by Doreen Martel

Created on: January 15, 2010   Last Updated: January 19, 2012

When natural disasters strike any corner of the globe, you hear about the usual charities like the Red Cross and Salvation Army. One charity you do not hear a lot about is Lions Clubs International.  However, Lions Clubs do make a significant impact in areas where there are natural disasters.  Take a look at some of the work that Lions Clubs do in times of natural disasters:

Earthquake in Gujart, India 2001

This earthquake devastated the region of Gujart.  Lions Clubs International urged Lions Clubs from all over the globe to participate in assisting the residents of Gujart, India.  And assist they did.  Lions Clubs worldwide helped make grants of over $2,000,000 available to India. According to LCIF grant reports, these funds were used to rebuild 734 homes, 20 primary schools and a general hospital

China Earthquake 2008

In May of 2008 when China was devastated by an earthquake, Lions Clubs from all over the globe were swift with their support. In addition to the immediate (less than 48 hours after) $500,000 emergency grant that was provided through Lions Clubs International Foundation, additional grants of $700,000 were awarded to provide basic necessities including food, shelter and clothing. Thousands of Lions members joined together to help the residents of China who were affected by this earthquake. Lions from Ethiopa donated $10,000, Iceland Lions donated $5,000 and other Lions Clubs pitched in to assist in the rebuilding efforts.  Though it may surprise you, Lions have been active in China since 2002. They were the first (and remain the only) volunteer service organization approved by the Chinese government  According to Lions Clubs Internationals website, today, there are 1,655 Lions clubs members in 79 clubs in China in addition to 1,429 Lions in 62 clubs in Hong Kong and Macau.

Hurricane Katrina, USA 2005  

During 2005, Hurricane Katrina arrived on the southern shores of the United States. Later it was established to be one of the five deadliest hurricanes ever to hit the United States.  Lions worldwide participated in relief efforts. More than $5,000,000 in grants were distributed to Lions in Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas to be used for rebuilding homes, schools and for supplying basic necessities such as water, food and clothing. In 2006, the Lions International Convention was scheduled to be held in New Orleans. Understanding that this would not be possible, the Lions Clubs of Massachusetts took this project over. Normally, an International Convention takes four or five years to plan.  Lions from Boston made it happen in less than 9 months.

Haiti Earthquake 2009

As people watched the devastation from the 7.0 earthquake that devastated Haiti, Lions Clubs International Foundation immediately mobilized funds to help with relief efforts. Within 24 hours of the news, Lions Clubs International Foundation had set up the Haitian Earthquake Relief Fund and committed an immediate $50,000 towards relief efforts. Because of Lions world-wide this number will grow quickly as the Lions in more than 40,000 clubs world-wide pick up the challenge to assist the people of Haiti.

These are only a few of the natural disasters where Lions Clubs make a difference.  Quietly, in every corner of the globe, millions of men and women give up hours of their time each month. Because of the efforts of your local Lions Club, Lions Clubs International Foundation is able to donate millions of dollars towards disaster relief programs.  If you are interested in volunteering your efforts to help alleviate human suffering wherever it is found, consider contacting your local Lions Club and get involved.

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