#Brazil #São Paulo #Humanitarian Award #Lions International #Irmã Dulce

Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce Receives 2025 Lions International Humanitarian Award

Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce (OSID), a notable nonprofit organization in Brazil, has been awarded the esteemed Lions International Humanitarian Award for 2025. This recognition celebrates organizations and individuals who show outstanding dedication to humanitarian causes, making OSID a worthy recipient given its significant contributions to free healthcare in Brazil.

The Lions International Humanitarian Award is not only an accolade but serves as a recognition of the tireless efforts by organizations that improve lives through dedicated service. Fabrício Oliveira, President of Lions Clubs International, remarked on the profound impact OSID has had on countless lives by providing healthcare, saying, "Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce exemplifies the true spirit of humanitarianism."

Founded by Sister Dulce, recognized as the "Good Angel of Brazil," OSID has been at the forefront of healthcare provision, operating one of Brazil's largest hospital complexes. This organization serves over three million people annually, rendering essential services to cancer patients, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and at-risk youth. Their work is testament to a legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering service carved out by Sister Dulce, who was canonized in 2019 as Brazil's first saint, Saint Dulce of the Poor.

OSID's facilities, including multiple medical care centers, not only provide immediate healthcare solutions but also invest in the future by training healthcare professionals through their residency programs. This multidimensional approach ensures that they not only meet the urgent needs of the community today but also equip the next generation of healthcare providers for tomorrow.

José Carvalho, Chair of the OSID Board of Directors, expressed heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the award: "We are deeply humbled and grateful to receive this prestigious recognition from our fellow service organization, Lions International. This award is a tribute to the tireless efforts of our team and the enduring legacy of Sister Dulce."

During the upcoming Lions International Convention to be held in Orlando, Florida, this July, Carvalho will accept the award on behalf of OSID, which includes a generous $500,000 grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation. This funding will support OSID's ongoing humanitarian initiatives, allowing them to expand their reach and continue their vital work.

Lions International, with its massive network comprising around 1.4 million members across 49,000 clubs worldwide, plays a pivotal role in addressing pressing challenges. Their commitment transcends geographical boundaries, focused on enhancing health and well-being while bolstering community strength. The organization emphasizes their mission: "We are serving a world in need."

OSID’s recognition is a reminder of the essential service that nonprofits provide, particularly in communities where access to healthcare remains a pressing issue. As they celebrate this milestone, OSID's continuous journey of compassion highlights the significance of collective effort in making a positive impact on society.

For decades, every patient served, every service provided, and every life touched reflects Sister Dulce’s vision: a world where healthcare is accessible to all, irrespective of their circumstances. Getting this award from Lions International not only acknowledges OSID's efforts but inspires other organizations to uphold the spirit of humanitarianism around the globe.