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Looking Back to Plan Forward
The Idaho – E. Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation was started 43 years ago by a group of compassionate Lion Club members in Southern Idaho. The Lions humanitarian group had a goal of eliminating blindness and deafness in our communities, Idaho and the world.
Times change but the compassion and goal of our Lion members and our Foundation employees shine brighter than ever. Many of the initial contributors that assembled the Foundation and Eye Bank in 1969 are no longer with us. However, it is because of their heartfelt vision that I too champion their efforts in being an advocate for the blind, deaf and financially disadvantaged.
We are looking back to plan forward. Our Board of Trustees and friends of the Foundation have set a new strategic plan in order to diversify our services, thus allowing us to better serve our communities. Our trustees and our members continue to pass the torch of our Lions Foundation founders by leaving a legacy of their own. They continue to invest in our future both monetarily and through countless volunteer hours.
I am always surprised by the extent to which people are aware of some of our activities but not others. We are always looking to create the greatest social impact with the resources entrusted to us. Many know we collect and recycle eyeglasses and hearing aids but might not know that we operate one of the premiere Eye Banks in the country. Nearly 200,000 individuals have been screened for sight, sound, and health anomalies by our Lions Mobile Health Screening Unit, still most are unaware of our Personal Assistance Program that provides a safety net for those who cannot afford to pay for healthcare, and have no insurance.
Overall, Foundations like ours give back to our surrounding communities far more than most people ever imagine. I am grateful for our volunteers and partners willing to work so hard and do so much. I commend them for their efforts to improve humanity one small step at a time.
If there is any doubt for the ability of society to join together to overcome struggles and improve this world as a whole, it should be clarified by the very existence of those Lions Club Members who had a vision so many years ago. It should also be clarified by our current members and staff who have a passion to eliminate blindness, deafness and improve the overall health of our neighbors. Thank you for your support.

Jay Lugo
Executive Director
Idaho Eastern Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation
Idaho Lions Eye Bank