In 1968 Lions George Wehman and W.D. "Bill" Hallock presented to
the Multiple District 39 Convention in Sun Valley a proposal to create a
Foundation to further the humanitarian efforts of the Lions of Multiple District
39.The Lions requested a one-year time period to investigate further.
The
final Proposal was presented at the 1969 Convention and received full support
of the Multiple District. The Articles of Incorporation were signed by the
Council Chairman, 2 District Governors, and Lions George and Bill.
Purpose:
To encourage and promote sight and hearing conservation projects within the
Lions Clubs. From this small beginning, the Foundation, with outstanding
support, has developed several outstanding projects.
The
Idaho Lions Eye-Bank in conjunction with St. Alphonsus Hospital.
The Eye Bank obtains, medically evaluates and distributes corneal eye tissue
from humanitarian individuals who donate their eyes upon death. This program
has grown to be recognized world-wide.
Lions Hearing Aid Loaner Bank gives the Idaho School for
the Blind and Deaf a bank of hearing aids that are used to replace lost or
broken hearing aids on a temporary basis.
The Foundation goes to schools and screens children for
vision and hearing problems, and if necessary will assist in correcting vision
and hearing problems. At present the Lions of MD 39 screens approximately
30,000 children each year.
Financial assistance for eyes and ear operations for the
financially challenged. At present the budget for this program is about $50,000
per year.
In 1993 an Endowment Fund was created with a goal of
$1,000,000. This was created to provide an available source of income for other
projects within the Foundation.
Another project became visible in 1999. MD 39 Lions now have
a Mobile Screening Unit (MSU). The MSU will screen Lions, Children, Adults,
etc. for Hearing, Vision, Blood Pressure, and Glaucoma, and Diabetes.
The
foundation is governed by a
board of 12 Trustees that elects its president. the president appoints a
secretary/treasurer. All Multiple District 39 Lions are members of the
Foundation.
