The Alpena Lions Club have begun to approach local businesses for their financial support of the annual White Cane Sale Fundraiser.

The public street sale portion will be held June 16, 17, and 18. Alpena Lions Club members will be stationed at Walmart, Perch’s IGA, Fitzpatrick Hardware, and at the U.S. Post Office. More information on times and locations will be announced at a later date.

The start of White Cane in the United States can be attributed to Peoria Lions Club member George Bonham. In 1930, he observed a blind man crossing a street using a black cane. In an effort to create more visibility, George painted the man’s cane white. In 1931, the Peoria Lions Club made, painted and distributed white canes as a club project.

That program attracted the attention of Lions Club International, which took up the cause and began promoting the use of white canes for people who are blind.

By this time, the Alpena Lions Club, which had been established for five years, took up the cause and started promoting white canes. Over time, the White Cane Sale Fundraiser has grown to be the largest and most successful event for the Alpena Lions Club.

The real success can be measured by the support of local businesses and the generosity of the public.

When you see an Alpena Lions Club member at your place of business or on the street asking for your donation, remember that you are the reason behind the prosperity of the White Cane Sale Fundraiser.