Lions in Action
Abroad and at Home
Who can forget the scenes of devastation broadcast to us from the Philippines? - Certainly not Lions clubs, who have over 350 clubs with many hundreds of members actually living in the area that was hit by Typhoon Haiyan. Lions Clubs provide a global network that is able to give immediate practical and financial support when such disasters strike. Though our Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) we maintain a disaster fund, enabling the organisation to respond immediately with 100% of donations going direct to local relief efforts co-ordinated by Lions operating in a ected communities.
Lions Clubs in the area, including 4 in Cebu and one in the disaster epicentre of Tacloban, were already helping those affected by last month's major earthquake in nearby Bohol, when the latest crisis occu rred.
In the case of Typhoon Haiyan, an immediate grant of $30k was sent to the clubs still operating in the immediate vicinity of the disaster, to be used as they saw fit and whilst the main fundraising could get under way.
A few hours later, as the scale of the disaster was becoming more evident, Lions clubs in SE Asia immediately pledged a further $500k to suppo  those affected by the disaster. This money will deliver vital suppo  on the ground relief through volunteer members of Lions Clubs in the Philippines, working closely with government officials and other agencies. In addition, local fund-raising in the UK has now begun and this will be going to provide the most basic of human needs, clean drinking water.
Clubs throughout the British Isles and I reland have pledged £200k, which will be used to send 1OOO Lifesaver water filtration systems, which will provide up to 20 million litres of sterile water for drinking and medical use. Not surprisingly, our club will be part of this effort, details of which will be carried on our website: www. npolneylions.btck.co.uk.
Typhoon Haiyan has been called the worst storm to make landfall in recorded history, and the devastation is hard to imagine. As Lions, we not only help our local communities throughout the year, but are able to respond when relief is required in any local community.
HELPING AT HOME
COMPUTING IN GHANA?
The disaster in the Philippines won't prevent a Lions Club from supporting their own local community too, and this is true here in Newport Pagnell & Olney.
Our club recently heard of a local girl, Rachel Mann, who although no longer living in Olney, still has strong family ties in the town.
Rachel visited Ghana a number of years ago as part of her gap year, where she worked at the Lady Heike Nursery, meeting Mike Ofori, a hugely talented, clear sighted and kind teacher. He wanted to set up a similar project for the underprivileged children in his hometown of Saltpond, and Rachel was so impressed with his passion for teaching that on returning to the UK she founded The Saltpond Education Project. In addition to fundraising, Rachel also encourages many students and friends to repeat her experience and spend time in Ghana, working and helping in the School. Forming a Charity, Saltpond Education Project, she now provides both funds and manpower on a regular basis to the Happy Home School, in addition to frequently visiting the project to ensure that it is continuing to be successful.
Olney resident and IT expe , David Kelsall, was talked into joining his son who was volunteering on the project, and once there, it was clear to him that the computing facilities were basic, to say the least. In David's words, "the single unsuppo ed, antiquated Laptop had reached the end of it's life and was only fit for the bin." This was being used for the school admin and David, on his return, decided that he would try and raise funds to provide a more modern machine and if successful, perhaps even provide equipment for the students.
His personal fundraising saw him purchase a new laptop, however, the Lions club decided that this project was a perfect candidate for our support. We liked the fact that it was being driven, run and supported by the youth of our area, was providing a valuable service to a deprived community and was helping develop youngsters both here and in Ghana, so a substantial donation was given to the project enabling David to provide additional computers for the school.
And Fina y
You don't need to spend a penny to support the club. If you use a computer printer and don't currently recycle your old ca ridges, why not do so for us.
Freepost envelopes can be obtained from Barclays & Nat West Banks, LA Car Wash (Yardley Hastings), Sandwichland and Rosco's Coffee shop. Pick some up and join our recycling brigade - every penny helps.
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