Words of Thanks for Lions' Relief in Haiti

"It has been a day of blessings in that around 9 a.m. the Lions arrived to tell me our soccer areas have been chosen to receive their aid, which includes well formed tents, hot kitchen area, school in a box, dental and eye care.  It is a real shot in the arm for us, as I had begun to accept that our neighborhood would have to move to one of the huge tent areas in order to obtain shelter and food. Since writing this, the initial boxes from the Lions club have arrived. I am glad the neighbors will soon have tents, hot food and everything else promised."

 

Sister Mary Finnick, Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart , Haiti

 

 

 

 

 

Funds Provide Shelter, Food, Water to Victims

Lions provided immediate needs, including water, food and medical supplies on January 22. These supplies wer e distributed by Haitian Lions and Leos to a hospital and orphanage. LCIF partnered with the Lions of Sweden to provide 200 large tents to house those who are now homeless as well as relief workers. Haitian Lions have established three tent cities in Delmas, Blanchard and Carrefour-Feuille, neighborhoods located in Port-au-Prince . Each tent city can accommodate 300 families or 1,200 people. Lions are focusing their immediate relief efforts to support and maintain these tent cities.

 

 

 

 

 

Relief Efforts Furthered by Leveraging Funds
To further relief efforts in Haiti , LCIF is reaching out to organizations in both Haiti and around the world. The International Organization of Migration has offered to provide supplies and assistance to Lions camps. LCIF is also partnering with the shipping company, Maersk, and the World Food Program, to ship tents donated by Lions of Sweden and food donated by the World Food Program, to Haiti free of charge. Additionally, the Foundation is in final discussions to partner with USAID and Catholic Relief Services.

 

 

 

 

 

Individual Donations Strengthen Relief Efforts

Lions worldwide are supporting relief efforts by donating to the Haiti Earthquake Relief fund. A number individual Lions have made significant contributions of US$10,000 or more to demonstrate their commitment to helping rebuild Haiti .

  • Aruna Oswal , India , US$25,000
  • Kanaksingh Babla , Kenya , US$10,000
  • Alexis Gomes, Congo , US$10,000
  • Susan Lanier , Alabama , USA , US$10,000

To view a full listing of Lions, clubs, districts and multiple districts providing generous support to LCIF's Haiti Earthquake Relief fund, visit the Lions respond page on-line.

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term Reconstruction Plans
Lions leadership and local Lions are developing a long-term plan for reconstruction, and a committee made up of Lions from the area was established to oversee relief efforts. A return trip is planned for February 24 to continue planning and deliver additional supplies.

Currently, Lions are focused on immediate needs, such as shelter, food and water. But initial reports from the Lions of Haiti for long-term reconstruction focus on building a school and an ophthalmic clinic. This is similar to what Lions have been done for reconstruction following other catastrophes.