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Diabetes Awareness Month

08 Thursday Nov 2018

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We have arrived at the eleventh month of the year. If we were to ask you, “What is the Strides Lions for Diabetes Awarenessfirst topic that comes to mind when you think about November?”; what would you say? More than likely, your response would include something related to Thanksgiving, football or fall, but there is one other topic that should come to mind – diabetes. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and we think it’s time to spread the word about the growing epidemic.

Diabetes is a long-lasting disease that impacts how your body turns food into energy. According to the CDC, approximately 30.3 million American adults have diabetes, and 1 in 4 don’t even know that they have the disease. People with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes are at higher risk for other serious health complications including blindness, kidney problems, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, nerve damage and more. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for diabetes at this time, but it is treatable with healthy lifestyle changes.

Lions Club International adopted diabetes awareness at a long-term commitment back in 1984. The primary object was to reduce the number of new cases of blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy. Wisconsin Lions are always on a mission to actively support LCI’s efforts, but November is an excellent opportunity to reach an even larger audience. If you and your club are looking to make a difference in the world of diabetes awareness, here are a few project ideas, courtesy of Lions Club International:

  • Conduct a local diabetes screening – Partner with healthcare professionals to carry out the event. Organizations such as government health departments, universities, hospitals and private physicians will often agree to perform free of low-cost public screenings. Learn more about getting started.
  • Organize a Strides event in your community – A Strides event is a highly visible, family-oriented activity that combines fun with exercise. Events can include walking, dancing, cycling or running. Find out more about organizing one today.
  • Start planning a school or community garden – Spring may not be top of mind this time of year, but it’s never too early to start thinking about next season gardening. Having fruits and vegetables readily available is always a great way to encourage others to make healthy meal choices.
  • Provide your local library with an annual diabetes magazine subscription – You can find industry publications with subscriptions as low as $10 a year. Talk about an affordable way to reach all curious library visitors!
  • Create a support group for those affected with diabetes – A support group will give you a chance to educate and inform others while creating a safe space for families suffering.

World Diabetes Day is Friday, November 15. There’s never been a better time to start planning a project to increase diabetes awareness. Already working on a large service project, or don’t think there’s enough time to get one started this month? You and your club can still help spread the word. When you support Lions Pride, you can designate your gift specifically for the WLF’s Diabetes Project – ensuring funding in perpetuity. Diabetes is no match to the power of Lions. Together, we can all work to inform and educate others to help prevent and control diabetes.

 

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Non-Traditional Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

10 Thursday May 2018

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“All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my mother.” -Abraham LincolnFun

She wiped your tears when you were sad, provided the bandage when you scraped your knee and cared for you when you came home sick. Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 13, but you how exactly do you say “thank you” to the person who brought you into this world and gave you the gift of life?

Rather than giving her the predictable presents that all moms have come to know and expect like flowers, cards and chocolate, we have a couple of out-of-the-box gift ideas that don’t require ribbons and bows. This Mother’s Day, consider giving her:

  • Time to relax: We all have responsibilities that we don’t necessarily enjoy completing, but doesn’t it seem like many of these duties often fall on mom’s plate? Whether your mother has plans to empty out the basement, mow the grass or give the house a thorough spring cleaning, help lighten her load by offering your hand.
  • A day filled with her favorite activities: If you were to ask anyone about their most prized possession, time would likely be the most frequent answer. There’s no denying that life can get busy. When was the last time, you spent quality time with your mom? Spend Sunday with the activity of her choice. She might enjoy going to church, tending the garden or simply spending the afternoon catching. If you both happen to already have plans for this Sunday, a raincheck is always an option!
  • The gift that keeps on giving: If mom has a special cause that she carries about, give a donation in her honor. Nonprofit organizations thrive on funding. If your mother is a Lions Pride support, consider giving an honorarium donation to help us continue to preserve, provide and protect the Wisconsin Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects. Learn more about memorial/honorarium donations.

This Sunday, show your gratitude for your mom with a present she won’t soon forget. Remember, the best gifts in life don’t always come in beautifully wrapped boxes; the best presents come from the heart.

Happy Mother’s Day from Lions Pride!

Eye Donor Awareness Month

22 Thursday Mar 2018

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When you think about the month of March, several topics probably come to mind. YouNatl Eye Donor Month may think about the first day of spring, St. Patrick’s Day and the start of baseball season, but did you know that March is also Eye Donor Awareness Month?

In 1983, President Reagan established the first National Eye Donor Month as a way to recognize its donors, celebrate the recipients and bring awareness to eye donation.

Approximately ten million people around the world are affected with corneal diseases that have resulted in blindness or other visual impairments. Corneal transplants have become one of the most frequently performed transplant procedures. According to the National Eye Institute, doctors perform approximately 40,000 corneal transplants each year.

Have you ever considered becoming an eye donor? Regardless of whether you have thought about donating in the past, or this is the first time you’ve carefully considered the idea, here are a few areas of to note that may help you make your decision:

There is just no substitute for human corneal tissue. If you have considered becoming an eye donor, you can rest assured knowing that your donation can make a world of difference for someone in need. Just think your gift could help restore someone’s vision, support the advanced treatment of blindness or other vision impairments – and beyond.

To get started, be sure to discuss your wishes with your loved ones, and thank you for your precious gift.

Happy Eye Donor Awareness Month from Lions Pride

The 8th Annual Friendship 100 Ride

06 Thursday Jul 2017

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Friendship 100 Riders

As you know, the Wisconsin Lions Camp gets special visitors all summer long, but in less than a week, we’ll be receiving a group of guests that won’t arrive in big, yellow buses – but rather roaring hogs!

We’re happy to announce that Open Road HD of Fond du Lac will be once again partnering with Lions Pride to hold the 8th Annual Friendship 100. The invitation-only ride was started back in 2009 and has raised over $30,000 for Lions Camp.

To participate, the riders raise a minimum donation of $100 before the event. Then together, the group takes a beautiful 100-mile ride from Fond du Lac to Rosholt. This year’s ride will be held on Wednesday, July 12.

After arriving, the riders will enjoy lunch at the recreation center, followed by a tour to experience the day in the life of a Wisconsin Lions Camper before making the trek home.

Year after year, we look forward to the Friendship 100. A unique part of our job is that we work with both Lions and non-Lions to support WLF projects, and there is nothing that we love more than taking part in activities that support the cause.

To all of the participating riders, we’d like to extend a special message for your continued support. Because of your generosity over the last eight years, you have guaranteed several camper spots in perpetuity, and we cannot say thank you enough for your support. See you soon!

Lions Pride Presents Check to WLF

30 Thursday Mar 2017

Posted by in Lions Camp, News, Special Events

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Thousands of people throughout Wisconsin haveSam Kochel pro tem supported the Lions free service programs by participating in local fundraisers and activities, but over the course of the last two decades, expenses for Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects have risen dramatically. Lions Pride was created to counteract these increasing costs by working to preserve, protect and provide for the future of Lions Camp and all WLF projects. Read the entire story here.

Each year Lions Pride makes two disbursements of funds to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation from the Lions Pride Endowment Fund based on the interest. The amounts are based on market values and ultimately determined by the LPEF Board of Directors.

Last week, we were happy to deliver our first gift of 2017. Our president pro tem, PCC Sam Kochel, presented a check for $40,000 to WLF President, Tom Mueller, at the March 25th WLF board meeting.

We are proud to report that all WLF projects received funds with this donation. The lions share was designated for Lions Camp, and the remainder went to the eyeglass recycling center, the hearing project, children & adult vision screening and diabetes education.

With this single donation, Lions Pride is providing 48 kids a week at Lions Camp this summer. Wow! We could not do it without our generous donors.

We will be making the second disbursement of additional funds in September. Consider donating to Lions Pride to help us create a sustainable future for the Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects. If there is a project that holds a special place in your heart, be sure to designate it! All designated donations are guaranteed to go towards the project of choice.

We can’t thank our donors enough for their continued support.

Give the Gift of Blood This January

05 Thursday Jan 2017

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When you think about the month of January, american-red-cross-lions-clubyou likely think about one or more of the following topics: staying warm on cold winter days, making (and possibly breaking!) New Year’s Resolutions or celebrating the life of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., on the anniversary of his birth. While these are all common themes, you may have missed another important occasion – National Blood Donor Month.

Since 1970, the first month of the year has been designated as National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, and for a good reason. As you know, January is a bit of an unusual month, it is a time for getting back into normal routines after holiday celebrations and hibernating in our warm, cozy homes, which is why blood donors are typically in short supply. The American Red Cross has taken advantage of this opportunity by encouraging adults of all ages to consider becoming blood donors.

Every two seconds, someone in the United States is in need of blood. Just imagine in the time you have taken to read this post, 15 people will have needed the gift of blood. Unfortunately, although an estimated 38 percent of the country’s population is eligible to give blood at any given time, less than 10 percent actually donate. Who’s ready to change that number?

If you’ve never donated blood before you might think the process for getting started may be difficult, but becoming a donor is quite simple. Just follow this easy 5-step process:

  1. Find a blood drive.
    Blood drives are happening all over the state, but you can find one nearest to you by visiting the American Red Cross Blood Drive Locator.
  2. Register
    On the day of your blood donation, you will register with staff and volunteers to review your eligibility and donation information. Be sure to bring a government-issued ID. Other photo IDs are also accepted.
  3. Review medical history
    After checking in, you will receive a mini physical from a registered technician who will take your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin level. He or she will also ask you about travel and medical history in a private setting.
  4. Donate
    Next, it’s time for the blood donation. Estimated time is between 8 and 10 minutes.
  5. Enjoy refreshments
    After donating, you will have the chance to raise your blood sugar back up to normal settings with a snack or beverage. (Who isn’t always looking for a valid excuse to enjoy a cookie?)

And that’s all there is to it! Most donors will be in and out in under an hour, and their donation can help up to 3 people. How often can you make a difference like that?

This January, think about taking some time out of your busy schedule to become a blood donor. Although it may be a simple task, it’s one that definitely should never be discounted. Thank you so much for your consideration, and for the gift of blood.

Happy National Blood Donor Month from Lions Pride!

 

 

To Receive Luck, You Must Give Luck!

17 Thursday Mar 2016

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We don’t have to tell you what day it is. You’ve likely already seen multiple shades of the Lucky Clovercolor green and may be daydreaming about enjoying a green beer this evening. There are many items that you know automatically symbolize St. Patrick’s Day, but have you ever wondered why you so often see the four-leaf clover on this day?

During the early days of Ireland, many believed that carrying a shamrock would provide the ability to see evil spirits, which was deemed as a lucky gift that helped the Irish escape in time. Four-leaf clovers presumed to offer magical protection and ward off bad luck.

The definition of the word, luck, means, “circumstances that lead to a favorable outcome.” The leaves of four-leaf clovers are known to stand for faith, hope, love, and luck. The term and understanding of luck ties to St. Patrick’s Day in a sense because St. Patrick often used a three-leaf clover to explain the Holy Trinity. Clovers became a popular symbol amongst the Irish and finding a four-leaf clover (or lucky clover) was a rare occurrence.

With all that being said; however, we must all understand that being lucky isn’t all about letting the universe take fate into its hands, but to also put in our own efforts and hope into our favorable outcomes.

We live in a world where we tend to forget how lucky we are to have the help of others, especially here in the United States. At Lions Pride, we feel like we have a four-leaf clover in our pocket every day of the year. We are so lucky to have the support of donors who understand that helping today will provide help for today and hope for tomorrow. Our extraordinary donors provide life-changing opportunities for individuals that create a ripple effect for continuous growth and selfless giving.

On this day, we wish you all of the luck of the Irish, but we hope you also remember to thank the donors who have made a difference in your life, and to continue the act of giving and kindness. One step in the right direction is all that it takes to make a positive impact.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

National Blood Donor Month

21 Thursday Jan 2016

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Warrens Lions Club Blood DriveA lot of usual topics may pop into your head when you think about January – the cold weather, New Year’s Resolutions and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; however, one topic that may not initially come to mind, but should, is donating blood.

In the next three minutes that you spend reading this blog post, 90 people in the United States will be in need of blood. During the winter months, blood is typically in short supply due to several different factors including the holidays, extra traveling, sickness and less than pleasant weather. To help encourage donors to give blood, January was designated National Blood Donor Month in 1970.

The need is great and clear. Approximately 41,000 blood donations are required each day. Common to misconception is the fact that often times major disasters do not need large quantities of blood; however, hospitals rely on the blood that is already found on their shelves to save lives on a daily basis. Donated blood is most commonly used for cancer treatments and those undergoing orthopedic and cardiovascular surgeries as well as organ and marrow transplants.

An estimated 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood, but only 3 percent actually donate. We think it’s time for a change!

Becoming a donor is easy. You must be feeling good the day of your donation, be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donations can be made at your local blood bank or at area drive; many drives are actually hosted by our fellow Lions. The Warrens Lions Club will be hosting their drive on Thursday, February 25, 2016. If you have been looking for a new project for your club, a blood drive may be the answer. Find out how you can host a successful event.

The official National Blood Donor Month may be over in just a short week and a half, but the need for blood will still exist. It’s always a great time to give the gift of blood. From all of us here at Lions Pride, thank you for donating blood.

April is Friends and Family Month

09 Thursday Apr 2015

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Lions and Lionesses all over the world are celebrating Friends and Family Month inFriends and Family Month April. Think back when you first joined the Lions Club, why did you decide to become a member? We bet your friends and family would love to know why. There’s never been a better time to introduce your loved ones to your local Lions Club.

We’ve compiled a list of ideas to get your family members involved in your group.

  • Plan an open house

An open house is not only a great way to show your friends what it means to be a Lion, but also meet other club family members, strengthening your own club relationships. Be sure to make it a fun event for all who attend with snacks and activities. Who knows? You might also inspire future Lions.

  • Educate yourself and others on issues you care about

We all have issues that are close to our hearts such as Lions Camp, eyeglass recycling, diabetes education and/or hearing projects. Take the time to learn about and then share why these issues are so important and the difference they are making in the community.

  • Volunteer together

We all know the quote, “Charity benefits the giver more than the receiver.” Show your friends and family the truth in the saying. Charity is something you can explain, but cannot truly understand the meaning unless it is experienced. Make a difference together by spending a day, or even a few days, volunteering. We know that sometimes a volunteering commitment requires preparation. The 8th Annual Lions Pride Shoot is coming up on Saturday, June 13, and we’re beginning to look for volunteers!

  • Give a gift in his or her name

Piggybacking off the last point, it’s never too early or late to show your friends and family the value of charity. Give a gift in his or her name and explain exactly what their gift will help fund. A donation to the Wisconsin Lions Pride Endowment Fund will ensure a future for the Wisconsin Lions Camp and other WLF projects.

Don’t miss a great opportunity to spend time with your friends and family while making a difference all at the same time. How will you plan to celebrate Friends and Family Month?

Don’t miss a great opportunity to spend time with your friends and family while making a difference all at the same time. How will you plan to celebrate Friends and Family Month?

Happy Earth Day!

19 Thursday Mar 2015

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Tomorrow marks the 45th anniversary of Earth Day. In 1970, Cabin on Lion LakeJohn McConnell, the founder of Earth Day, decided that earthlings needed a day to celebrate the planet’s life and beauty. We couldn’t agree more. Although it may not be initially obvious, Lions Pride is a big supporter of Earth Day, but maybe not on the official holiday.

As we’re sure you already know, we work very closely with the Wisconsin Lions Camp. Each year with the help of our donors, in 2014 we were able to bring over 100 children with special needs from around the state to Lions Camp in Rosholt for a week of fun as the fund grows that number will increase each year.

The campers are able to experience the great outdoors at its finest. Their days are filled with swimming and boating on Lions Lake, aiming for the bull’s-eye in the archery range, spending time near the tops of trees on the climbing tower, zipping down the zip line, creating artistic masterpieces to take home and exploring the nature center.

Hiking in the WoodsWe hope the children take home a new appreciation of our natural world and it influences the choices that they make. For instance, we hope that on a crisp, fall day that they choose to rake up a big pile of leaves to jump into rather than stay inside playing video games or in the spring we hope they will choose to help Mom or Dad plant vegetables in the garden rather than watching television.

Our world is an amazing gift and Earth Day reminds us to cherish the gift that is our world. How will you choose to celebrate the beauty of our planet?