The Lions of Illinois Foundation is one of the humanitarian aspects of the Lions of Illinois. The money collected by state wide fundraisers like Candy days in the fall and Tootsie Pop Day in the spring are the local Lions Clubs( like ours )way of funding the 13 programs that the Lions of Illinois Foundation provide.
Below are some of the different fundraisers and programs that they offer
Fundraising Programs
Funding for the programs & services offered by the Lions of Illinois Foundation are primarily provided by the Lions, Lioness, & Leo Clubs in Illinois in conjuction with friends & supporters.
The following fund raisers are the cornerstone of our Foundation's ability to provide the thirteen programs and services mandated by our membership to serve the visually and hearing impaired of Illinois.
If highlighted you can link to a short description of that event, necessary forms to participate, and how it can benefit your local Lions/Lioness Club.
Birdies for Charities
Thanks to all who pledged in 2012. Results are available by visiting www.birdiesforcharity.com.
How many birdies will the PGA Pros make in the next tourney of 2013?
Your guess could win you cash, a car, or one of over 500 prizes. Each guess is accompanied by a pledge to pay X the amount guessed - example a one cent pledge X a guess of 1891 birdies = a pledge of $18.91, which is given to the LIF by John Deere Charities. The potential money raised is unlimited! Last year Birdies gave out over $6.75 Million to listed charitable organizations. Let's take a Lions share of that pot to make differences in the lives of people with vision and hearing loss! Make a pledge, collect some more from friends- It's simple, it's fun and will help thousands of people in need of vision and hearing care in Illinois!
Candy Day
October 11 (12), 2013 - 2013 Forms not yet available Our delicious candy roll is proudly given to the public with the hopes they will continue to support the Lionsvision & hearing services & programs in Illinois.
Tootsie Pop Day
May 3 (4), 2013 - This caramel treat will help raise funds to support vision & hearing services and programs for both your Club and your LIF.
Sight and Sounds Sweepstakes
Drawing held May 18, 2013.
Thanks to all sellers & ticket holders. A list of winners available upon request.
Diabetes Awareness Campaign
This fundraiser brings valuable information on the silent risk of blindness from diabetes to the public and collects donations for vision programs including Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
Camp Lions of Illinois for Blind/Partially sighted and Deaf/HoH
Youth began in 1957 at the urging of Lions members who wanted to give children with vision and/or hearing impairments a summer camp with their peers. Today, Camp Lions hosts three sites in Illinois where over 16,000 youth with vision and hearing impairments have met, made new friends & participated in fun, challenging activities.
The Lions of Illinois Foundation and Lions of Illinois
are proud to offer the following programs for those individuals in Illinois who may have hearing loss, partial hearing, and are Deaf.
Mobile Hearing Unit
The Mobile Hearing Screening Unit is one the most visible services of the LIF. This "hearing exam on wheels' is often seen at health fairs, schools, and even the Illinois State Fair. Reaching out to the communities we serve, the Mobil Hearing Screening Unit is hosted by Local Lions/Lioness Clubs to provide hearing screenings throughout Illinois.
Social Services
The Lions of Illinois Foundation Social Services & Referral staff assist Lions/Lioness Clubs with providing services & access to needed equipment for the visually & hearing impaired.
LIF Social Services & Referral does not pay the bills for helping these individuals, but utilizes its expertise in finding assistance through other agencies or by helping local Lions/Lioness Clubs locate the best care for the each person requesting assistance at a reduced cost.
All requests handled must be under the approval and sponsorship of the local Lions/Lioness Club. The Club must follow-up on the needed request and notify the LIF Social Services of the status of the request within 60 days, mainly what assistance they can provide.
Lions of Illinois Funds for Emergency (L.I.F.E.)
This service is restricted to Lions/Lioness Clubs only.
L.I.F.E. is an interest free loan program for Illinois Lions/Lioness Clubs to provide for the needs of the visually & hearing impaired in their service area. All inquiries should be directed to the LIF Social Services Referral Department.
To begin to apply the Lions of Illinois Foundation must first receive a request in writing from the Lions/Lioness Club. This request is the reviewed by the District Governor, District Trustee, and the Social Services Coordinator for approval.
Vision
At the core of the mission of the Lions of Illinois Foundation is providing quality programs for the detection, treatment, and rehabilitation of those with visual impairments.
Currently these programs & services are in place to reach that goal:
- Used Eyeglass Collections- A program for the donation & recycling of eyewear for those in need"
- Seeing is Believing" The Low Vision Comprehensive Evaluation Clinic for children
- Jacksonville Semi-Annual Low Vision Clinic- Our youth screening held at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired
- Mobile Diabetic Retinopathy Program- A program in partnership with the Illinois Retina Associates
