HELPFUL AIDS — His face stretched by the Lion’s reading magnifier, Wilbert C. Alwin, (above) reads with ease even though handicapped by detached retina. (Photos by Steve Kohs).

Healthy eyes have been the theme of Lions Clubs around the globe since 1919 when Helen Keller visited the Lions’ national convention.

Her determination and ability to inspire her audience created the goals of the Lions today.

Members throughout the world have started and sustained projects dealing with the prevention of eye diseases, creation of eye banks for transplants, and helpful aids for the blind.

UNDER THE direction of local eye bank chairman Erwin Wieben, the New Ulm Lions have donated $2,000 to the local library. The money, divided into $1,500 for large print books and $500 for cassettes, has been donated over the past four years enabling a special space to be set aside at the library.

Named the Lion’s Den, the section offers a complete selection of large print books and several cassettes for residents with eye problems.

Heading the district as eye bank chairman, Art Luebbert of New Ulm, attends four meetings a year at the University Hospital to discuss future projects for his zone.

Luebbert, on the committee in charge of furnishing a newly constructed Children’s Eye Clinic at the University Hospital with Lion’s funds, has received pledges of $200,000 to buy equipment for the project.

Also connected with the Lions is the University of Minnesota Eye Bank where more than 3,500 people have donated eyes for transplants.

To raise funds for other eye projects, the local Lions are sponsoring a pancake jamboree, Thursday, Feb. 20 at Turner Hall.

New Ulm Daily Journal

Feb. 10, 1975