Lions District 301-B From the President

FROM THE LIONS INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT

LCIF and Sight First: Responding to Needs with a Human Touch

By Kajit "KJ" Habanananda

This year, I am stressing the need for harmony in all areas of our approach to our responsibilities as Lions. This harmony in action is essential on the international level, especially since our commitment to LCIF is not greater than ever. Today, the association's objective to conquer preventable and reversible blindness is still SightFirst.

Sightfirst began only in 1990. Today, we have provided 384 grants totaling US$73.9 million, ranging from cataract operations to furnishing eye hospitals in developing countries with the latest equipment. The Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP) is being implemented in developed areas of the world where glaucoma and diabetic eye disease are most common.

Our SightFirst Advisory Committee this year is composed of Judge Howard L."Pat" Patterson Jr., Augustin Soliva; Dr. William H. Wunder; James E. "Jim," Ervin; Dr. Jean Behar; Dr. Carl Kupfer, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA; Dr. Akira Nakajima, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan; Prof. Dr. Francescl Ponti, Palermo, Italy; Dr. Bjorn Thylefors, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland, Dr. Serge Resnikoff, committee secretary, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland; and Win Hamilton, executive administrator.

The committee meets three times a year to consider applications for funds. As you know, there are several types of grants, but traditionally LCIF has provided Standard grants to help Lions meet a wide range of needs. The International Assistance Grant (IAG) program provides matching funds for joint humanitarian projects between Lions in at least two countries.

LCIF has now initiated a new program, one I am positive will help dedicated Lions throughout the world to answer the most pressing needs of mankind. It's called the Core 4 Program. It simply concentrates grants in four areas where LCIF can have the greatest impact as we move toward the 21st Century. They are: Preserving Eyesight, Combating Disability, Promoting Health and Serving Youth. These four major activities will allow Lions to expand their capabilities to the limit.

Through this program, LCIF will award grants of up to US$200,000 for large scale projects organized primarily at the multiple district level. However, the Lions must raise 25 percent and LCIF will provide the remaining 75 percent. It allows Lions to concentrate on one or another of the Core 4 program areas and will strengthen our ability to support high-impact humanitarian service projects.

For example, in sight conservation, Lions will be able to concentrate greater funding on low vision clinics and screenings, eyeglass distribution, public eye health education and awareness and other related programs. More intense attention can also be given to involvement in working with the blind and disabled, speech and hearing programs, mobility training and occupational therapy in the field of disability prevention.

In the area of health promotion, Lions can use Core 4 funding to enhance, diabetes awareness and prevention, health screenings and the development of mobile health units, cancer and AIDS awareness and additional public education projects.

In youth programs, Lions will be able to sharpen their focus on such activities as Lions Quest, Youth Outreach, street children programs, International Youth Exchange and other initiatives to prepare young people for their leadership responsibilities in the years to come.

Please keep in mind that LCIF's long range commitment to help fund these projects will require substantial contributions from our membership. The Contributing Member with an annual US$20 contribution is recognized especially each November, but these are welcomed throughout the year and a handsome lapel pin identifying these members will be sent to the donors.

The popular Melvin Jones Fellow program is well known. Many Lions have now gone beyond their initial US$1,000 donation. I am proud to report the latest figure shows there are more than 168,000 fellows. Remember that non-Lions are also welcome to support the foundation through the same program.

I would like to clarify one continuing misconception about the funding of LCIF that exists among many of our members. The Lions Clubs International Foundation is not funded in any manner from membership dues. The foundation is a separately incorporated entity, not related financially to Lions Clubs International. Please understand the association and the foundation operations are based solely on two district balance sheets. All of LCIF's administrative and promotional expenses are paid from interest on investments resulting from contributions it receives from the membership.

The Lions Clubs International Foundation has the potential to become the most successful foundation of its kind. But its future, and the future of millions of people in dire need worldwide, depends on the generous grants it provides to local Lions.

Indeed, by out active commitment, LCIF will exemplify the harmony and family values of Lions living in 185 lands. (The Lion, November 1998)

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