Special Message of President Wirfs commitment of Lions in favor of Haiti
Dear Lions around the world,
The attention of the whole world is facing the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti, leaving 1 , 5 million people homeless and claimed over 200,000 lives and injured many more. It will take years because the island can return to normal, but we know that the Lions will participate in this long reconstruction process.
Like the tsunami that struck South Asia, Hurricane Katrina, the earthquake in Sichuan (China) and other catastrophes, together with LCIF Lions will once again be present to provide immediate relief and support in the future process of rebuilding the community for as long as it takes.
What distinguishes the Lions and other service organizations that makes us unique is that ours is a long-term work in the affected communities, through the Lions in place to rebuild a better tomorrow. Never disappoint our brothers and sisters in Haiti who Lions are part of our international family.
How many of you know, the Lions are now set to work to provide immediate assistance in spite of difficulties in coordinating the relief efforts. Curtains rescue the Lions were sent from Sweden and, since the first hours after the earthquake, immediate assistance was provided by the Lions in the Canadian mission in Haiti during the earthquake. Besides, the Lions of the Caribbean continue to send aid by land and sea, while a committee for the coordination of relief efforts, led by the Lions in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and neighboring countries, is engaged in the planning stages; the chairman of our Foundation and Immediate Past International President, Al Brandel, will visit the site tomorrow for a meeting.
As expected, the response of Lions fund raising LCIF "The Lions have a hope in Haiti" proved to be extraordinary. In a few days we have collected more than USD350.000 and I am sure that when you receive this email, this number will grow further. However, we need many millions more to help this country to be born again, to give a home to those who do not have more to build schools for children, to help people with disabilities and to give support to all those to whom this disaster has broken his heart. Please, therefore, make a donation.
me very sad to know that two Lions Haiti, our brothers were killed by the earthquake, and perhaps other Lions have lost their loved ones. On behalf of the Lions around the world and members of the International Board, I extend our deepest condolences to all of our beloved Lions have lost their families and add a promise to the families of Haiti Lions: Lions around the world will be there with you today, tomorrow, in the coming days, in the coming years and for as long as it takes.
President LCIF will provide updates on the situation in the coming days. In the meantime, I invite you to keep you informed through the latest updates to LCIF on Haiti that contain information on how to make a personal donation online . Thank you in advance for all the help that you will give.
United in grief,
Eberhard J. Wirfs
International President
