BROOKINGS – The Brookings Noon Lions will be out in the community Friday and Saturday to raise funds and awareness about those who are blind and visually impaired during the annual White Cane Days.
White Cane Safety Day is celebrated in the United States on Oct. 15 each year. On this day and during the entire week, Lions Clubs across South Dakota are publicizing the need of blind and visually impaired individuals, as well as raising contributions to help preserve sight.
Members of the Brookings Noon Lions Club will be at the Hy-Vee entrance on Friday and at Walmart Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., to accept donations. Proceeds will go directly to the Lions Club and the South Dakota Lions Foundation to help individuals with visual impairments. The local Lions will also have a drop box for used eyeglasses and hearing aids.
Blind and visually impaired people in many countries use the familiar white cane with a red band at the bottom. Lion George Bonham of Peoria, Illinois, invented it in 1930. States have also created “white cane laws” to protect the visually impaired. Motorists must yield the right-of-way to those who are blind and visually impaired.
“Our goal for the 2017 White Cane Days is $1,000,” said Lance Howard, president of the Brookings Lions Club. “The overall goal for Lions in South Dakota is $10,000. Money raised will support statewide Lions services through the S.D. Lions Foundation and also help Lions in Brookings help the blind and visually impaired in our community.”
Each person who makes a donation will receive a white cane lapel emblem to symbolize their commitment to preserving sight and empowering the visually impaired, as well as their concern for the sight of those less fortunate.
