White Cane Days

Lions International was inspired to include service to the sight-needy as a basic part of its service program. That was at an International Convention in 1925 in Cedar Point, Ohio, when Helen Keller and her teacher, Anne Sullivan, told the assembled Lions that Miss Keller's greatest handicap was her inability to see. (Read speech now.)

This dedication received its first big step when George Bonham of Peoria, IL (a Lions Club member) devised the White Cane as a mobility instrument for the blind and to tell all who saw them that the bearer was blind.

A movement to invite community support to strengthen the local club's service was started in 1951 when a small club in Monterey Park, CA, devised a small tag for donors to wear.  The club named it white cane.

Millions of dollars have been raised since then during White Cane Days.  Arkansas Lions divide the funds 50/50 between local projects and their statewide projects.

The concept of raising funds with volunteers became popular, making it possible for local clubs to apply 100% (one hundred percent) of the proceeds where it will help the most.

Over 6,500 people have received rehabilitation training, new careers and new interest in living through the Lions World Services for the Blind in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Over 4,300 people, who could not have otherwise afforded to, have had surgery and/or treatment for every disease or injury to the eye or ear to save their vision or hearing through Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing.  Thousands have received eye exams and eye glasses purchased for them through the Fayetteville Lions Club.

The Fayetteville Lions Club White Cane Days brings in donations that provide the "gift of sight" to many who might not otherwise see or see adequately.

The date and location of the next annual (Fall, 2008) Fayetteville Lions Club White Cane Days will be published on this site when announced.