Gravette Lions Club sets White Cane Day

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

— Members of the Gravette Lions Club will hold their annual White Cane Day Saturday, Sept. 23. They will have tables set up at CV's $avers Club, at Dollar General and at the Hiwasse fall festival and will be accepting donations to help with their sight conservation work.

White Cane Day began in 1930 when a Lions Club member watched a blind man crossing a busy street with a black cane. Realizing the dark cane was hardly visible, his club decided to paint it white to make it more visible to oncoming motorists.

The first special White Cane Ordinance was passed in Peoria, Ill. It granted blind pedestrians protection and the right-of-way whenever they were using a white cane.

In 1931, Lions Clubs International started a national program to promote the use of white canes for persons who were blind.

Gravette Lions would appreciate your support in raising funds for their work in the local community. All funds donated are used for projects to assist persons in the immediate area. Members of the club were involved this month in eye testing of pre-K and kindergarten students at Glenn Duffy Elementary School. One hundred and sixty-six students were tested and 20 were referred for further eye exams. The club also provides assistance to persons needing eye exams or eyeglasses who are not financially able to purchase them alone.

The next regular meeting of the Gravette Lions Club will be held at 12 noon, Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the Subway sandwich shop. Guests and prospective members are always welcome.

Community on 09/13/2017