eight million people are visually impaired as a result of trachoma.  Trachoma is just one of the many programs supported by SightFirst.

In addition to donating money to LCIF for grants for humanitarian projects around the world, Lions in developed countries regularly partner with Lions in underserved countries receiving LCIF grants for a collaborative project.  Grants truly enable Lions to help Lions by crossing borders for the sake of humanitarian service.  Lions typically contribute a great deal of their own funds and give of their time.