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Dear Lions of the United
States,
In the early morning hours
of Monday, August 29th,
residents of the Gulf Coast area of the United States – from
Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle – were hit with the onslaught of
Hurricane Katrina. The Category 4 storm, with 145 mile-per-hour winds,
a foot of rain, and a 20-foot storm surge, ravaged coastline areas,
causing enormous loss of life and catastrophic damage to homes and
businesses. The city of New Orleans, host of our 2006 International
Convention, is currently 80 percent under water. Even as I write this
letter, the devastation is still being assessed. It may be weeks
before we know the true magnitude of this storm. The Convention
Committee is monitoring the situation very closely. Updates will be
posted on the Lions Clubs International Web site.
Lions everywhere join the
world community in expressing our deep condolences as you come to
terms with this tragedy. You are not alone in your grief, nor are you
alone in your efforts to put affected communities back together and
provide for survivors of nature’s wrath.
LCIF is standing by, ready
to assist with both short and long-term needs. A special fund has been
established. Lions wishing to donate should write "Hurricane
Katrina Relief" on the memo line of their checks. Updates will be
provided on both the LCI and LCIF Web sites.
We are all deeply saddened
by the enormous loss of life and overall devastation. Our thoughts and
prayers remain with you as you work to rebuild lives and communities.
Sincerely,
Ashok Mehta
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