East African famine

Bill Blake, District 105SE Disaster Response Coordinator, has issued the following:

Dear Fellow Lions,

Following the deepening of the crisis in East Africa, over the past few days I have been investigating reliable and secure methods whereby Lions, Lioness and Leo Clubs or individual members can provide aid to the area.

At this point in time LCIF do not have proposals to launch an Appeal, although discussions are still ongoing with Lions Clubs in Kenya and through LCI as to how this could be achieved. In respect of a possible LCIF initiative there would have to be a Lions organisation on the ground to closely administer and control the financial aid. That in itself creates problems since Somalia is a virtual war zone, the border area is remote from main habitation in Kenya, quite apart from poor security.

In the meantime and following up possible alternative reliable providers of aid, it has been necessary to liaise with the UK Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) and UNICEF, the latter having now formally requested assistance from Lions Clubs District 105SE. There are still, of course, major logistical problems in reaching those in urgent need for all Agencies who provide aid.

Whilst I do appreciate that there are serious concerns by members of the family of Lions, not only in SE but across the Multiple District and worldwide, I would suggest that you delay any immediate action for the next 24 – 48 hours until an update has been received from LCIF regarding their possible plans.

If that does not materialise in that timescale, I will contact you all again to update you and, if necessary, suggest that you then send any donations your Clubs may wish to make, or personal donations from individual Lions or the public, to the District Charities Treasurer (PDG Tom Berry) who is currently making financial arrangements with UNICEF. You will then be able to donate by cheque or Bank transfer – if the latter I will confirm the appropriate SE banking details and you will need to email him to notify the amount and the donor.

Many thanks and I will be in contact again no later than Wednesday evening.