Worldwide almost one in six people live on less than $1 a day; almost half live on less than $2 a day; 1.1 billion people do not have access to clean water; over 31,000 children die every day due to diarrhea and other preventable diseases; 115 million school-aged children, two-thirds of them girls, have no schools to attend; women and girls are disproportionally represented in these figures. CARE is working hard to improve the lives of those desperately in need around the world.

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. They place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.

CARE began in 1946 as a program to distribute surplus military rations to war-torn Europe. LCI joined the CARE program and immediately became one of its largest supporters. In 1951 MD19 affiliated with the CARE program by providing support through LCI’s efforts. In 1958 MD19 entered into an agreement with the Northwest CARE office to provide direct support of CARE projects chosen by the group. For several years this relationship was unique among Lions Clubs and attracted attention because of its success. Over the years MD19 Lions, Lionesses and Leos have provided over $1.2 million in support of CARE projects around the world.

CARE currently has 34 programs operating in Peru. MD19 has chosen to support the Tools for Development program for a second year. This program began in March 2006 with the goal of helping poor people establish themselves in a sustainable small enterprise. Tools for Development focuses on trade people, providing access to industrial equipment, a training program, financing, and help entering the marketplace. The goal of this replicable program is to allow participants to earn an income to support their families, pay for their children’s education, and work their way out of poverty. A serious commitment is required of all program participants.

CARE’s approach to development and this project is best captured by the old proverb: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for life.”

For more information visit the CARE website or the MD19 CARE web page.