Clubs are well-known for accepting difficult challenges and Bill Gates of Microsoft fame made them such a challenge.
Worldwide 450 children die from measles every day and some 30% who contract measles suffer complications such as vision loss, hearing loss or brain damage. Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases, but is easily prevented by a simple and inexpensive vaccine, costing £1. This £1 could save one life.
The Bill & Belinda Gates Foundation called upon the Lions to rise to this new challenge, when it donated the single largest gift in its history, over £3 million. The Gates Foundation used this historic gift to match every £2 raised by the Lions with an additional £1 donation. Together, the Lions and the Gates Foundation reached the target and raised a total of £10 million in a year. One pound provides one vaccine for one child and will give that child the chance of a healthy life.
In one short year this collaboration has resulted in the Lions supporting the immunisation of nearly 41 million children.