KNIGHTS OF THE BLIND

In 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness" during the association's international convention. Today, Lions are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired. Lions demonstrate their commitment to sight conservation through eyeglass recycling, sight partnerships and countless other sight services.

The Lions ambitious SightFirst Program has restored sight through cataract surgeries, prevented serious vision loss and improved eye care services for hundreds of millions of adults and children. To continue and expand this effort, Lions have launched Campaign SightFirst II, with a goal of raising at least US$150 million.

Colombia First Country to Eliminate Transmission of the Tropical Disease Onchocerciasis; Milestones Reached in Guatemala and Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador, November 15, 2007–

Public health officials gathering at the 17th Inter-American Conference on Onchocerciasis (IACO) in Quito, Ecuador, today announced that transmission of the tropical disease onchocerciasis (also known as river blindness) has been halted in Colombia, marking the first time that the disease has been eliminated as a public health problem on a country-wide basis.

Lions Clubs International Foundation plays a role in the program, with Lions helping distribute the medication and informing the local community on the need to take the medication as directed. LCIF is a member organization of the donation program, and the program is a SightFirst priority.{Read more}

American Soldier and Wisconsin Lions Clubs Team Up to Give Iraqi Girl Chance to See

Lions Clubs, Aspirus Wausau Hospital and Lions Eye Bank Donate Corneal Transplant to 7-Year-Old

Sergeant John Kempen, United States Army, and the Lions clubs of Wisconsin could help a 7-year-old girl from Iraq see clearly for the first time in her life after she receives corneal transplant surgery next week.

Kempen, stationed in Iraq from August 2005 to December 2006, noticed the girl, named Zahraa, couldn’t see well when he was tossing candy to her.

“We always threw candy to the kids and gave them the presents people sent from the U.S.,” said Sgt. Kempen, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. “We were in Iraq for 14 months and soldiers got really bummed out so giving gifts to the kids cheered us up. The kids love it; and they really go after the candy, but Zahraa could never get any. She was holding her hands over her eyes in pain.”

Sgt. Kempen, now stationed at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks Alaska, took Zahraa to see his medic and then spoke to Iraqi doctors who said they couldn’t help her. He spoke to Zahraa’s father who said that she was born with a vision condition and all the doctors could do was give her eye drops that had little effect. Her father said Zahraa has felt like she has sand in her eyes ever since she was a baby. {Read More}

LCIF, Lions Aid Bangladesh Cyclone

LCIF began working with local Lions immediately to respond to the devastating cyclone that hit Bangladesh on November 15. LCIF awarded US$40,000 in emergency grants to four districts in Bangladesh for immediate needs.

Officials have said more than 3,400 people have died, but the final death toll is expected to be between 5,000 and 10,000. Many bodies, washed into the Bay of Bengal, will never be found. The destruction has been described as "unimaginable."

Villagers in some of the country's most remote areas along the coast -- one of the poorest places on the planet -- have seen their homes and livelihoods washed away by a huge tidal wave, and are without food, clean water or shelter. The UN estimates that over 273,000 homes have been destroyed and a further 650,000 damaged, 8,760 square kilometres of crops ruined.

LCIF continues to work with Lions in Bangladesh to assess the situation and determine a course of action. As clean up from this disaster is still ongoing, information is continuing to be sent to LCIF

Southern California Wildfires.

LCIF began working with local Lions immediately to respond to the devastating wildfires that spread across southern California, USA. LCIF awarded US$55,000 in emergency grants for immediate needs and approved a US$100,000 major catastrophe grant.

Sixteen fires across the southern part of the state destroyed more than 1,300 homes and more than 500,000 residents were evacuated. Lions in Districts 4-L6 (San Diego area) and 4-L5 have mobilized their emergency response team. Lions in District 4-L6 have also set up an online message board for those able to offer assistance or ideas.

LCIF continues to work with Lions in southern California to assess the situation and determine a course of action. International Director Dana Biggs of California is spearheading the response team and notifying LCIF of ongoing needs. As clean up from this disaster is still ongoing, information is continuing to be sent to LCIF. As we receive more information and additional needs, we will continue to update this Web page to keep you informed.

LCIF has established a designated California Wildfires Disaster Relief Fund for Lions who wish to donate funds for relief and reconstruction projects in the area. The funds continue to support immediate needs as well as assist in long-term rebuilding efforts. Donations from U.S. residents are tax deductible. Per board policy, donations to designated accounts are not eligible toward Melvin Jones Fellowships.

Lions Recognize Diabetes Awareness Month in November

OAK BROOK, Illinois, USA, October 18, 2007

Lions Diabetes Awareness Program and the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are partnering to promote National Diabetes Awareness Month in November and World Diabetes Day (November 14).

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. It affects an estimated 74.8 million Americans, or one in three adults, of whom 54 million have pre-diabetes, 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, and 6.2 million are undiagnosed and at risk for disabling and life threatening diabetes complications. Worldwide, diabetes currently affects 246 million people and is expected to affect 380 million by 2025. Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of global death by disease. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss in adults of working age (20 – 65 years) in industrialized countries.

LCI established the Diabetes Awareness Program to assist Lions in conducting and supporting local and large-scale efforts leading to the control and treatment of diabetes and its complications through education, prevention and control and research. Lions have worked with community healthcare organizations to provide diabetes screenings, educational programs and funding, camps, and other assistance to people with diabetes.

LCI and NDEP are partnering together to make a difference in diabetes prevention and control and raise the public’s awareness of this growing world epidemic.

Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world with 1.3 million members in 201 countries and geographic areas. Founded in 1917, Lions are a worldwide network of men and women who meet the needs of their local communities. Known for working together to end preventable blindness, Lions provide many services, such as conducting vision, hearing and health screenings, building parks and hospitals, awarding scholarships, assisting youth, helping in time of disaster and much more. For more information, visit www.lionsclubs.org