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Dear Fellow Lion,

Since I last wrote you, we have all learned more about the extent of the devastation in Haiti. At Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), we have also learned more about the situation on the ground from the Lions of Haiti. My heart goes out to all the Lions in Haiti, who have been personally affected by this disaster, losing at least two club members as well as many close relatives. Yet they have put aside their own needs to help their community. LCIF is working non-stop with Lions of that area to support "Lions Hope for Haiti."

Lions Hope for Haiti has mobilized more than US$350,000, to date. Lions around the world are responding generously and quickly to the LCIF designated fund for this disaster. Donations are continuing to pour in from individuals, clubs and districts, and I thank all of you who have already pledged your support.

LCIF is working directly with Lions of Haiti as well as Lions in neighboring countries to assess the immediate needs and also develop a long-term reconstruction plan. Maureen and I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic in the next few days to lead a team delivering urgently needed supplies into Haiti.

Lions around the world are also assisting:

Lions in neighboring Caribbean countries are sending cargo containers of requested supplies through connections with transportation companies.
Lions in Sweden are sending large tents through the Swedish government to provide housing for those who are now homeless as well as relief workers, as they did for the China earthquake.
Lions from District A-9, Ontario, Canada were in the area when the earthquake hit, helping to establish a clean water system for an orphanage, and responded by establishing a make-shift medical clinic, treating 600 people.
Lions are contributing generously, some examples include: US$86,000 pledged from Lions in Norway; US$20,000 from Lions in China; US$14,000 from District 105-I, England.

Like other previous disasters, LCIF is not only committed to meeting the immediate needs of the people, but will be working through the Lions in the region to provide relief for years to come. After other relief organizations have moved out of the area, Lions will still be on the ground, overseeing long-term reconstruction projects. Similar to previous disasters, Lions will be discussing the possibility of rebuilding homes and hospitals, redeveloping the eye care delivery system, providing human resource support, and assisting the disabled, including those disabled as a result of this disaster.

Lions who are able to offer services or individual skills can post this information on the Lions 2 Lions page.

As we continue to work with the Lions and determine needs, we will update the information online with our plans and any news. We also hope to have photos to share soon, that we will post online. Lions can promote their efforts locally by sharing this information along with any local efforts with the local media, and I encourage you to repost our videos and other postings on your individual and club Web pages. LCIF is also working to promote our actions within the media. Our Foundation has been added to several lists of reputable organizations assisting the area.

If you haven't already done so, I ask you to consider making a donation to LCIF to support this disaster. You can donate in confidence to LCIF, as 100 percent of every donation will go directly to Haiti relief, as administrative costs are paid by interest earned on investments. LCIF just recently received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest rating possible from the independent charity evaluator. In 2007 LCIF was named the #1 non-governmental organization with which to partner, a title our Foundation still holds today.

The needs are great, but we can make a positive impact on the people of Haiti for years to come.

Together We Serve,

Al Brandel
Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation