President Tsai Ing-wen said Sept. 11 that the local chapter of Lions Clubs International is helping advance social development in Taiwan, and she welcomes the provider of community and humanitarian services playing an even bigger role in the days ahead.
Taiwan’s LCI delivers public services promoting peace, harmony, stability and prosperity, Tsai said. Its contributions help the country thrive and are sincerely appreciated by the government and the people, she added.
Tsai made the remarks while receiving executives and members of the Taiwan chapter of the U.S.-headquartered LCI at the Office of the President in Taipei City.
According to Tsai, Taiwan’s LCI also plays a front-line role in raising awareness of the country on the global stage through its borderless charitable and philanthropic efforts. This good work is building better tomorrows for communities and individuals far from Taiwan’s shores, she said.
Another praiseworthy example, Tsai said, is the chapter refusing to change its designation to China, Taiwan at the 2017 LCI annual convention in Chicago. By standing firm in the face of pressure from Beijing, Taiwan’s LCI upheld the dignity of the nation and its 23 million people, she added.
Equally impressive is the performance of Taiwan’s LCI on the homefront, Tsai said, citing its establishment of the Lions Clubs Taiwan Foundation in December 2017. The initiative offers emergency assistance to the public and is in keeping with the chapter’s goal this year of serving for the honor of LCI, she added.
Tsai also commended Taiwan’s LCI for rapidly responding in times of natural disasters like earthquakes, floods and typhoons. Coordinated action by service organizations strengthen government measures and ensures those affected receive requisite support in the shortest possible time, she said.
LCI, established in 1917 in Chicago, operates in over 200 countries and geographic areas. Its mission encompasses the areas of disaster relief, environment, health, seniors, sight and youth. (SFC-E)
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