SD Lions Clubs to raise money to fight blindness

Worldwide, one child goes blind every minute. Experts predict that if nothing is done to prevent and reverse this trend, the world's blind population could double from 37 million to 74 million by 2020. Lions Clubs International has launched Campaign SightFirst II. The funds raised will be used in both the U.S. and worldwide to prevent blindness though numerous programs and methods.

South Dakota Lions Clubs are joining together this fall to help prevent blindness. Delmer Hofer, district coordinator of Campaign SightFirst II, says many Lions clubs in the state are sponsoring spaghetti dinners for SightFirst II between the end of August and the beginning of October in an effort to raise funds for this Lions International Campaign.

Clubs worldwide are working to raise $150 million to work at preventing blindness through Campaign SightFirst II. The Lions' SightFirst program, begun in 1990, has saved or restored sight to 27 million people around the world and improved eye care for more than 100 million people.

"Many clubs in the state have challenged one another in seeking to raise funds for SightFirst II," Hofer said.

Helen Keller, at a 1925 convention of Lions, challenged the group to become "knights of the blind."

"We've worked steadily to provide a better life by treating, educating and rehabilitating blind individuals in South Dakota and worldwide," Hofer said.

Hofer asks the public to watch for local club announcements of the date and times of their dinners and support these efforts by purchasing tickets and joining the Lions for their spaghetti dinners for SightFirst II.