World Sight Day
It is estimated that 40 million people around the world are blind and the World Health Organisation has estimated that the number of blind people in the world could double in the next 25 years. To combat the leading causes of blindness and assist in preserving vision, Shirley Lions participated in World Sight Day on Saturday 16th October to heighten awareness and education about sight preservation and preventable blindness.
On World Sight Day Shirley Lions worked locally with the R N I B and in unison with Lions Clubs around the world to educate millions of people on the importance of proper eye health care.
To help publicise the day and the problems faced by those with a visual impairment when negotiating today's street furniture the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Ian Courts and Solihull MP Lorely Burt both agreed to be blindfolded and with the help of a sighted guide go off on a circular walk. Lion Roger Starling from our club who is partially sighted himself and Paul Rice from the R N I B completed a quartet of walkers.
The Mayor guided by Lion President Martin Conlon, Lorely guided by Lion Martin Wright, Lion Roger guided by Lion Andy Luckett and Paul guided by Lion Gillian Conlon set off from the Saracens Head public house in Shirley, through the shopping area to cross over the extremely busy main A34 and then return to the Pub to enjoy the company of everyone involved and share a well earned drink.
Whilst the walkers were out on their journey others members of Shirley Lions manned the Sight Display put up at the pub and handed out sight related leaflets to the public.
