Dear Lions and Leos,
I want to thank you all for giving me the amazing opportunity to serve as chairperson of Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). Because of you, this past year was just awesome! I hope you will enjoy reading the 2023-2024 annual report, which highlights some of the incredible things your support makes possible for people in need.
Make a great day,
Brian E. Sheehan
2023-2024 Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation
“Because of you, this past year was just AWESOME!” LCIF Chairperson Brian E. Sheehan exclaimed after announcing the fiscal year fundraising total to attendees of the 106th Lions International Convention in Melbourne, Australia. LCIF exceeded its US$70 million stretch goal, raising US$75 million because of the generosity of donors worldwide. LCIF thanks every Lion, Leo, club, district, multiple district, organization or individual who made a contribution this year. Every gift helped us achieve our fundraising goals and enabled LCIF to award even more grants to enhance our service next year and the years to come.
LCIF and Lions of MD 322 partnered with Norisys Technology Private Limited, to provide roti to the citizens of Siliguri who do not have access to sufficient food. The flatbread, vegetable curry and pickles were delivered via 10 vans driving around the community. It is estimated that the project will provide 5,000 meals to people in need each day, helping ease hunger and malnutrition in India.
https://mydigimag.rrd.com/publication/?i=819049&article_id=4753827&view=articleBrowser
Homeless individuals living in Mornington Peninsula, Australia, now have access to laundry and shower facilities thanks to a US$12,580 Matching Grant Lions in District 201-V3 used to purchase a specialized trailer equipped with two bathrooms and a laundry cubicle. Lions worked with the Southern Peninsula Laundry and Shower program to help people without housing feel clean and refreshed. More than 360 people are benefitting from this effort.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of LCIF’s first grant to what used to be the independent organization, Quest International. Lions Quest has recently undertaken a full-scale revision of the curriculum, training and supplemental content. In the new curriculum, materials are being revised to be more dynamic and student-centered, while also being shorter and more streamlined. The goal is to make the lessons easier to use and more effective. As the program evolves, it will continue offering students curriculum and resources to build the skills needed to navigate life and prevent bullying and substance abuse.
https://lionmagazine.org/articles/lions-quest-empowering-youth-across-the-globe/
The Pediatric Oncology Ward at the Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital in Turin, Italy, provides stem-cell transplants for children with cancer. After the transplants, children must stay in isolation for 30 to 40 days. Until recently, the communication system allowing children to interact with loved ones and educators was frequently out of service. Recognizing the need for improvement, District 108-IA3 Lions used a US$21,659 Childhood Cancer Grant to upgrade the system.
On January 1, 2024, a massive earthquake ripped through the Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. There were 245 confirmed deaths and 1,298 injuries. People were forced to live in evacuation shelters for months. In response, LCIF awarded a US$200,000 Major Catastrophe Grant to Lions in Japan for disaster relief and an LCIF Rescue Committee was established. Lions distributed sanitary items, disposable heating pads, cardboard beds, food, water, sandbags, oral hygiene products and diapers.
https://lionmagazine.org/articles/a-path-to-restoration-lcifs-response-to-japans-noto-earthquake/
Torrential rains pounded southern Brazil in late April 2024, causing deadly floods. At least 150 people were killed, over 500,000 were displaced and the rains continued well into May. In an effort to help those most impacted by the storms, Lions received a US$100,000 Major Catastrophe Grant to provide kitchen appliances, such as compact stoves, for families whose homes had been significantly damaged by the rising waters and had no way to complete basic tasks such as cooking meals.
Through a new partnership with the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, a large-scale comprehensive eye health project will launch in the Western Province of Zambia, implemented by Lions Aid Zambia. The project provides service delivery in five underserved, rural districts of the Western Province. A robust screening and training program will be at the heart of the project, resulting in over 25,000 people screened and ophthalmic staff members trained in cataract operations.
Recognizing the evolving needs of community members facing mobility challenges, Lions in District 5 SKN received a US$84,630 Matching Grant from LCIF to create a playground that is inclusive for disabled children. While playgrounds can be made from a variety of materials, this playground is made with a completely rubberized surface derived from 10,000 recycled tires and the soles of 13,000 Nike shoes, making it both eco-conscious and exceptionally safe for those using it.
Camp Sweet Life is an overnight type 1 diabetes camp in Southern Minnesota, USA, for youth aged eight to 15, with a day camp option for children aged five to seven. Lions of District 5M-2 recognized the significance of supporting the expansion and enhancement of the camp, so they decided to apply for a grant. LCIF awarded Lions a US$37,500 Diabetes Grant to fund medical supplies, counselor training and programmatic expenses to enhance the camp experience.
https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/blog/expanding-camp-sweet-life
We deeply appreciate the inspirational support of our donors. Your commitment is changing lives around the world. Explore the full 2023-2024 Annual Report by visiting lionsclubs.org/LCIFAnnualReport and join us in making a global impact.
Make a contribution today and see the impact we can achieve together: lionsclubs.org/WaysToGive.