Camas Lions Club Transforms Lives Through The Hand Project (Photo) -01/14/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Camas Lions Club Transforms Lives Through The Hand Project

Camas, WA –  On Saturday, January 11, 2025, The Camas Lions Club completed The Hand Project, a life-changing service initiative that delivered hope and independence to four individuals in Ethiopia. By assembling prosthetic hands, the club members not only transformed the lives of these recipients but also impacted their families and entire communities.

The beneficiaries of this project represent a widespread need. Sadly, the demand for upper limb prostheses in developing countries is enormous. People lose their hands due to vehicle and industrial accidents, violence, medical complications, and other causes. For many, accessing a prosthetic hand—let alone a functional one—is nearly impossible. Through this project, prosthetic hands were distributed completely free of charge, continuing the mission to support underserved communities in Africa and the subcontinent.

“This project wasn’t just about helping individuals,” said Nancy Eubank, project lead and Camas Lion. “It’s about creating ripple effects that can change entire families and communities. Each hand assembled represents the power of teamwork and the bonds formed when people come together for a common purpose.”

The assembly event brought together Camas Lions Club members in a unique blend of teamwork and compassion. The energy in the room was palpable as members worked in teams to assemble the prosthetic hands, knowing the profound impact these hands would have. Club members were so inspired by the experience that they are already talking about when they can do this project again and brainstorming ways to invite other organizations, including fellow Lions Clubs, to join future efforts.

Club President Stephanie O'Dell reflected on the project’s success and the club’s openness to fresh ideas: “The Camas Lions Club thrives on new project ideas from our members. Nancy brought The Hand Project to us, and together, we turned her idea into action. If you have a vision for making the world a better place, we’d love to hear from you. The Lions are here to bring ideas to life.”

The Camas Lions Club is committed to both local and global impact, and The Hand Project exemplifies their dedication to service, innovation, and teamwork. The club invites anyone inspired by this initiative or with ideas for service projects to connect and collaborate.

About the Camas Lions Club:
The Camas Lions Club is part of Lions Clubs International, a global network of volunteers dedicated to creating a better world. With a focus on vision, hunger, the environment, disaster relief, and humanitarian efforts, the Camas Lions work to make a difference in their community and beyond.

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Note:

Other photos available upon request.

Photo captions available upon request.

Event Description:
The Hand Project is a meaningful, hands-on service event where participants work in teams to assemble prosthetic hands. These hands are then distributed to individuals in developing countries, providing recipients with independence and the ability to perform everyday tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How did we first learn about The Hand Project?

   • This project came to our attention in 2019 when a Camas Lions Club member, Nancy Eubank, learned about it from a friend, Chris Gulley, while visiting Germany.

2. Do you know where your four hands will go?

   • While the exact location is unknown at the time of assembly, most hands are sent to regions in Africa, with some going to India.

3. How much does each hand cost?

   • The entire process costs approximately $300 per hand, covering:
     • 3D printing the hand and shipping it to assembly teams.
     • Assembling and fitting the hand to the recipient’s stump.
     • Transporting workers to the installation country.
     • Fitting the hand and training the recipient on its use.

4. How do we get involved if we want to do this project at our club?

   • Reach out to Chris Gulley at Chris@handproject.org to learn how to host your own event.

5. How long does it take to assemble each hand?

   • Approximately 2 hours.

6. Are there any special skills required to participate?

   • No special skills are needed—just a willingness to help!

7. How are the recipients selected for these prosthetic hands?

   • Recipients simply show up at the distribution events in their local areas.

8. Can individuals or organizations outside of the Lions Club sponsor or support this project?

   • Yes! This project is also a popular team-building activity for corporations, particularly in Europe, and can be sponsored by individuals or organizations looking to make a global impact.

Contact Information:
For media inquiries or additional details, please contact:
Nancy Eubank
Project Lead, The Hand Project
Email: NEubank56@gmail.com
Phone: 360-949-5950

Together, we can transform lives—one hand at a time.

MEDIA INVITATION - Join Us In Highlighting A Global Impact: Camas Lions Club’s Hand Project Event (Photo) -01/04/25

MEDIA INVITATION

Join Us in Highlighting a Global Impact: Camas Lions Club’s Hand Project Event

Camas, WA – The Camas Lions Club is excited to invite local television, radio, and newspaper staff to attend and cover The Hand Project, a hands-on service event made possible by the incredible success of our Giving Tuesday fundraiser. This unique initiative provides prosthetic hands to individuals in developing countries, giving them independence, confidence, and a better quality of life.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, this impactful event will showcase how local contributions can drive global change.

Event Details

• What: The Hand Project – Prosthetic Hand Assembly
• When: Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 12:00 PM
• Where: Winds Rest Brew Barn
  11312 NE 207th Ave, Brush Prairie, WA
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours

Why Attend?

This event is a powerful visual and storytelling opportunity for the media to capture:

• Hands-On Impact: Teams of four assembling prosthetic hands that will be distributed to individuals in need around the world.
• Community Spirit: A vibrant gathering of volunteers, showcasing the power of generosity and teamwork.
• A Potluck Celebration: The event will conclude with a potluck luncheon, providing an additional chance to connect with volunteers and learn more about their motivations and stories.

A Giving Tuesday Success Story

The funds raised during our Giving Tuesday campaign have directly funded the materials for these prosthetic hands, demonstrating how a community’s collective effort can have a global reach.

Marketing is Service

Spreading the word about the work of local Lions Clubs is a powerful way to inspire and multiply acts of kindness. Every story shared helps highlight the positive impact of service and encourages more people to join in creating a ripple effect of compassion and support.

RSVP or Inquiries

We welcome all local media outlets to join us for this inspiring day of service. To RSVP or for more information, please contact:
Nancy Eubank
Project Lead, The Hand Project
Email: NEubank56@gmail.com
Phone: 360-949-5950

About the Camas Lions Club

The Camas Lions Club is part of Lions Clubs International, the largest volunteer service organization in the world. Through projects addressing local challenges and global initiatives, the Camas Lions Club embodies the mission of service and compassion.

THE HAND PROJECT - Providing free functional prosthetic hands and arms to people in developing countries.
The Hand Project is fully funded from amazing team building events where teams assemble mechanical prosthetic hands. The Hand Project Team Events change lives – not only the lives of the beneficiaries and their families, but also of the participants. The Hand Project is a truly unique, humanitarian services, team building opportunity for groups to assemble REAL functional prosthetic hands for people in developing countries. The Hand Project enables YOU and YOUR TEAM to make a real difference in the world and, at the same time, build team morale, cohesion and purpose.

Don’t miss this opportunity to document a powerful story of community giving back and creating global change.

Together, we can create a world of hope and opportunity—one prosthetic hand at a time.

Camas Lions Club’s Giving Tuesday Success Powers Global Impact With The Hand Project (Photo) -01/04/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Camas Lions Club’s Giving Tuesday Success Powers Global Impact with The Hand Project

Camas, WA – As the new year begins, many people resolve to give back to their communities and make a positive impact. The Camas Lions Club is excited to share how its recent Giving Tuesday fundraising initiative is turning generosity into tangible results for a global cause.

Thanks to the overwhelming support from the community, the Camas Lions Club raised significant funds for The Hand Project, an initiative that provides prosthetic hands to individuals in need around the world. These funds are enabling the assembly of prosthetic hands, giving recipients increased independence and a brighter future.

A Global Cause with Local Roots
The Hand Project is just one example of how Lions Clubs make a difference both locally and globally. While this assembly event is private, it highlights the power of community support and teamwork in changing lives.

How You Can Get Involved
If you’re inspired to give back this year, consider connecting with your local Lions Club. Lions Clubs International offers countless opportunities to serve, whether you’re passionate about supporting vision health, combating hunger, improving the environment, or making a global impact like The Hand Project.

To find a Lions Club near you, visit lionsclubs.org or reach out to your local chapter. Together, we can make 2025 a year of service, compassion, and community strength.

About the Camas Lions Club:
The Camas Lions Club is part of Lions Clubs International, a global network of volunteers dedicated to serving communities and creating a better world. From addressing local challenges to supporting global initiatives, the Camas Lions Club embodies the mission of service and compassion. To find out more about projects, visit us on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/CamasLionsClub/. Or reach out via email at LionsOfCamas@gmail.com.

Media Contact:
Nancy Eubank
Project Lead
NEubank56@gmail.com

Let’s make giving back part of our resolutions this year and turn 2025 into a year of meaningful impact.

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