I have been advised that the following will be in the Virginian Leader tomorrow. Please thank the Virginian Leader staff for their continued support of Lions programs in and around Giles County.
This is a substantial article on services Lions provide to our area.
Dianne
I sincerely appreciate your and the the Virginian Leaders' support.
Lions' Services to the Blind
Blind people have used canes as mobility tools for centuries, but it was not until after World War I that the white cane was introduced. In 1921, James Biggs, a photographer from Bristol who became blind after an accident and was uncomfortable with the amount of traffic around his home, painted his walking stick white to be more easily visible.
In the United States, the introduction of the white cane is attributed to George A. Bonham 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.
Lions are known for their service to persons who are blind and visually impaired. This dedicated service began in 1925. During a Lions international convention, Helen Keller, a woman who had been blind and deaf since childhood, challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in this crusade against darkness." Lions accepted Keller's challenge.
Today, Lions clubs around the world are involved in many sight-related areas in order to help prevent blindness. One of these initiatives is called “White Cane” fundraisers. Monies collected from these are used to support programs and services for people who are blind or visually impaired as well as for sight conservation.
As volunteers, local Lions Clubs work together to target needs in their communities. The Lions decide which projects suit these needs and when and how they are best able to address them. According to Bud Chambless, “there are many activities that each of the Giles County Lions Clubs and those in West Virginia support for the sight impaired and the blind. Below are some of the areas that they have participated in the past or are considering in the future.” “Many new products are now available for the blind. Some of these products are available through specialty suppliers while others are available on the Internet. Some Lions Club assist in the provision of some of these items,” reports Chambless. “ The se are Braille computer key tops - embossed Braille letters adhere to a computer keyboard; electric fry pan with brailed controls; four-alarm pill boxes that remind patients to take their medicine; Braille games and toys; watches - feature a hinged face for tactile reading of time.” “ The re are also many talking products that can aid the visually impaired,” Chambless elaborates. “Some of these are blood pressure/pulse meters; calculators; computer bar code scanners; currency scanners (available in Spanish and English for U.S. currency); heart rate monitors; microwave ovens; organizers with an appointment book, phone book, alarm clock, calculator, and note pad; pedometers; portable cassette recorders for books on tape; scales; tape measures (in feet and meters); thermometers which compare the last recorded temperature; and watches. “Lions clubs also perform many community services for persons who are blind,” states Chambless.” The se activities include sponsoring guide dogs; supporting guide dog schools; providing scholarships for blind students; supporting vocational training programs; facilitating self-help groups for the blind/visually impaired; furnishing talking books, Braille books, or large print books for a public library; supporting Lions camps for the blind/visually impaired; supporting recreational activities for the blind/visually impaired; providing devices such as white canes, broilers, or computers; and supporting eye research. For more information on local initiatives, Chambless recommends that you contact your local Lions Club chapter.
Lion Marvin, please post to our web page.
Remember: If a LION does not move, IT becomes a rug!
YIL
Lion Bud
Melvin L "Bud" Chambless
Vice District Governor 2007 - 2008 District Governor - District 24-E 2008 - 2009 Membership & Retention Chairperson - 2007 -2008 706 South High St Pearisburg VA 24134 Lions Telephone: 540-921-1359 phdchambless@msn.com
Service To Children
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