Message from LCIF Chairperson, April 2012: Shining a Light on Youth

Dear Lion,

In March, Judy and I attended Lions Day at the United Nations headquarters in New York along with more than 400 Lions from 23 countries. While discussing global challenges and Lions’ service opportunities for others, Lions Quest was featured as the best social – emotional learning school program available.

As a grandparent of 16, it gives me great pride to see what the Lions Quest program is accomplishing. Lions Quest has given over 12 million youth in 72 countries the social and emotional skills to make good decisions and have respect for others.

Through LCIF, Lions Quest continues to partner with well-regarded and recognized organizations, including the U.S. State Department and the NoVo Foundation. During Lions Day with the United Nations, Lions Quest officially partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. This new partnership provides an opportunity to reach even more students. Supporting Lions Quest, LCIF and Lions are supporting youth by teaching them good values and to be a better citizen. 

Even before reaching school age, Lions are ensuring that children have the opportunity to lead a healthy life through the One Shot, One Life: Lions Measles Initiative. By vaccinating children against measles for the cost of US$1 per shot, we are preventing many possible health complications that could occur if a child contracts measles. These complications can include blindness, pneumonia, hearing loss from ear infections and death. Over 450 children still die each day from measles.

This is another great opportunity for Lions to come together and make an impact in the world by helping to save the life of a child. LCIF has already mobilized US$2 million toward our goal of raising US $10 million to meet the matching funds challenge provided by the Gates Foundation. Donating is easy, and every dollar counts. I thank you for joining the fight against measles.

Serving together today for a better tomorrow,

Sid L. Scruggs III
Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation

Read the rest of the April enewsletter online.