The Carlyle and District Lions Club held their regularly scheduled club meeting on Tuesday, May 6, and in addition to the discussion of various club activities and duties there was a brimming excitement amongst members.
On Nov. 8, 2013 when disaster struck the Philippines in the form of a devastating typhoon, thousands lost their lives but the country soon received help in their relief efforts. More than six months after the tragedy, the country is still rebuilding and to aid this process the Carlyle and District Lions Club donated $2,500 to the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) Philippines Disaster Fund.
The LCIF collect resources to aid in world problems and has been instrumental in disaster relief in the Philippines. The news was announced at the beginning of the meeting by club member Myrla Holland and during her announcement she said, to date over two million dollars have been allocated from Lions worldwide.
"Lions are committed to rebuilding homes and schools; supporting the disabled, vulnerable children and youth, families and the elderly as well as working closely with local government and international relief organizations," she said.
"The relief effort will be ongoing for months and the rebuilding will take years. In some areas basic services have not yet been restored and there seems to be a lack of a coordinated government plan although areas are being monitored and tracked."
She explained when the typhoon struck, cash was given to the people for necessities but a shift has happened where cash is allocated for work or retraining.
"[There has been] a short term employment program to repair 1,500 km of roads and 1,100 km of drainage canals, restoration of 550 schools, 200 rural health centres and 30 hospitals has put some people to work but as of mid January there were still 26,000 people living in the original; evacuation shelters," she said.
In February, three months after the disaster, the focus shifted from emergency to recovery and only an estimated 55 per cent of what has been needed has been supplied according to Holland.
She stressed new housing plans have been made but so far there are few built and only about 33 per cent of the needed funds have been provided.
"1.1 million houses were destroyed or damaged, 4.1 million people were displaced and most continue to face a shelter crisis because this sector remains under funded in spite of the fact it is one of the most pressing needs," she explained.
Lions also aided in regular health concerns such as measles and anti-tetanus immunization for children as well as sanitation and hygiene in all 34 provinces.
There are 12,600 Lions in 380 clubs in the Philippines and Holland said you can be sure they will be active and vocal in directing the funds and resources that the LCIF collects to assist those in need. She added many Carlyle residents with roots in the country were shook when the disaster happened and hopes the clubs donation will help with their peace of mind.
"We hope it will help to make the future a little brighter for the friends and families of the many Carlyle residents who have come here from the Philippines," she said.
