In the case of disasters, Lions are often the first to respond, and continue to provide for as long as it takes until all work is done. Lions Clubs International Foundation and Lions are providing relief in devastated Japan.
The Tohoku Region Pacific Ocean Coast Earthquake is the worst earthquake to hit Japan in over 100 years triggered a powerful tsunami throughout the Pacific Ocean.
Lions Clubs International Foundation is providing over US$1.25 million, or 100 million Japanese Yen, for immediate relief. This includes major catastrophe and emergency grant funds as well as designated donations from Lions around the world.
The Foundation has also established a designated fund for Lions to directly support this disaster. LCIF is also monitoring the impact to other Pacific Ocean nations.
Lions in Japan are coordinating their relief efforts through LionNet Japan and are using the Japan Lions Office as emergency relief headquarters.
Japanese media, citing local and national police, said hundreds of people were dead and hundreds more missing. The 2:46 p.m. quake struck 373 kilometers (230 miles) from Tokyo, the United States Geological Survey said. In Sendai, 60,000 to 70,000 people are being evacuated to shelters in the area.
“I just returned from Christchurch, New Zealand, and I thought I had seen it all, but this is unbelievable. Looking to the extraordinary dimension of this earthquake and tsunami, LCIF and Lions are committed to providing immediate and long-term relief. Lions of Japan are often the first to respond to other disasters, and I ask all Lions of the world to show their solidarity and help the Japanese Lions during their time of need,” said LCIF Chairperson Eberhard J. Wirfs.
LCIF has established a designated account for Lions around the world to directly support this disaster. Lions from around the world are responding generously. The 48th OSEAL Forum Committee has committed US$10,000 and the Annur Town Lions Club in India has committed US$5,000.
Donors can:
- Donate online at www.lcif.org/donate. Select Disaster and include “Japan Earthquake/Tsuanmi” in the comments section.