Lions Clubs International Foundation Provides Disaster Relief for Superstorm Sandy

Oak Brook, IL, November 18, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is mobilizing US $220,000 to immediately support Lions’ disaster relief efforts following Superstorm Sandy. Funds are helping Lions in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and North Carolina to provide assistance in hard-hit areas.

The Foundation has also received many donations to the disaster relief fund since Superstorm Sandy began. These donations from generous Lions around the world allow Lions to meet immediate needs in their communities by providing materials such as food, water, blankets, coats, first aid supplies, flashlights and batteries.

“When a tragedy like Hurricane Sandy strikes, Lions are able to make a difference and immediately begin the recovery process. It is one of the things that we do best,” said Wing-Kun Tam, LCIF Chairperson. “Seeing the hard work of Lions to provide relief for Superstorm Sandy makes me proud to be a Lion.”

The effects of the storm are enormous. According to CNN, at least 175 people in the United States, the Caribbean and Canada have lost their lives. Countless others have lost their homes and possessions. The estimated economic impact of Superstorm Sandy is between US$30 billion and US$50 billion, according to the catastrophe risk modeling firm Eqecat.

To help the people affected by the storm, many Lions clubs are working with local food pantries and shelters to provide needed goods. Lions are also working with local police and fire departments to assess the needs of their communities.

“When disaster strikes...the Lions spring into action. That is exactly what happened in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy,” said Past Council Chairperson Steve Tremaroli in an email to fellow Lions.

Some examples of Lions’ disaster relief efforts include:

In North Carolina, Lions are focusing on people stranded on Hatteras Island, which was out of power and severely flooded. Lions purchased bulk food, water and dry clothing on the mainland for the residents of Hatteras Island. These supplies are being to be delivered by use of the District Governor’s boat, helping Lions reach those in need.

Lions in New York are working to supply generators to shelters, providing power to support large groups of people. In addition to generators already in use by Lions, around 30 more generators are being shipped to New York from Lions in South Carolina. The UPS Foundation is providing in-kind shipping for the generators being provided. New York Lions are also working with Catholic Charities to find people in need and deliver supplies to them.

In Florida, Lions are responding to Superstorm Sandy in the same way that MD-20 New York did for them during a recent hurricane – by holding a quilt drive.

Non-local Lions are also doing their part. Many Lions are either contributing funds or coordinating the shipment of supplies to the affected areas.

Lions have a long history of providing disaster relief to areas most affected by disaster. Anyone wishing to help continue this legacy may donate to LCIF’s disaster fund. All donations are eligible for Melvin Jones Fellowship recognition. Donations can be made online by selecting “Disaster Relief.” For questions regarding donations, please contact LCIF at donations@lionsclubs.org or (630) 203-3836.

Donations from U.S. residents are tax deductible. Donations from individuals living outside of the United States are tax deductible as permitted by the individual's country tax laws. Although LCIF is not equipped to handle material donations, please feel free to use the Lion-2-Lion Resource Assistance Database (Lion-2-Lion Assistance) to make donations of this sort directly to the Lions in need.

Lions Clubs International Foundation is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International, the largest service club organization in the world with 1.35 million members in 207 geographic areas and countries. Over the last 10 years, LCIF has provided US$100 million for disaster relief. Learn more about LCIF online at www.lcif.org.
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Lions Clubs International Foundation
Allie Stryker
630-468-7030
www.lcif.org
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