Wayzata Lions

Through Lions Clubs International Foundation, Lions worldwide are providing relief to earthquake victims in Haiti. “Lions Hope for Haiti” has mobilized more than US$1.2 million to provide relief and hope for the people of Haiti. LCIF is working directly with Lions of Haiti and Lions in neighboring countries to assess the immediate needs and develop a long-term reconstruction plan. Your donation can help Lions provide hope to Haiti.

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World War II Pilot and POW Robert White shared his experiences during his combat missions flying bombers over Europe and Germany with the Wayzata Lions on Tuesday, January 19th, 2010.  White is the neighbor of Wayzata resident and Lion Kent Howe.

Wayzata Lion Kent Howe and WWII Veteren and POW Robert White. Photo by Kristina Hagen.

LCIF Chairperson Al Brandel discusses Lions, LCIF relief efforts in Haiti, including LCIF awarding a US$50,000 Major Catastrophe Grant to help provide for immediate needs. Lions around the world donating nearly $200,000. And Lions members in the neighboring areas using LCIF funds to provide relief supplies, such as water, food and clothing.

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Dear Lions,

A powerful 7.0 earthquake ravished the island nation of Haiti on the evening of Tuesday, January 12. Much of the capital city of Port-au-Prince has been destroyed. It’s estimated that 3 million people, nearly one-third of the country’s population, has been affected by the earthquake. The casualty numbers are not known at this time, but significant loss of life is feared. Rescue efforts remain ongoing at this time.

LCIF is responding to the Haiti earthquake. We are in contact with Lions leadership in the area to assess the situation and determine immediate relief needs. A US$50,000 Major Catastrophe Grant has already been awarded to support immediate disaster relief efforts.

When catastrophes occur, LCIF and Lions answer the call for help. I have seen first hand the impact large-scale devastation has on communities. Homes, schools, hospitals are destroyed and lives are often lost. Through our efforts, we are able to bring hope and healing, even if it’s just a little bit, to people who are in such desperate need.

I ask that you help support LCIF disaster relief efforts in Haiti by making a contribution. A designated fund, “LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief”, has been established for donations for this disaster. It’s through Lions’ commitment to serving those in need that those suffering from the earthquake’s devastation will receive some sense of normalcy.

Yours in Lionism,
Al Brandel
LCIF Chairperson

Contribute to the LCIF Haiti Earthquake Fund
U.S. donors can:

• Mail a check to LCIF. Make the check payable. Send the check to LCIF, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA, Attn.: Donor Services.
• Make a credit card donation with a MasterCard, Visa or American Express by calling LCIF at 630-571-5466, ext. 517 or 581. Call between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST.
• Donate online at www.lcif.org/donate. Select Disaster and include “LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief” in the comments section.

Donors outside the United States can:

• Make a credit card donation with a MasterCard, Visa or American Express by faxing to LCIF the name of your credit card, credit card number, expiration date and amount of donation. LCIF’s fax number is 630-571-5735.
• Mail LCIF a U.S. dollar check drawn on a U.S. financial institution. Make the check payable to LCIF. Send the check to LCIF, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA, Attn.: Donor Services.
• Make a direct deposit of local currency into an existing LCI account. Send a copy to LCIF via fax (630-571-5735).
• Do a direct wire transfer. For assistance with this option or the other donation options, contact LCIF Donor Assistance at donorassistance@lionsclubs.org or by phone at 630-571-5466, ext. 404.
• Donate online at www.lcif.org/donate. Select Disaster and include “LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief” in the comments section.

Donations from U.S. residents are tax deductible. Donations from residents of other countries are tax deductible as permitted by individual countries’ tax laws.

For the most up-to-date information about LCIF’s ongoing relief efforts in Haiti, please visit www.lcif.org.

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When veterans return home from months or years in combat, many struggle to reconnect with their families. Some Lions in Minnesota are working to change that by providing an innovative program. These Lions partnered with the Veterans Affairs Department in their state to establish Project New Hope, a free retreat for all combat veterans and their loved ones.

On 11/11/09, we learned that Marlon Reynolds, who is profiled in this video, was in the Fort Hood building just minutes before the shooting started. Marlon was not physically injured, but his unit was hit.