LIONS CLUBS REACH OUT TO CHINA EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

Repeating the generosity and support shown following 911, the horrific tsunami tragedy and most recently and locally, for the San Diego fire victims, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has mobilized to help China's earthquake victims. Responding to the devastating 7.9 magnitude earthquake that struck central China on Monday, May 12, LCIF is providing US$1.5 million to aid Lions-led relief efforts in China.

Lions and LCIF have already responded to the powerful, massive earthquake. Lions in Hong Kong and Macau have raised US$600,000 and LCIF has committed an initial grant of US$500,000 to address immediate needs and provide medicines, clothing, blankets, water purification and temporary housing.

Local Lions have also sent 5,000 tents for displaced victims, and more are on the way. Through a vast network of Lions clubs members in Hong Kong and China, Lions and LCIF are also dispatching relief teams to the affected areas to deliver supplies and assist with hands-on relief efforts.

The Foundation expects donations from Lions and friends around the world to surpass US$400,000 in the first week. The donations will support both immediate and long-term reconstruction efforts. Every dollar donated will go directly toward the relief efforts in China.

For more information about LCIF's relief efforts for the Chinese earthquake, or to make a tax-deductible contribute, please visit the LCIF Web site http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/lions_lcif.shtml