BROOKINGS The Brookings Noon Lions will be out in Brookings on Oct. 18-19 to raise funds and awareness about the blind and visually impaired during annual White Cane Days.
White Cane Safety Days is celebrated in the United States on Oct. 15 each year. On this day and during the entire week, Lions Clubs publicize the needs of the blind and visually impaired, as well as raising contributions to help preserve sight.
Members of the Brookings Noon Lions Club will be at HyVee Grocery entrance on Oct. 18-19 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to welcome donations to benefit the blind and visually impaired. Proceeds from the event will go to Brookings Lions Club to help individuals with vision impairments. The local Lions will also collect used eyeglasses and hearing aids.
The familiar white cane with a red band at the bottom is used by the blind and visually impaired people in many countries. This device was invented in 1930 by Lion George A. Bonham in Peoria, Ill. Today blind and visually impaired people throughout the world use Bonhams invention. In addition to providing the use of white canes, states have created white cane laws to protect the visually impaired. Motorists must yield the right-of-way to the blind and visually impaired.
The white cane in our society has become one of the symbols of a blind persons ability to come and go on their own. Its use has promoted courtesy and special consideration to the blind on our streets and highways. To make our people more fully aware of the meaning of white cane and of the need for motorists to exercise special care for the blind persons who carry it. Congress, by a joint resolution approved as of October 6, 1964, authorized the President to proclaim October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day, said President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Our goal for the White Cane Days is $1,500, said Mike Sprenger, president of the Brookings Lions Club. Money raised will support county-wide services through the help of Lions in Brookings to help the blind and visually impaired in our community.
Each person who contributes 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.
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