Letter: The connection between Helen Keller and Lions Clubs

In October 1925, Helen Keller, blind and deaf since 19 months of age due to illness and later a famous American author, disability rights advocate and lecturer, delivered a speech at the Lions Clubs International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio. Speaking on behalf of the American Foundation for the Blind, she challenged the audience to become “Knights of the Blind in the crusade against darkness.” From this convention onward, Lions Clubs International dedicated itself to making Keller’s dream a reality. Lions would become Keller’s “Knights of the Blind.”

Hundreds of millions of lives have been changed through the vision-related work of Lions Clubs around the world, and today the association is as dedicated as ever to hastening the day when on one should suffer unnecessarily from vision problems. Many people do not know this interesting connection of Helen Keller and Lions Clubs.

To celebrate, the Huntley Area Lions Club is hosting its first annual Helen Keller Day in the Cole Pavilion in Deicke Park in Huntley on Sunday, June 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. Come learn more about Helen Keller, meet a Leader Dog puppy and Canine Companion guide dog, watch and practice Braille writing, receive a bookmark with your name written in Braille, see sign language demonstrated, have your child’s eyes screened, enjoy a free scoop of Culver’s custard, have your picture taken with our Lion photo-op board, and much, much more – all while enjoying a day in the park. Also, meet members of the Huntley Area Lions Club who serve the community. We hope to see your entire family there to find out more about what a truly unique woman Helen Keller was.

Pam Palmer

First Vice President

Huntley Area Lions Club

Union