For a century the Lions Club International has had a special relationship with the blind and visually impaired.
It began in 1925 when Hellen Keller challenged the Lions Club International Convention to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." It is a relationship that is exemplified by the 100 Mile House & District Blind & Visually Impaired White Cane Club, the 108 Mile Ranch Lions Club and the 100 Mile House Lions Club.
"We are excited and honoured to highlight and salute our Knights of the Blind which happens to be the Lions Club members," Lori Fry, the White Cane Club's director of public relations and fund development, said. "We know they help more than us but for National White Cane Week our emphasis is on the Lions and thanking them. That is our biggest highlight."
This year White Cane Week is marked from Sunday, Feb. 2 to Saturday, Feb. 8 and is typically used to educate the community on the services White Cane Clubs across Canada offer to those dealing with vision loss. Fry said they help anyone and everyone whether their vision loss is age-related, due to a disease or from injury.
100 Mile House's White Cane Club is marking the occasion on Sunday, Feb. 2 at the Cedar Crest Thrift Shop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fry said club volunteers will be running a sale at the thrift store and will have information on the club's services for the community to access. All funds from the sale will go towards supporting the club.
"White Cane Week is just a special time of the year to bring to everybody's attention education and awareness surrounding the topic of vision loss, low vision and blindness," Fry remarked. "The White Cane Club our approach is always a win-win sort of philosophy. We don't mind receiving assistance and support so long as others allow us to give it back by helping those who are new to vision loss."
Fry noted that club members help run the thrift store every Sunday on a volunteer basis. Over the years the shop has become something of a social hub and many people come to talk to the club members about their own struggles with vision loss and anxieties.
"It's just become a very social, educational and comfortable platform for people to share. We've watched personal growth with individuals. There is more to this store than just raising money to provide a few magnifiers for people," Fry said. "It's our 10th year now and that Sunday sale will be our highlight to start off White Cane Week."
Following White Cane Week Fry said she and the club are planning an event to honour the local Lions Club members on May 3, 2025. While Fry said details are still being discussed, 100 Mile Lions Club member and local optometrist Neil VanderHorst said he and his fellow club members were invited to attend a blindfolded dinner. He noted they are all honoured and a bit surprised Fry is choosing to recognize them this year.
"It's a great privilege and an honour she's doing that because I feel the shoe should be on the other foot. I feel the Lions Club was ready to step up and help her out but to be the guests of her fun activity that educates people about vision loss, is a privilege," VanderHorst remarked.
VanderHorst has been a member of the Lions for close to 15 years, noting it's a great opportunity to serve the community. Growing up he said he had a great-uncle who was blind and had a guide dog and received all sorts of assistance from one of Edmonton's Lions Clubs. After going to optometry school VanderHorst remarked joining the club just seemed like a natural fit for an eye doctor.
"We work on a lot of fundraisers very visibly but some of the things we do to help are more lowkey and discrete. One of the things the Lions Club does is collect glasses to send them to third-world countries," VanderHorst said. "People drop off glasses (at my office) or at Dr Specs Optical, we give them to the Lions Club and they send them to Calgary to be sorted."
As an optometrist, Vanderhorst said he will often refer people to the White Cane Club dealing with advanced vision loss. He noted these people need help and compassion from people who are either losing or have lost their own vision.
"When someone is losing their vision it's devastating, life-changing. People lose their driver's licenses or their entertainment. When you can no longer read the print that's a huge game changer," VanderHorst said. "Having understanding people who have been there and are still coping like some of our White Cane Club members (is important). Not only are they a good resource on learning how to cope, but also having access to what tools work for what problems."
The 108 Mile Lions Club, meanwhile, helps the White Cane Club with financial and manpower support, just like the 100 Mile Lions Club. VanderHorst noted the 108 Mile Lions also work to connect the blind and visually impaired with seeing-eye dogs to allow them to maintain their independence.
To top off the celebration of the Lions Fry said she plans to become a member of the 100 Mile House Lions Club this year and start attending meetings, further strengthening the bonds between the two groups. She hopes Lions from both clubs can attend her dinner in May.
"(We want to) teach the Lions they give all the time and they have to learn to receive too. I think they've been gracious enough to accept the limelight will be on them for this one evening," Fry remarked.
VanderHorst said that he and the 100 Mile Lions Club would be happy to count Fry among their number.
"Working in our community there are some individuals who stand out and you're just amazed by how they keep giving and put a smile on their face. Lori Fry is one of the shining stars of our community as far as someone who puts herself out there to help other people," VanderHorst explained. "When she asks for help you know it's a wonderful cause she is doing."