Vermont Lions Charities & Shared Vision
In 1994 the district recognized that there were large areas of Vermont that were not served by a local Lions club. The Vermont Lions Charities (VLC) was formed as a 501(c)3 foundation with the primary purpose to receive tax deductible donations, apply for grants, receive proceeds from D-45 fund raisers and to distribute those funds to various Lions committees to fund their charitable activities.
The Shared Vision Fund was created with-in VLC in 2005 from a $6,700 donation from Past International Director Jules & Lion Jackie Cote'. These funds were provided as gifts at the homecoming celebration held in honor of PID Jules. In 2006 a couple, in memory of their daughter who had passed away, offered to donate the sum of $50,000 if the District were able to raise matching funds. D45 Lions met that challenge and continue to support the VLC through annual gifts.
Since 1994 the VLC and the Shared Vision Fund have provided thousands of eyeglasses and hearing aids to those who do not have the financial ability to afford them. In addition the VLC foundation has assisted with funding service dogs and other projects improving the quality of life of those with sight and hearing impairments.
VLC conducts fund raisers throughout the year. These include an annual Walk-for Sight, cash fest raffle, a Texas-hold'em tournament & bingo (both sponsored by the Troy & Area Lions Club) and in 2017 our first "Money Grows on Trees" raffle. The 500 club was created to recognise outstanding Vermont Lions in whose name a club has donated $500 to VLC or the Shared Vision Fund.
The Vermont Lions Charities needs your support in order to continue to serve areas of D45 that are not served by a local Lions Clubs.
Amazon Smile - A simple way to donate
If you purchase products from Amazon please consider using AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Vermont Lions Charities every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. On your first visit to AmazonSmile, you need to select Vermont Lions Charities to receive donations before you begin shopping. Amazon will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation. You may use your regular Amazon account login at AmazonSmile.
