Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) recently received the highest ranking possible from Charity Navigator, demonstrating LCIF’s commitment to being a leading foundation.
An updated review from the independent charity evaluator awarded LCIF four stars. The top ranking means that LCIF exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its cause. More than 5, 400 of America’s largest charities are ranked on the Web site. Rankings are based on a number of factors related to organization, efficiency and capacity.
The foundation has a history of recognition for its effectiveness and efficiency in order to maximize humanitarian service to those in need. In 2007 LCIF was named the number one non-governmental organization (NGO) worldwide with which to partner. The foundation came in first for its accountability, program execution, communications, program adaptability and partnerships among 100 international organizations in the independent review.
LCIF gives every cent of every dollar to humanitarian projects. Administrative costs are paid by interest earned on long-term investments, allowing for 100 percent of every donation to have a direct impact on the lives of people around the world.
Locally the District 31-A Lions, led by District Governor Marti Hill has 55 clubs, nearly 1200 members and covers the area from Lincolnton to Murphy. They are very active clubs serving the people that we are dedicated to help in a large way. We have owned and operated the Marjorie McCune Memorial Center located in Black Mountain for 30 years. This is an assisted living facility that gives a warm happy place to the 62 residents now making the center their home. We are now offering independent living apartments on the campus also. Please call 828-669-8452 for more information on this facility.
Local clubs are active with help for the visually impaired, the homeless, Habitat for Humanity, Diabetes Awareness, collecting used glasses that are refurbished and used in third world countries, feeding and clothing children in need and this is just a few of our activities. We assist people that are financially in need with the purchase of glasses and cataract surgeries. We have projects to enable us to raise funds to meet our obligations for need. So, when you see the Lions having a White Cane Candy day or any type of project please be generous.
Statewide our North Carolina Lions Foundation owns and operates Camp Dogwood a camp for the blind located in Sherrills Ford, NC, the 21st Century NC Lions Vision Van that travels the state giving much needed eye exams to adults and children. Nearly 300,000 children and adults have been screened since this program began. They offer matching funds for local clubs to assist with the cost of eye exams, glasses and eye surgeries. We give educational grants to children of visually impaired parents, and the Lions provide every white cane that is given to a visually impaired person in the state of North Carolina. We continue to educate the public on the importance, benefit and growing need of organ and tissue donations for life-saving transplants and Diabetes awareness.
With contributions exceeding $1.8 million, Lions continue to support eye research. NC Lions have established the Wake Forest University Eye Center, the NC Lions Pediatric Eye Care Center at Duke University and the NC Lions Diabetic Eye Care Center at UNC-Chapel Hill.
The North Carolina Lions Foundation annually gives grants to help organizations with service projects. Some groups that have received help in the past include: Radio Reading Service of North Carolina which receives support for equipment and radios for the blind and visually impaired; the Governor Morehead School for the Blind athletic and arts programs that do not receive government funding; and the NC Lions Visually Impaired Persons Fishing Tournament. Every year during the second week of October there will be over 500 visually impaired people fishing at this tournament.
The Lions also help through donations to Lions Club International which is fighting blindness and sickness all over the world. We are always there when there is a disaster in any country. Locally, we received a grant of $10,000 by LCIF when the floods hit five years back in Haywood County. It was presented three days after this happened to help the people of Western North Carolina.
The Lions of this area are actively seeking dedicated people that would like to make a difference in their communities, their state and the world. If you are interested in becoming a Lion please go to www.District31ALions.com.
The Lincolnton Lions Club meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at Ryans Steakhouse at 7:00pm in Lincolnton. Everyone is welcome to come visit to find out more.
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By Marti Hill
