IN 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness”.

Since then, one of the missions of Lions Clubs International has been to eradicate preventable blindness across the world, promote sight health and support those with visual impairments in their communities.

On World Sight Day, which was October 15 this year, Crediton and District Lions promoted the event by challenging the Mayor of Crediton, Cllr Guy Cochran, to wear a blindfold and make his way across the Town Square and buy a cup of coffee.

Crediton Lions President Ann Whitehouse, explained: “The aim was to highlight how difficult it can be to perform everyday activities like this if you have a visual impairment.

“The Mayor accepted the challenge and Lions guided him into to Ashton’s Coffee Lounge where they discussed over coffee how the experience led to feeling physically and emotionally vulnerable, as well as considering ways to help a visually impaired person out in the community.

“Crediton and District Lions regularly support community Sight initiatives.

“We are involved in the Crediton Talking News service which enables people with low vision to listen to a wide selection of articles from the Crediton Courier each week, as well as giving them access to articles in their favourite magazines.

“We urge everyone to have their eyes tested regularly, even if you are not aware of sight problems, as catching diseases early may mean they can be treated and save your sight.”

For more information about Crediton and District Lions, Crediton Talking News or tips on supporting people with low vision in the community, please contact Ann Whitehouse on 07950 966987.

Lions’ Successful Ukrainian Wood Stoves Appeal

Ann went on to explain that Crediton and District Lions recently received a certificate of thanks for a donation the Club made to the “Ukrainian Wood Stoves Appeal”, with an update on the success of the appeal which she said demonstrated the power of collective effort and passion that comes with being part of the Lions’ global organisation.

Lions Clubs International and its own charity fund, the Lions Clubs International Foundation, successfully raised over $1.2 billion in a four-month campaign to support this year’s “Winter is Coming to Ukraine 2 Project”, aimed at providing wood burning stoves to households in Southeast Ukraine.

Ann explained: “This initiative started in Finland where Lions members became aware of the urgent need for durable and efficient heating solutions in the cities of Kharkiv, Pavlohrad and Zaporizhzhia in Southeast Ukraine.

“Lions Clubs from 31 countries across five continents have collaboratively and generously supported this appeal, resulting in 8,100 stoves being distributed to families in the region.

“These stoves not only provide a reliable source of heat during harsh winters, but also ensure a safe and efficient means of cooking for households affected by ongoing challenges.

“Beyond providing immediate relief, these stoves symbolise hope and resilience, reinforcing the message that even in the face of adversity, communities can come together to create meaningful change: Where there’s a need in the world, there’s a Lion.”