by LCIF
Dear Lions,
As I was preparing my monthly message, tragedy struck the city of Moore, Oklahoma and its surrounding communities. The pictures and stories that followed have left me both saddened and inspired. We sympathize with the grieving families, and pledge our support to those within the community seeking to rebuild. To the clubs and Lions in the affected area – your Foundation is there for you. In the coming days, I will have the opportunity to visit Oklahoma Lions. There, I will offer my support, and the continued support of LCIF.
The response to the disaster was immediate – by Lions and their neighbors. I was moved to see those who lost everything, lending a hand to help their friends, their neighbors, or even complete strangers. Lions members are part of that effort, and LCIF is there to support their relief and rebuilding efforts. International President Madden and I immediately approved a US$100,000 Major Catastrophe Grant, made possible through the generosity of Lions financial support to the Disaster Relief fund. This will be a start, but certainly not an end.
The disaster in Oklahoma and outpouring of support from our worldwide Lions’ family, reminds me why I first began to support LCIF more than 32 years ago. At every point in my journey as a Lion, I supported our Foundation: as a new member, as a club president, and as a member of the Board of Trustees. As the Chairperson of LCIF, I now have the unique perspective of meeting so many impacted by the work of Lions and with the support of LCIF. I know my support of the Foundation over all these years has made a significant difference in the lives of many.
Our Foundation supports club and district initiatives in many areas beyond disaster relief. The wonderful thing about LCIF is its ability to help local Lions have a greater impact in the community they serve. With a donation to the Disaster Relief fund, you help those recovering after one of the most significant moments in their life. With a donation to the Area of Greatest Need, the Foundation has the flexibility to respond to Lions’ humanitarian initiatives worldwide – both large and small.
I thank you for your past support and for your consideration of support in the weeks, months and years to come.
Sincerely,
Wing-Kun Tam
Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation
