What Lions Do
LIONS AROUND THE WORLD
Lions Clubs - a world citizen
Lions Clubs are committed to helping solve health and social problems, locally and globally. In 1945 Lions leaders played an important role in formulating the non-government sections of the United Nations Charter. Since 1947 Lions have held consultative status to the UN Economic and Social Council.
Lions Clubs International Foundation
Compared to some charities the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is only young, a newcomer to the world of philanthropy. But its already impressive record of helping those in need, starting with the first grant approval in 1972, has propelled it firmly onto the international stage. A charitable arm of Lions Clubs International, LCIF has three major objectives: humanitarian services, vocational assistance and major disaster relief. It also oversees the funding and progress of major Lions programs, including the ambitious SightFirst project.
Lions Clubs around the world, and, of course, in Australia, can apply to LCIF for assistance with major projects such as hospitals, schools and youth facilities. Emergency grants are made for rebuilding and restoring necessary services after natural disasters. In 1996-97 LCIF made grants in excess of $25 million.
SightFirst
The most ambitious program yet undertaken by Lions was an Australian initiative. Since Helen Keller's stirring 1925 challenge for Lions to become her "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness" sight has been a major Lions emphasis.
It was an Adelaide GP and Lions member, Dr Bob Coulthard, who suggested the SightFirst campaign, aimed at eradicating preventable blindness. Currently 40 million are so afflicted, the estimate was that their number would double by 2020.
Lions Clubs around the world have raised $200 million to fund this program, which has already restored sight to over a million people through a simple cataract operation. Sight workers are being trained and Lions eye hospitals built in developing countries.
International Youth
A basic object of Lions Clubs International is to create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world - where better to start than the young? Lions make a strong service commitment to young people through a number of international youth programs:
Each year millions of students develop life skills and self-esteem through the Lions- Quest curriculum. Lions-sponsored Leo clubs are involved in a range of community service activities. Amongst the numerous other youth programs, Lions Youth Exchange gives young people the opportunity to gain first hand knowledge of other cultures, with emphasis on family and community life. Lions youth camps provide another perspective.
LIONS ACROSS AUSTRALIA
LIONS CLUBS "We Make Things happen"
From hospitals and retirement villages to kindergartens and youth programs, for more than 50 years-Lions have made a difference to the quality of life of many thousands of Australians.
HEALTH
No matter how large the national health budget or how tight the welfare net there will always be gaps. That's where Lions come in.
Improving things for the visually disabled is a traditional Lions activity. Lions Save Sight institutes around Australia provide specialist services and undertake research projects ranking them as world leaders in the field. Lions have established Chairs of Ophthalmology in universities. Lions operate most of the country's Eye Banks, have provided many Talking Books and were pioneers in extending specialist services to outback areas.
Hearing
Lions supported the development of the Bionic ear, bringing new possibilities to hearing impaired youngsters. Lions established and operate Australia's only centre for the training of Hearing Dogs for people with hearing problems. Trained to react to the sound of the telephone, a knock at the door, the cry of a baby, or in an emergency, these animals bring security and confidence to their owners.
Medical Research
Major foundations and health institutes established by Lions Clubs in all States make substantial contributions to the health of the country. Researchers in the Lions Research Centre at Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital have developed a vaccine for cervical cancer. The Nurses Scholarship Foundation in NSW offers advanced study scholarships for nurses. The Victorian Lions Foundation funds research in several areas. The Tasmanian Low Vision Clinics provide a valuable service in the island State. Adelaide leads the world in Cranio-facial research and the WA Save Sight Institute is recognised as among the top six in the world.
Prostate and other cancers, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, Motor Neurone Disease, Stroke, Renal problems, Melanoma, Rheumatism and Arthritis, Marine Stinger research and encouragement of organ donor programs are some of the areas to which Lions Clubs are contributing.
Cord Blood and Childhood Cancer
The Lions Cord Blood and Childhood Cancer Research Appeal has, since 1996 raised close to $2,300,000 to fund advances in research for a cure for childhood cancer and exciting new health and transplant possibilities. Lions are supporting Cord Blood Banks and research in this field in several States.
Renal Disease
The home dialysis program in Australia was initiated by Lions Clubs.
Multiple Sclerosis
Adopted in 1995, the national Lions MS Foundation has made possible discoveries which will contribute towards a cure for this disease.
The David Hart Walker
The Australian Lions Children's Mobility Foundation, in partnership with the Spastic Centre of NSW, undertakes 'Australian' production of the David Hart Walker, a deceptively simple yet sophisticated English invention that enables many children with cerebral palsy to walk for the first time in their lives.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
If the country's future is in its youth, then Australia's Lions Clubs are making an investment in that future.
Drug Awareness
ALDAF - the Australian Lions Drug Awareness Foundation - produces videos, books, leaflets and other educational material and is recognised as an active and effective participant in the drug education field.
Youth of the Year Quest
For more than 30 years the Lions Youth of the Year Quest has encouraged student interest in leadership and the qualities required for active and constructive participation in the community.
Leo Clubs
An international youth group under the auspices of Lions, Leo clubs give young people leadership, experience, opportunity and fellowship through involvement in community service.
Youth Exchange
Young Australians are given the opportunity to experience family life and the culture of other countries, and reciprocate by hosting youth from overseas.
Youth Camps
Lions youth camps are conducted across Australia. Specialised camps, such as those for children and teenagers with Diabetes, are a regular part of the program. We hosted a major international camp for teenagers with Diabetes in 1996.
And more . . . .
Lions arrange beach holidays for country children, take bus-loads of disadvantaged children for holidays at the Lions Licola Village, provide scholarships and employment assistance schemes, host the Lions Children of Courage awards, produce Identikid cards, and lots more.
EMERGENCY RELIEF
In times of crisis Lions Clubs can respond quickly. Victims of floods and cyclones, of 'earthquakes, fires and drought have been helped by Lions relief efforts.
People in Maitland and Brisbane; in Darwin and Newcastle, indeed in centres all over the country at some stage or another, have been helped in time of need.
THE ENVIRONMENT
Lions parks are seen around Australia - they were the first facilities provided in many country towns. Today Lions are active in clean-up campaigns, tree planting, land reclamation and many other environmental activities.
FUNDRAISING
Every dollar raised by Lions Clubs goes directly to help the community. Ongoing funds are provided by the sale of Lion Mints and Lions Christmas cakes, supplemented by a range of fundraising activities as wide as the imagination of the members.