The dust, or should we say germs, from Covid somewhat settled and the ‘’Lions in Sight” event became ‘real time’ statewide on Saturday, January 21st. After a two-year break, as Lions are a community service group, the D50 Lions did not hesitate to step up, rather they leaped forward and gave it their heart and soul……. for Lions, this is huge!
Lions set up used eyeglass and hearing aid collection sites at Walmarts across the state: Kapolei, Keeaumoku, Kunia, Pearl City, Mililani on Oahu; Lihue, Kauai; Kahului, Maui and Hilo and Kona on the Big Island. Lions were also at Kahala Mall, Longs at Kukui Grove Shopping Center and the KTA Super Store in Hilo and Waimea.
A total of 29 Lions Clubs and 2 Leo Clubs participated. These 146 Lions worked 546 hours together to collect 5,502 glasses, 60 hearing aids and $ 236 in donations.
Awesome result from smiling faces, Lions in high spirits, a Lion mascot that greeted and thanked the public for their donations were spread across the State. This service provides a win-win for all. Rather than disposing used eyeglasses and hearing aids, we give them purpose; glasses are sent to developing countries where those who are not fortunate to have the vision care can see better after used glasses are graded. In the US we are not allowed to redistribute used prescription eyeglasses. Used hearing aids are turned in for parts in exchange for discounts on the calibration of audiology equipment used by the Hearing Screening team. In Hawaii used non-prescription sunglasses are donated to the Seafarers Medical Clinic so foreign fishermen can have protection from the sun.
We would like to thank the following clubs: Waikiki 2000, Honolulu, Kapa-Moi, Manoa, Leeward, Mana loa-Nimitz, Moanalua, Chinatown, Palolo, Pearl City, Mililani, Oahu Central, L4L, Koko Head. Outer Island Clubs made their presence known: Kauai – Koloa, West Kauai, Kapa’a, Kauai North Shore, Kauai, East Kauai; Maui – Haleakala, Kahului, Mauna Kahalawai; Big Island – Akaka Falls, Hilo, Hilo Crescent City and Leos, Waiakea, Waimea, Kailua-Kona, and Kona. We thank all for their support and commitment to Service to make this event a success.
There were so many Lions and individuals that supported Lions in Sight, we wish to thank all of you. This event could not be a success without you.
Thank you also to Lion Irwin for the advertising and media coverage, Lion Thomas Palmer, Lions Justin and Kendra Nip who took photos, the Stores and Malls that welcomed us, as well as all those Lions who set this program up with the vision to serve beyond Hawaii.
Kung Hee Fat Choy!
Lions Lori Inouye-Yamashita and Jennifer Shintani
The parade is sponsored my the Lions. The keiki fest is a joint sponsorship between Waikoloa Village and the Lions with lots of help this year from the school PTSA.