The annual Candy Days conducted by Lions Clubs will be held this year on Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12, 2013. Club members will be stationed at various locations and businesses to receive donations. Candy Days originated in Illinois, but now clubs in other states and also Australia hold Candy Days.
Over half the funds needed for Lions of Illinois to fund their outreach services come from Candy Days. These efforts include
- the operating needs for providing vision and hearing services
- Camp Lion, a summer residential camp for children with vision and hearing loss
- Camp Helen Keller for Adults, especially designed for those with vision and hearing loss.
Needs and expenses continue to increase, and thus, Candy Days are even more important to be able to continue the quality of these services and programs.
Many years ago Lions took on the challenge presented to them by Helen Keller–to be “Knights of the Blind in the Crusade Against Blindness.” A portion of the funds collected during these two days remain in our local club to help with local vision and hearing needs. The other portion is sent to Lions of Illinois Foundation.
When you see a Lions Club member wearing the Candy Day vest, holding a container, and passing out Candy Day rolls of candy, please give. As you donate, please remember how your contribution will help improve the life of a vision or hearing impaired child or adult.
Do an experiment. Try walking or sitting with your eyes blindfolded or use earplugs and try to listen to your favorite radio or television program or a conversation with friends. You would find it to be a difficult and challenging way of life. Be thankful that you have vision and hearing, and remember all those who do not.
Shown left-to-right are Bob Countryman, The Lion, District Governor Fred Peska, and Bart Smith.
