The long history of Lions battling against blindness has many exciting and poignant chapters. The story started with Helen Keller’s dramatic appeal to Lions to become “Knights of the Blind.” Pioneering the white cane as a symbol of independence for blind people was an early highlight. Establishing camps for blind children, regional eye banks and supporting dog guide schools enriched the story.

But all that was prologue to the establishment of SightFirst in 1990. That bold initiative took Lions service to the blind to heights unimaginable just years before. Today, Lions are writing the next chapter in the fight against blindness. Campaign SightFirst II will raise a minimum of US$150 million to fund the next generation of SightFirst programs, which have the potential to save as many as 37 million people from a life of darkness. 

Campaign SightFirst II has come a long way in a short time. Even before its official launch at the 2005 International Convention in Hong Kong, 24 extraordinarily generous and committed Lions stepped forward to give Lead Gifts of US$100,000 or more (see list). At the convention, Lions assembled from around the world and reaffirmed their commitment as Knights of the Blind and expressed the will to make Campaign SightFirst II a success by once again answering, “Yes!” to a reenactment of Helen Keller’s famous request.

To ensure that Campaign SightFirst II reaches every club and that every Lion has the opportunity to participate in this important initiative, a campaign “organization within an organization” is being built. There are already hundreds of Lion leaders at work organizing and educating their fellow Lions. Eventually, the worldwide Campaign SightFirst II leadership team will include more than 8,000 Lions.

What drives these dedicated volunteers to give of their time and energy?  It is the knowledge that…
…on average, every US$6 raised enables SightFirst to save or restore the sight of one person somewhere in the world. 
… it is possible to eliminate river blindness in Latin America by 2010.
… a pair of eyeglasses can make the difference between a child who grows and learns normally and one who has little hope for the future.
…95 percent of those with low vision do not receive adaptive equipment or appropriate education, making their condition little better than those who are fully blind.

The next passage to be written calls for clubs to conduct one additional fundraising event with proceeds dedicated to Campaign SightFirst II, to prepare for intensive club fundraising in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008.

How will this chapter end? That’s up to you and the thousands of dedicated Lions clubs around the world.