Student-led Leo Club prepares for White Cane Day
A group of young people in Copperas Cove are hoping to raise funds along with helping the sighted get a taste of what it's like to be visually impaired.
On October 19th, the Leos Club of Copperas Cove will be hosting an event in observation of White Cane Day. The Leos are holding their event at the Copperas Cove Leader-Press office, located at * Hwy. 190, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Victor Dery, a senior at Copperas Cove High School and a member of the group, said they will be having a bake sale along with an obstacle course.
“This is to raise awareness of the blind, and raise funds that give back to the national white cane campaign,” Dery said.
The winners in the timed obstacle course can win prizes like movie passes.
The President of the United States annually recognizes White Cane Day by the Blind Americans Equality Day Proclamation to acknowledge the abilities of people who are blind and to promote equal opportunities as any other American.
The mission of White Cane Day is to educate the world about blindness and how the blind and visually impaired can live and work independently while giving back to their communities, to celebrate the abilities and successes achieved by blind people in a sighted world and to honor the many contributions being made by the blind and visually impaired.
About eight students make up the Leos' membership currently, and the group is looking for more students to join. The club is open to students age 12 and up. The group holds meetings the third Sunday of every month from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Waffle Cone.
Dery, who is in his second year with the Leos, said the club helps out at the annual Lions Club Golf Tournament, volunteers for the annual Food For Families food drive, participates in roadside cleanups with their older counterparts from the Lions Club, and also collect glasses that are donated to the national Lions Club. Those glasses are then refurbished and given out to the needy, especially children.
“It's a fun way to meet more people, get interactive, and help the community out,” Dery said.