GRAVETTE -- Members of the Gravette Lions Club will hold their annual White Cane Day Saturday, Oct. 13. They will have tables set up at CV's Family Foods and at Dollar General 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 the community's support in raising funds for their work. All funds donated are used for projects to assist persons in the immediate area. Members of the club were involved last month in eye testing of pre-K and kindergarten students at Glenn Duffy Elementary School. One hundred and fifty-three students were tested and 16 were referred for additional eye testing. 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 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Billy V. Hall Senior Activity and Wellness Center, 1870 Limekiln Road. Guests. Prospective members are always welcome.
Community on 10/03/2018