Lions Clubs International District 105SE hold their cabinet meetings at which all the District Officers and cabinet members have an opportunity to meet and plan the way forward for the South East District.
At Octobers meeting, as District Officer for Vision, Lion Rags Sandhu was presented with a tie fr
om Lion Steve Walden who was the previous Sight First officer some 12+ years ago. Now a member of Thanet Lions, Lion Steve exchanged various bits of advice with Lion Rags and advised him of the best way forward when spreading the word.
Lion Rags Sandhu first took over the role of Vision Officer earlier in 2023, already Rags has started to send many thousands of unwanted spectacles for processing before they are sent to those who need them most.
To learn more about the work of Lions Clubs International, please visit the organisation by clicking here.
Lions Clubs International, a global humanitarian organisation with a presence in over 200 countries, is renowned for its commitment to serving communities and addressing various social issues. One of its lesser-known yet impactful initiatives is the collection of unwanted spectacles, eyeglasses, and sunglasses. This initiative is a testament to the Lions’ dedication to improving the lives of those less fortunate.
The concept behind the Unwanted Spectacle Collections is simple yet profound. Millions of people worldwide suffer from vision impairments, and many of them lack access to the eyeglasses they desperately need. This can significantly affect their quality of life, hindering their ability to work, study, and perform everyday tasks. Lions Clubs International recognised this widespread problem and decided to take action.
Across the United Kingdom and beyond, Lions Clubs collaborate with local optometrists, schools, and businesses to establish collection points for unwanted spectacles. These collection points serve as drop-off locations where individuals can deposit their old or unused eyeglasses. The glasses are then carefully sorted, cleaned, and refurbished by dedicated volunteers. Once they are in optimal condition, these spectacles are distributed to individuals in need, both locally and internationally.
The impact of this initiative is profound. For individuals who receive these repurposed spectacles, it can mean the difference between a life of struggle and one of opportunity. Children can better participate in school, adults can secure employment, and seniors can enjoy improved quality of life through enhanced vision. Moreover, the Unwanted Spectacle Collections align perfectly with the Lions’ motto, “We Serve,” embodying their commitment to helping others.
Furthermore, this initiative promotes sustainability by reducing the environmental impact of discarded eyeglasses. Rather than ending up in landfills, old spectacles find a new purpose and are kept in circulation. This aligns with broader global efforts to reduce waste and protect the environment.
In conclusion, Lions Clubs International’s Unwanted Spectacle Collections are a shining example of the organisation’s dedication to making a positive impact on communities worldwide. By collecting and distributing unwanted eyeglasses, Lions Clubs are not only improving individuals’ lives but also contributing to sustainability efforts. As the initiative continues to grow, it serves as a reminder of the power of community service and the profound change that can be achieved when people come together to address the needs of the less fortunate.
At the organisations UK head office in Birmingham, each of the spectacles are checked and sorted by a team of volunteers before being sent over to those who can benefit from them worldwide. This is just one of the many, many projects which Lions Clubs throughout the run on a daily basis. You can always learn more about the charity by simply going online to see this and other projects, all you need to do is simply contact Lions Clubs International by clicking here.