Orphans in China have received a boost thanks to a US$250,000
donation from the US-based charity Lions Clubs International.
The "Tomorrow Plan" project organized by the Ministry of Civil
Affairs is to be given the cash.
The project, which started last June, has so far carried out
over 7,000 operations on orphans in China and supported their
rehabilitation.
An official in charge of the project surnamed Jia said
cooperation with the charity will not only financially benefit
orphans but also increase awareness of the scheme, encouraging more
people to participate.
The charity, founded in 1917, has strengthened its Chinese
presence by setting up the China Council of Lions Clubs.
Clement Kusiak, international president of the International
Association of Lions Clubs, said the China Council of Lions Clubs
would increase its membership, contributing to welfare services and
charity work in China.
With its motto "we serve," the Lion spirit entered the country
three years ago when the Shenzhen Lions Club and Guangdong Lions
Club were established in South China.
To date, over 1,800 people have joined the two clubs.
Since the 1990s, the organization, which has become one of the
largest contributors to China's charity sector, has invested over
US$20 million in medical treatment, social welfare, education and
the rehabilitation of the disabled.
In the first five-year phase of "Sight First China Action,"
launched in 1997 by the Ministry of Health, the Chinese Disabled
Persons Federation and Lions Club International, 2.2 million
cataract patients in poor and remote areas have had their sight
restored.
Second phase
In the second phase between 2002 and 2007, US$15 million will be
spent on 2.5 million cataract patients.
Tang Xiaoquan, secretary-general of the State Council
Coordinating Committee on Disability, said the full introduction of
the international charity into China will enhance the welfare
services.
"The establishment of the Lions Clubs in China is in accordance
with the trend that welfare services, which were mostly government
organized, are inviting in more capable resources from
society."
(China Daily June 15, 2005)