FRIENDS ACROSS THE BORDER
Starting in the late 1970's the Rancho California Lions started this club project. They delivered toys, food,
and clothing to the very poor in Mexicali, including orphanages. The project became a district project, headed by Lions Joe
Cruz, Poncho Villa and other great Lions. Our Lions accompanied at times as many as three-tractor trailers loaded with food,
clothing, and equipment to Mexicali, refurbishing a burnt out orpphanage and establishing other projects south of the border.
In 1992 the project died out. In the spring of 1993 a group of dedicated Lions including Joe Cruz, Ed Morden,
Alex and Stella Cedano, Angel Chavez and Paul Ingram held a meeting and the project was reborn. With the help of other lions
and their families they started by transporting a 45-foot trailer full of Medical supplies to Mexicali General Hospital. The
group soon learned of a need by farm workers in an area called "K-57" comprised of three small towns that straddled Snora
and Baja California. With the help of the Sonora-Baja California Lions who housed and fed the group on there visits. They
also helped to raise money for school buses desperately needed for the area.
The Hemet Lions club soon became involved spurred by Lion Percy Parish who drove the Hemet Eye Bus and joined
by Dr. Brian Van Dusen the group dispensed recycled eyeglasses and a true vision clinic became a reality. Lion John Benton
took over the driving chores when we lost Lion Percy Parish. The Hemet Lions and later Rialto Breakfast Lions, continued
to supply recycled glasses for the project. Lion Joe Delgado and others scrounged up surplus school furniture, food, school
supplies, bi-lingual coloring books, children's clothing, and FIVE school buses!
In 2002 Lion Don Ranney became very involved in the project and became joint chairman with Lion Paul Ingram.
The project soon attracted several opticians and optometrists along with many dedicated lions who come along when they can
on the twice-yearly clinic.
About two years ago a very dedicated Don Kluge came along. Being a certified Oculist. He has dispensed artificial
eyes, artificial limbs. He has also arrested serious eye infections and given a great deal of care and love to the people
of K-57.
The K-57 project has thrived. Friends Across the Border now service the people of Tecate, and a nearby prison.
They have also serviced eye clinics for the Homeless in San Bernardino, Barstow, the towns of Oasis and Thermal in the Salton
Sea area. Most recently they serviced a clinic for the Set Free Church in Yucaipa. Thanks to District Governor Hugh Grant
and the Lions of District 4-L5 funds were raised to purchase an Auto-Refractometer. Our fundraisers continue to be successful
and with the continued help of all the Lions of District 4-L5 we continue to grow and provide more service on both sides of
the Border.
