In honor of Helen Keller’s birthday June 1st, the Leonardtown Lions Club will conduct a White Cane fundraiser on Friday, May 24th and Friday, May 31st at the following locations:
True Value (Leonardtown Center), McKay’s (Hollywood -Leonardtown Road), Dash In (Leonardtown) and McKay’s (Leonardtown Center).
Inspired by a presentation by Helen Keller in 1925, the Lions Club International has dedicated its resources to assisting persons with vision needs. This White Cane (Vision Day) celebration is conducted each year by Lions Clubs throughout the world. The introduction of the white cane is attributed to a member of the Lions Clubs International. In 1930, a Lions Club member watched as a man who was blind attempted to cross the street with a black cane that was barely visible to motorists against the dark pavement. The Lions decided to paint the cane white to make it more visible. In 1931, Lions Clubs International began a program promoting the use of white canes for people who are blind.
American educator Helen Keller overcame the adversity of being blind and deaf to become one of the 20th century’s leading humanitarians.
All proceeds collected by the Leonardtown Lions at this fundraiser is used to provide vision testing, eye glasses, leader dogs, hearing aids, and other community and vision related activities for deserving residents in St. Mary’s County. Used eyeglasses are also collected and redistributed by Lions Clubs in St. Mary’s County.
A well deserved thank you to all who contribute to this most worthy cause. For more information or to volunteer to help with persons with vision needs, please contact King Lion George Kirby at 301-475-3188.