Thursday, March 2, 2017
Dear Lions and Lioness of District 201V3
SUBJECT: MEASLES INITIATIVE: LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION: UPDATE
I want to update everyone regarding the above and to encourage your continued support for LCIF’s wonderful ONE SHOT – ONE LIFE – Lions Measles Initiative. You will no doubt be aware that this landmark activity will close on 30 June 2017 at the forthcoming Chicago International Convention. Donations are still being encouraged by LCIF which can be sent to our Cabinet Treasurer by 31 May 2017. It is appropriate to remind you that LCIF set a target to raise US$30 MILLION DOLLARS WHICH IS TO BE MATCHED, DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR, BY EITHER the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation or the UK Government Department of International Development. I have been advised by LCIF that the target goal is short by US$9 Million.
We can save two (2) children’s lives by donating $1 – a small enough amount. LCIF’s initiative has, to date, vaccinated almost 600 million children in Africa and Asia. Lions Leaders are working with those countries, Governments and health officials to ensure an ongoing immunization program is implemented for the future benefit of their health service and communities.
When LCIF initially became involved with the One Shot – One Life Lions Measles Initiative, 450 people, mostly children under five (5) years of age, died daily from measles and rubella. Many survivors experienced complications such as blindness, hearing loss and brain damage. The daily number of deaths has been reduced to 330. That is still far too many, but it does show that LCIF’s efforts are working.
Many Clubs in District 201V3 have already generously donated to the program. LCIF sincerely thanks those Clubs for their wonderful support and assistance. I urge those Clubs who have yet to donate to please consider doing so – and to the Clubs who have already donated, your continued support would be greatly appreciated.
It would be a great pity if the goal was not reached – thus reducing the effectiveness of LCIF’s efforts to eliminate this dreadful disease.
Please send your donation to our District Cabinet Treasurer Lion David Culpitt, 5/1A Annette Ct, Hastings VIC 3915 with cheques drawn in favour of Lions District 201V3 Measles Initiative.
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours faithfully
George H Barnard
PDG George H Barnard OAM
LCIF District Coordinator