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Bangkok, Thailand, June 26, 2008—Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and Lions around the world have exceeded their campaign challenge goal of US$200 million for their flagship, global blindness-prevention program, SightFirst. Funds raised during Campaign SightFirst II (CSFII), a three-year worldwide campaign operated by the international charitable foundation, will save or restore the vision of more than 37 million people around the world.

Led by 7,000 CSFII Lion volunteers, Lions surpassed their initial US$150 million goal in

February, four months in advance of CSFII’s conclusion. During the final month of the campaign alone, Lions raised more than US$20 million to surpass the US$200 million challenge goal.

“The efforts of Lions worldwide over the last three years makes me incredibly proud to be a Lion,” says Dr. Tae-Sup Lee, Lions past international president and CSFII chairperson. “Through CSFII, our role as ‘Knights of the Blind’ will continue for years to come because of the dedication of our volunteers and all of our donors. Most importantly, LCIF and Lions will be able to continue to deliver the excellent services of the SightFirst program and thereby ensure that millions of individuals around the world are able to live with the gift of sight.”

At least US$100 million of CSFII funds will be granted through LCIF’s SightFirst program to contain and eliminate the leading causes of avoidable blindness, including cataract, the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide.

Another US$50 million will be used to combat new and emerging threats to sight, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and low vision. The funds raised beyond the US$150 million initial goal will make it possible for Lions to fund research and rehabilitation initiatives in developed countries. Lions’ goal is to provide “Vision for All.”

SightFirst was launched by Lions in 1989 to battle preventable and reversible blindness. Lions estimate US$6 is the average cost to save or restore a person’s sight through SightFirst. Lions have already restored sight to more than 27 million people by funding cataract surgeries, vision screenings and treatment, and improved eye-care services for hundreds of millions of people in underserved areas in 91 countries around the world. Lions have also built eye hospitals in developing countries and trained eye health care workers where there were previously none.

CSFII officially concluded during the 91st Annual Lions Clubs International Convention in Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday, June 26 when the final dollar amount raised was announced. More than 18,000 Lions clubs members, including international media, from around the world were present for this historic announcement for LCIF.

Oak Brook, Illinois, USA, May 22, 2008—Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and Lions clubs members around the world are mobilizing more than US$2 million in direct funding and relief supplies to aid Lions-led relief efforts in China.

Lions and LCIF are already responding to the powerful, massive earthquake that struck Sichuan Province in central China on Monday, May 12. Within 48 hours LCIF committed a major catastrophe grant of US$500,000 to address immediate needs and provide medicines, clothing, blankets and temporary housing. Lions in District 381 Guangdong in mainland China have raised more than US$450,000 and relief materials including food and medicine, Lions in District 380 Shenzhen in mainland China have raised US$250,000 & relief material of US$200,000 and Lions in District 303 Hong Kong and Macau have raised US$350,000.

A team of 40 Lions from Districts 381 and 380 traveled to Sichuan province to assist with hands-on relief efforts and the immediate and emerging needs of victims. The Lions are still in the area, disbursing relief materials including tents, medicine and food. Working with the Chinese Red Cross, Lions purchased 10 relief vehicles and ambulances.

“As the only international volunteer service club organization in the China, Lions Clubs International Foundation is working hand-in-hand with Lions in the area to assess and address immediate needs. Through our grassroots network of Lions in the affected communities, we are able to get relief supplies to those in the most need very quickly,” said Lions Clubs International Foundation Chairperson Jimmy Ross.

An organizing committee comprised of Lions from Districts 380, 381 and 303 and the China Council of Lions Clubs has been formed in order to plan and coordinate efficiently on the relief project. An immediate and long-term relief plan is being developed by local Lions to involve four stages: rescue, support, resettlement and reconstruction. Lions are planning to establish Lions 'tent' cities using 800 family size tents. Swedish Lions helped supply the tents and are also contributing 3,000 blankets.

To support immediate and long-term needs, Lions around the world are responding. A designated LCIF account has been established to help channel donations for this disaster. Donations can be online at www.lcif.org/donate Lions of Ethiopia have donated $10,000; Iceland Lions have contributed $5,000; Chinese clubs in Vancouver, Canada expect to collect $100,000; and Taiwan Lions have committed $50,000. Lions in Brazil have partnered with a local company to provide 7,000 blankets. Many Lions are also helping by sharing this news with fellow Lions and the media.

Frequent and massive aftershocks have caused further damages and casualties from the tremor. There remain significant and varying needs. As in past large-scale disasters, Lions are on the ground now and are also steadfastly committed to long-term relief and reconstruction. Days, week and months from now Lions will continue to provide aid. There is a great need for tents as many houses were toppled in the quake and the rainy season has begun. Generators and water purifying machines are also in urgent need and will be well-utilized. Lions are using immediate funds to purchase these items and are also requesting assistance to obtain these items. Chinese Lions and victims of the earthquake know they can count on Lions to help as long as it takes to rebuild structures and rebuild lives.

LCIF is in constant contact with local Lions to determine the best immediate and long-term response. These regular updates are being posted on the LCIF Web site at http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/lions_lcif_earthquake.shtml in order to keep Lions and the general public up-to-date on the latest news and response.

Lions and LCIF's efforts have not gone unnoticed. News of the relief being provided has appeared on AOL, Forbes, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Daily Herald and several other national newspapers around the world, including seven major daily papers in China.

Lions have a long history of working with the Chinese government to provide humanitarian service. Since 2002, Lions Clubs International has been the first and only international volunteer service club organization to be officially recognized by the Chinese government. China’s government issued an executive order that was countersigned by the Chinese premier to officially establish two pilot Lions clubs in Shenzhen and Guangdong. 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.

Lions service in China began in 1997 with the SightFirst program. SightFirst is LCIF’s blindness prevention program aimed at addressing and reversing preventable blindness. Through SightFirst China Action, LCIF has invested more than US$30 million to build up eye care services and eradicate preventable blindness, which was matched with US$200 million from the Chinese government. Those funds supported 4.6 million cataract surgeries in China and Tibet, established 104 surgical eye units in rural areas and trained eye health care workers where there previously were none. LCIF is providing sustainable eye care services for rural poor populations.

To support Lions’ relief efforts, contributions can be made to the Lions China Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund. Donations continue to support immediate needs and will assist in long-term rebuilding efforts. Donations from U.S. residents are tax deductible.

U.S. donors can:

* Donate Online Now and note in comments field that donation is for "Lions China Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund."
* Mail a check to LCIF. Make the check payable to LCIF and write "Lions China Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund" in the memo field. 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 Monday-Friday.

Donors outside the United States can:

* Donate Online Now and note in comments field that donation is for "Lions China Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund."
* 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 and write "Lions China Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund" in the memo field. 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. Specify " Lions China Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund " on the deposit slip and 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 Services at lcif@lionsclubs.org or by phone at 630-571-5466, ext. 404.

LCIF and Lions in China thank you for your continuous support for the victims in the affected areas. LCIF and Lions are proving the international humanitarian good that be can accomplished together.