Locally Owned & Operated
(360) 378-8243 - 305 Blair Avenue, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
The Island Guardian is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists
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05/06/2005: "Lions Club: White Cane Days"
Send In Those Envelopes: Your Donations Will Help To Restore Sight To Thousands
Northwest Lions Eye Bank - as one of the leading eye banks in the country, it has provided corneal tissue for over 26,000 sight restoring transplants. Last year alone, sight was restored for 2,229 individuals who had cornea transplants.
The Northwest Lions Foundation for Sight and Hearing in partnership with the local Lions Clubs in Washington conducts an annual fund raiser known as White Cane Days. This year, May 6 and May 7 have been designated White Cane Days. Funds raised help to support the following programs:
1.Northwest Lions Eye Bank - as one of the leading eye banks in the country, it has provided corneal tissue for over 26,000 sight restoring transplants. Last year alone, sight was restored for 2,229 individuals who had cornea transplants.
2.the Lions Health Screening unit - this unit provides free health screenings to test for sight and hearing, glaucoma, diabetes, and blood pressure testing and serves nearly 30,000 people annually. This unit was here on San Juan Island on April 5 and 6 and provided free health screenings for close to 100 people.
3.Lions Patient Care Program - This program provides funding for sight related medical procedures and special equipment for children and adults who could not otherwise afford them. Lion Minnie Knych (378-4662) is the local co-ordinator of this program and should be contacted if you know of someone on the Island who could benefit from this program.
4.Lions special project grants - these programs help support vision and hearing related projects in local communities. Lion Terry Lembeck (378-9574) should be contacted for further information.
In addition to selling White Canes at our island's Fourth of July parade, The San Juan Lions Club raises money for White Cane Days by sending a mass mailing to all island residents. In early May, more than 5000 pieces of mail will be sent out requesting funds to help support White Cane Days. The mailing will include a letter from San Juan Lion Club President Derek Rouse explaining White Cane Days and requesting support, a white cane which should be worn on May 6 and May 7, and a return envelope.
Please call me if you need additional information or have any questions.
Rex
Rex P. Stickle
360-370-5006
