PRESS RELEASE

                                             Immediate use  Date  24^th March 2011

                                                Contact  0845-9501 and 9502

LIONS CLUBS RELIEF AID TO JAPAN

Members of the 870 Lions Clubs in the British Isles and Ireland quickly responded to the multiple disaster situations in Japan following the earthquake, tsunami and later nuclear incidents. Together with members of the 42,000 Lions Clubs worldwide over US$6 million has already been donated and made available for the immediate and longer term relief. To distribute the aid effectively, the 100,000 members of Lions Clubs in Japan quickly set up four Lions relief aid warehouses in affected areas. Lions are coordinating relief aid distribution with local government officials and with the Japanese Red Cross. As a result, Lions are helping coordinate blood donation campaigns within Japan.With some roads re-opened, Lions from all over Japan are sending relief aid from every corner of the country as well coordinating the provision of essential provisions from across the world including rice,  baby formula, women's health products and  our blue Lions relief tents that are being delivered to give shelter for Lions volunteers and other relief workers in the hardest-hit areas.  Within a day of the disaster, many Lions Clubs distributed over 20 tons of food as well as water and emergency supplies, despite great risks and challenges to themselves. 

 There are 31 Lions clubs in Sendai  - the largest city affected by the quake and a Club in virtually every town up and down the coastline.  Whether it's clothes and food today, or shelter next week, or a wheel chair the week after, Lions will be there to give dignity to those who have suffered such unimaginable pain and suffering.

 Bill Blake

for Lions Disaster Relief Committee British Isles and Ireland

YOUTH AWARDS 2011

The District Final of Lions International Youth Award-Young Ambassador took place on Saturday 15th January, 2011 in the Clarion Hotel Liffey Valley, Dublin.

The aim of the competition, which operates throughout Europe, is to recognise, encourage and support young people who are actively involved in the welfare of the community, supporting the best of our Lions’ ideals