[NFB-Lions] Perspective, please, on White Cane Days.

[ms.sunflower61 at gmail.com]

Judy,
I have a really hard time with this event too!  

During one meeting a woman from another club was talking about our club doing this and then she told the people in my club that were blind to please be there with our canes.  My brain nearly exploded.  I absolutely refuse to stand in public with my hand out as a cane user and mislead the community.  To my knowledge, my club has never purchased a cane and wouldn't even know where to start.  I wish this fund was renamed.  I seriously doubt that Lions International has the first clue how insulting and misleading this is.

Judy, this is one topic that makes me see red!  Smile!

My previous club would hold this fund raiser but we would give the people a candy with Lions on it and a sticker with a cane on it.  Still didn't care for it.

Smile!
Tammy 

-----Original Message-----
From: NFB-Lions <nfb-lions-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Judy Jones via NFB-Lions
Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2021 6:22 PM
To: 'NFB and Lions' <nfb-lions at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Judy Jones <sonshines59 at gmail.com>
Subject: [NFB-Lions] Perspective, please, on White Cane Days.

Hello, All,

 

In our area, there are, apparently, Lions clubs that raise money for the Sight And Hearing Foundation, by going to public venues and soliciting donations, and offering replica white canes.

 

When I found out about that today, My first reaction was to be horrified, as this just seems to promulgate the stereotypic blind/cane/soliciting relationship.

 

As with you who use a white cane for travel, our canes are the gateway to independence and travel, when one receives proper training.

 

I would like to know how you all feel about this perspective, and what your clubs do to raise funds for Sight And Hearing Foundation.

 

To me, this seems very damaging, once again, feeding the  blind stereotype.

 

Our club members are very kind and caring people, and I would not want to hurt feelings, but I was incensed when I found this out.

 

Thanks for relating your experience and perspective.

 

Judy

🌄 (sunrise over mountains)

“embrace each day with His mercies and blessings.”

 

 

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