The establishment of China's first two Lions clubs was marked by a signing ceremony attended by Vice-Premier Qian Qichen at the Great Hall of the People yesterday.
'Even though we first began Lions club activities in Hong Kong nearly 50 years ago, it took time to build trust and a relationship with government officials to open these new clubs in Guangzhou and Shenzhen,' said J. Frank Moore, president of the International Association of Lions Clubs.
Xinhua yesterday reported that Mr Qian met Mr Moore and congratulated the association on the establishment of the two new branches.
While the clubs' major focus is expected to be on blindness prevention, youth services, education, medical services, disaster relief and local community services, Mr Moore said individual clubs were free to invest money in any services they deemed fit, without government approval.
'While there is a distinct separation of dues and administrative funds on the local and international level to preserve the sanctity of donations, local clubs can apply for matching grants with the Lions Club Foundation to support their activities,' he said.
According to the agreement signed by the Government and the Lions association, local residents will have permission to set up clubs in Guangdong, and cities in other provinces in the future, under club bylaws that require full autonomy.
