At Mái Ấm Từ Tâm Orphanage, the needs of the children always come first. But small comforts like shoes—much less sports equipment—are an unaffordable luxury. Knowing the kids did not have proper shoes to protect their feet, or games to let their imaginations run wild, the Lions from Han Seo Lions Club in Korea decided to take action. They raised money and applied for an LCIF District and Club Community Impact Grant (DCG), so they could make a difference in the lives of these children.
The teachers and children were so happy and thankful for the abundance of unexpected donations.
The Lions traveled more than 2,000 miles—from Incheon, Korea, to the orphanage in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam—taking with them new shoes, sports equipment, school supplies, kitchen utensils and food for 95 children.
“We chose to visit this orphanage to make a small difference,” says club President Hyun-Jun Lee. “The teachers and children were so happy and thankful for the abundance of unexpected donations we were able to provide.”
A DCG made this project possible. And a DCG can also help your club or district support humanitarian activities in your own community.
Through the DCG program, a percentage of unrestricted contributions to LCIF can be transformed into grants to fund local projects at a club and/or district level. Learn more about what it takes to qualify for a DCG.
LCIF is the grant-making body empowering Lions to create greater impact in their communities and around the world. The vast majority of funding LCIF receives is from Lions, and 100 percent of every donation benefits Lions service through LCIF grants and programs.
Bill Hatzos is the senior digital marketing specialist and Andrea Small is the senior marketing and public relations specialist for Lions Clubs International Foundation.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted communities around the world in different ways. To ensure we’re serving safely wherever we live, Lions should follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization or local health authorities. Visit our Serving Safely page for resources that can help you safely serve your community.
