Lions in Turkey to Provide Earthquake Relief Through LCIF Funding

News release by Lions International

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Oak Brook, Ill. | February 08, 2023 04:53 PM Eastern Standard Time

When a powerful earthquake hit Turkey and Syria on Feb. 5, homes crumbled to the ground, hundreds of other buildings collapsed, thousands of lives were lost, with numbers increasing each day, tens of thousands of people were displaced, and communities were changed forever.

When natural disasters strike, Lions are among the first to answer. Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) quickly responded to empower their service by awarding a $200,000 Major Catastrophe Grant to Lions in Turkey. Grant funds will enable Lions to provide immediate, short- and long-term relief to victims of one of the largest earthquakes to hit the region in more than 100 years.

"The devastation that this earthquake and the subsequent aftershocks brought is heartbreaking, and those affected by this disaster will need support in recovering and rebuilding for many days, weeks, months, and even years ahead," said LCIF Chairperson Douglas X. Alexander.

With this funding, Lions will participate in the immediate and short-term clean-up and repair efforts and work with local organizations on long-term reconstruction projects, filling any gaps in service.

"Lions live and serve in the communities most impacted, and we will be there to support the people there as long as they need us," Alexander said. “Funding from LCIF will help us make an even bigger difference for the people who’ve experienced so much loss during this unfathomable disaster.”

According to International Disaster Database, natural disasters have increased by nearly 400% globally over the last 50 years. LCIF Disaster Relief Grants are designed to support Lions-led relief efforts during various stages of disaster relief operations. Lions are key figures in their communities and play a vital role in this process. They are responsible for assessing the needs in their district to maximize their relief efforts. LCIF grants enable Lions volunteers to have a greater impact in their communities.

To support Lions in their efforts to help those impacted by these earthquakes and natural disasters yet to come, visit lionsclubs.org/donate or contact your local Lions club.

About Lions Clubs International Foundation:

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International. Established in 1968, LCIF provides grant funding to support the compassionate works of Lions, empowering their service and addressing the needs of their communities both locally and globally. Since 1968, LCIF has awarded more than 18,000 grants totaling more than $1.2 billion. Connect with LCIF on Facebook or online at lionsclubs.org/LCIF. To learn how to support LCIF, visit lionsclubs.org/donate.

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