WHITE CANE DAYS

Last fall, the South Dakota Lions Foundation and Lions Clubs throughout the state joined forces to raise funds for our mission of assisting the blind and visually impaired. This first-ever White Cane Days in South Dakota was a great success! The event raise not only raised money to support the South Dakota Lions Foundation and local club efforts, but also helped to educate South Dakotans about the use of white, the laws concerning white canes, and how white canes symbolize courage and independent spirit in the visually impaired community.

Lions Club International recognizes October 15 each year as White Cane Safety Day. Traditionally, Lions Clubs across the country hold White Cane Days activities during that week.

We need your club to make White Cane Days a success!!

Here’s how you can help:

Receive approval from your club board of directors to participate.

• Designate the day or days your club will participate.
• Choose a chairperson for your local White Cane Days event.
• Complete the enclosed registration form and order form for supplies (including promotional materials). Return it to the South Dakota Lions Foundation office by July 31. If you club participated last year, please take inventory of any unused supplies before ordering more.
• Obtain permission from local stores, malls, restaurants, churches, etc. to provide educational materials and to ask for donations in exchange for small, white canes.
• Challenge all club members to get donations, take shifts at public venues etc.
• Publicize your event using the public relations materials that will be provided.
• Spread the word and get those donations!! Remember, your club will keep half of all donations collected and send half to the SD Lions Foundation to further support our – and your – mission.
• Call the SD Lions Foundation office at 1-888-SDLIONS for any further information.

Click here for your White Cane Days Participation form (Microsoft Word).

Click here for a copy of the White Cane Promotional Manual.