The Impact of Giving: Celebrating Our Million-Dollar Donors

By Shelby Washington

Giving energy, time or resources to those in need has the power to change lives everywhere. Our Million-Dollar Donors have spent their lives selflessly serving their communities through gifts to Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and inspiring many other Lions to do the same.

Million-Dollar Donor and Past International Director (PID) Aruna Abhey Oswal reflects on what giving means to her, “Giving is very important. When you give, you feel true satisfaction. We have been blessed with the ability to donate, so why not share with the community? And why not through LCIF, which in my experience, is the best platform to serve.”

Every donor has a story behind their immense generosity. Million-Dollar Donor and PID Magnet Lin’s story started at a very young age. “When I was just 10 years old, I saw a group of people on the street under the scorching sun, helping those in need. My father told me they were members of a Lions club, and their kindness deeply moved me. That day, I made a wish: I hoped to become a Lion myself and help people just like them. I am now 75 years old, and I’m proud to say I’ve been a Lion for 42 years, having fulfilled that childhood dream.” One experience with Lions sparked a lifetime of service and financial support.

PID Aruna Abhey Oswal’s journey with LCIF started when her husband, Shri. Abhey Kumar Oswal ji inspired her to give. He said “It is not important to go to heaven after we leave. It is important to create heaven before we leave. If you do something for society, the whole world will salute you. This is what I want in my life.” His words encouraged her to search for the best way to give back on a global scale. She explains, “I wanted to join a platform that would allow me to expand my services and make a global impact, after some consideration, I found that LCIF was the best foundation to do that.”

At LCIF, we deeply appreciate our donors. To celebrate their meaningful contributions to our mission, we offer exclusive recognition as part of our Humanitarian Partner Program and Lead and Major Donor Program.

LCIF donors’ gifts prevent vision loss, provide palliative care for children with cancer, secure food for the hungry and so much more. PID Lin explains, “I have seen firsthand how these funds have been used to help victims following natural disasters, establish eye clinics to restore sight, and support youth programs that build the next generation of leaders. It is not about a single grand gesture, but a consistent, long-term effort to be a force for good in the world.”

Through the power of grants and programs, Lions’ generosity transforms communities. As PID Lin says, “What we do together is more than a donation. It is a legacy of kindness that truly changes lives.”