W. Penn Lions pledge $1,000 for Haiti

The West Penn Township Lions Club has pledged $1,000 to help support the relief efforts of Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) in response to the 7.0 earthquake that struck the impoverished Caribbean nation of Haiti, on Tuesday, Jan. 12.

Lions in communities around the world are supporting LCIF, which is in contact with Lions in the immediate area, neighboring Latin American countries and area Lions leadership, to assess the situation and determine immediate needs and how Lions and LCIF can best assist.

"Lions are committed to bringing aid to those impacted by the earthquake in Haiti. Through support from people in our community and our club, LCIF will be able to help so many more," said Ed Dudley, Secretary/Treasurer of West Penn Township Lions Club.

Within 24 hours, Lions worldwide have pledged nearly $250,000 to the Foundation to help support relief efforts. In addition to Lions donations, LCIF has awarded a $50,000 Major Catastrophe Grant to help provide for immediate needs for victims of the earthquake. Immediate relief efforts will center on providing water, food, medicine, tents and other essential needs.

The Foundation has experience in disaster relief, providing more than $25 million for South Asia tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and China earthquake combined.

Donors can assist Lions on the ground and Lions Clubs International Foundation in responding to this disaster with a designated donation to the "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief" Fund.

To donate online, visit www.lcif.org/donate and select Disaster. Please include "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief" in the comments section. You may also mail a check payable to Lions Clubs International Foundation (noting "LCIF Haiti Earthquake Relief" in the memo field) to LCIF, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA, Attn.: Donor Services.

Lions Clubs International Foundation is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International. Established in 1968, LCIF is committed to providing humanitarian services to those in need, including providing disaster relief, saving sight, supporting youth and combating disability.

Each year, LCIF typically awards $2 million in emergency grant relief funding. LCIF was ranked by a Financial Times study as the #1 non-governmental organization with which to partner.

Learn more at www.lcif.org.