Hawai‘i Lions Respond with Emergency Aid for Victims of Lava Flow

The Lions Clubs International Foundation announces the approval of its Emergency Assistance Grant of $10,000 to the District 50 Hawai‘i Lions for those impacted by the recent lava flows and mandatory evacuations.

“We are truly grateful for this Emergency Grant to purchase food items, blankets, cleaning and personal hygiene items for those temporarily displaced,” stated District Governor Blayne Hanagami. “The Lions of the Big Island, along with the support from the Lions clubs across our state, have been working with community organizers to support a recent children’s event for families forced to evacuate and sorting nonperishable food donations at the Food Basket,” added Hanagami.

In addition to the recent acquisition of this emergency grant, the District 50 Lions made an additional donation of $5,000 to complement this emergency allocation and the work of the Big Island Lions.

The ongoing and upcoming activities include: preparing food bags at the Food Basket in Hilo every Thursday; distributing food & emergency relief items in the Puna area as well as around the island where displaced families may be temporarily residing – beginning Thursday, May 24, 2018, at the Pāhoa Gymnasium from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (or until supplies last). Furthermore, Lions will also be offering hot meals the next 3 consecutive Saturdays starting May 26 from 4 p.m. for the first 300 individuals housed in the Puna shelters, also at Pāhoa gym. “In addition to these scheduled events, we will continue to collaborate with the key organizers on larger community events as they are planned,” stated Hanagami.

Lions in Hawai‘i are men and women who volunteer their time towards humanitarian causes such as helping victims of this volcanic natural disaster. Lions clubs evaluate community needs and choose service projects to meet those needs. Lions collect and recycle used eyeglasses, support eye screenings and cataract surgeries. They sponsor programs for young people, including youth groups called Leo Clubs, providing scholarships and recreational opportunities. Lions also work to improve the environment, support diabetes education, provide hearing screenings assist the aged and build or maintain community parks. The Lions motto “We Serve” best describes the organization.