Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation

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News Release

Burns Lions Fight Flood Damage (Photo) -05/21/25

As the old saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in Oregon, just wait a minute
and it will change.” In late March, the weather changed in the mountains just
north of Burns Oregon, the snowpack started melting, fast! Burns is a small
community of 2,700 in the high desert of Harney County. On March 30th the
Burns levee on the Silivies River failed and the community of Burns was flooded
by the swollen Silvies River affecting hundreds of homes on the north and east
side. The flooding was so large, it could be seen from national Weather Service
satellites in space.
The community response was immediate, and help came from far and wide. And
the residents of Burns rallied and helped themselves. The Burns Lions Club,
through their member, District Governor Lion Pete Runnels, applied for an
emergency grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation. The clock started at
5pm on Monday with the submission of the grant. By 3pm on Tuesday the
$15,000 grant was approved and by Thursday, the money was in the bank in only
94 hours.
That was great, but not enough for the Burns Lions promptly added $5,000 of
their own charitable project fund. The Crooked River Ranch Lions heard about the
disaster and sent $1,000. With some quick personal donations, including Parr
Lumber staff and Lion Pete, the total dollars to help Burns residents came to just
under $22,000.
Lion Pete Runnels connected with the Parr Lumber store in Burns and was met by
manager, Jon Case, who was busy trying to get as much sheetrock, subfloor and
insulation as could be trucked to Burns in short order. Jon and Burns Parr Lumber
were already planning to let affected Burns residents have product at near cost.
After some brief number crunching the sum of $350 per flood victim was settled
on.
When the water receded and Burns residents took the toll of the floods damage,
they began flocking to the Parr Lumber store, where they were happy to get
product at substantially reduced prices along with a $350 gift from the Lions.
When everything was said and done, the Lions helped 69 Burns families begin
their recovery from the Silvies River flood of 2025. Lion Pete was quoted saying,

“When the waters receded and folks faced the question of where do we start …
this assistance was immediate and gave them a starting point and hope to begin
the recovery process. There was no ‘red tape’ so to speak.” Jon Case replied, “We
would do it again in a heartbeat. The appreciation shown from those affected was
moving.”
As Burns families continue their recovery, the Burns Lions will be there to help. As
always the Burns Lions will make sure underserved community members will get
the vision and hearing help they need and that all the K-8 students get quality
vision screening plus so much more. The Burns Lions say: “Where there’s a need,
there’s a Lion”. The Burns Lions can be reached through their Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/BurnsLionClub/

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For more information, contact Lion Pete Runnels at peterunnels59@gmail.com

Celebrate 100 Years Of Service At OLSHF’s KTP Summer Soiree (Photo) -05/15/25

A Family-Friendly Evening Honoring Lions Keeping the Promise
Early Bird Tickets Available Through July 1

HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. — May 14, 2025 — The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) invites families, friends, and community partners to the KTP Summer Soiree: A 100th Celebration of Lions Keeping the Promise, a joyful, family-friendly event taking place Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 4:00–8:00 PM at The Aerie at Eagle’s Landing in Happy Valley (10220 SE Causey Avenue).

This milestone celebration honors 100 years of service by Lions Clubs across Oregon, and is designed to be a fun, relaxed evening for all ages. Guests will enjoy mini golf, delicious finger foods, refreshing drinks, and engaging activities while learning about the powerful work OLSHF does to support sight and hearing for Oregonians in need. Guests are invited to explore OLSHF’s programs by connecting directly with the program directors, staff, and volunteers who bring them to life.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or discovering the Foundation for the first time, the Summer Soiree is the perfect opportunity to:

  • Celebrate the Lions' century of service with fellow community members

  • Learn about OLSHF’s impactful programs, such as the School Vision Screening (SVS) Program, Lions Eyeglass Assistance Program (LEAP), ROAR! Hearing Assistance Program, Patient Care Program, and more!

  • Discover fun, easy ways to get involved and help Keep the Promise of better sight and hearing

“This event is for everyone — families, friends, Lions, and future OLSHF supporters,” said Kate Mayne, OLSHF’s Marketing & Events Manager. “It’s a chance to celebrate, connect, and make a difference in a joyful, welcoming environment.”

Early bird tickets are available through July 1, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special evening at a discounted rate!

?️ Get tickets and event details here (olshf.org/ktp-summer-soiree)


About Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation
Since 1959, OLSHF has been transforming lives by providing access to vital sight and hearing services for Oregonians in need. Powered by volunteers, donors, and partners, OLSHF proudly carries forward the Lions’ century-long promise to help people see and hear better.

Attached Media Files: KTP SS Flyer.png,

Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation: School Vision Screening Program Reaches 2 Millionth Student (Photo) -05/14/25

MITCH Charter School, Portland, OR, May 13, 2025: The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) proudly announces that its School Vision Screening program (SVS) surpassed a significant milestone – 2 million students screened in Oregon since the program’s inception in 1994!

During this current school year at MITCH Charter School in Portland, OLSHF SVS staff Kerith Vance and volunteers screened MITCH students, including Jeremiah, marking the 2,000,000th student screened by SVS    

Since 1994, OLSHF has provided vision screening to Oregon students. In 2012 OLSHF acquired new, objective vision screening technology (Spot device) and annual totals for the number of students screened jumped in just two years from 25,000 to 150,000. 

Now OLSHF screens nearly 200,000 students per year across the state in partnership with Lions volunteers, identifying vision problems early - especially in elementary-aged children.

FAST FACTS – SVS this school year

15 SVS event staff located around the state, 2 SVS full time staff in Portland 

SVS visited 784 schools total 

SVS partners with 161 School Districts, 40 charter schools and 20 private schools

During our 23rd year of screening (2017), OLSHF hit the first million student mark in the Brookings Harbor School District. To reach our 2nd million student mark? Only 7 years!

For every student screened, OLSHF provides their parents with a detailed report highlighting any issues captured in the screening, as well as information on resources like low cost/no cost eye exams and eyeglasses for families in need of financial assistance

17% of children we screen are referred for comprehensive exams. These are children who may otherwise go undiagnosed and struggle in school unnecessarily.

Vision screening for students is critical for identifying potential conditions early. 

Using Spot devices, OLSHF staff and volunteers provide quick and accurate vision screenings. In a matter of seconds, these devices take 13 eye measurements and check for 8 different vision conditions, including amblyopia (reduced vision in one eye), a common visual impairment in children. When caught early, this condition can be treated with noninvasive measures like proper corrective lenses, eye drops, or eye patching. 

A classroom of 30 students receives screenings in under 10 minutes, and OLSHF screenings average 200 students per hour. 

Experts have noticed a significant impact that lingers from school closures and remote learning that can affect children’s vision. Excessive screen time and “delayed vision screenings during the pandemic has created a heap of issues for children’s eyesight.” (Reference - https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/covid19-pandemic-myopia-children-eyes)

In Roseburg, school children are screened every year by SVS. Staff member & Roseburg Lion Dr. Steven Tronnes tells us, “As a Doctor of Optometry with many years of experience, I have seen firsthand the disadvantages students are at when they don't get proper eye care. The School Vision Screening program is a great way to identify problems that the parents and students don't know are the reasons for poor school performance.” 

Image, left to right: Kerith Vance, OLSHF SVS staff; Nicole Hans, MITCH Vice Principal; Jeremiah, 2 millionth student; Karen Pena, parent

About OLSHF 

We are the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF), serving communities statewide. We are driven by a promise made to American author and deaf blind activist Helen Keller. In 1925, at an International Lions Convention, she challenged Lions to focus on preventable sight and hearing issues as their primary mission. Since our formation in 1959, we have endeavored to uphold this promise by creating programs in response to the need for sight and hearing assistance. We have built upon the promise made to Helen Keller by creating a continuum of care for people who lack access to vision and hearing services.

In partnership with the Lions Clubs of Oregon and community organizations, we serve people through critical sight saving surgeries and treatments; manufacturing new eyeglasses; helping people who can’t afford eyeglasses and hearing aids, and creating the largest vision screening program in the US. Our statewide programs serve children to the elderly, giving them much needed access to optical and hearing services. In 2015, we launched the LEAP Optical Finishing Lab that allows OLSHF to manufacture high quality, low cost eyeglasses. Annually, over 2,000 Oregonians receive new eyeglasses built by our lab. 

To donate to the School Vision Screening Program or learn more please visit www.olshf.org or www.facebook.com/olshf. Public support and private funds from family foundations, Lions Clubs, donors and corporate donors help support this program.

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St Helens Lions Club Spring-into-Summer Fundraiser Dinner - Saturday May 24th (Photo) -05/08/25

Oregon: St Helens Lions Club Spring-into-Summer Fundraiser Dinner

DATE:  May 24, 2025 - Saturday

TIME:  5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

TICKETS:  $10 each

LOCATION:  St Helens Moose Lodge
57317 Old Portland Road, Warren, OR
(about 2 miles south of St Helens)

Join us for a special evening to kick-off the summer on Saturday, May 24. Enjoy a dinner of hamburgers, baked beans, and your choice of potato or mac salad for only $10 per person. Meal tickets are available in advance or at the door. There will be raffle tickets available to purchase for prizes.

The funds raised at this event will support St Helens Lions Club projects, including youth scholarships, sight and hearing programs, the local food bank and senior center, and a school backpack program.

Contact Mark Johnson, St Helens Lions Club President, at 503-396-1549 with questions or to obtain tickets.

Attached Media Files: St Helens Lions Club,

76th Annual 4th Of July Pancake Breakfast! (Photo) -05/06/25

Thanks again for helping us KEEP THE PROMISE!

The Lake Oswego Lions Club and VisionEnvoy Club Branch will
host their 76th Annual Pancake Breakfast at George Rogers Park,
611 S State Street, Lake Oswego, on Friday, July 4th, from 7:00
a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This legendary event is part of the 'Keep The
Promise' (KTP) Days series, which celebrates and raises funds
for the Oregon Lions Clubs and the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing
Foundation (OLSHF) as they work together to “KEEP THE
PROMISE” to provide sight and hearing services to those in need.
This promise was made to American author and deaf-blind activist
Helen Keller 100 years ago at an International Lions Convention,
where she challenged Lions to focus on preventable sight and
hearing issues as their primary mission.
It's the “Changing the World WE SERVE" event everybody is
waiting for! This is our Club's biggest, family-friendly fun(d)raising
event of the year! "By being involved in this event as a volunteer,
sponsor, or participant, you support the many philanthropic efforts
of LOLC and our VisionEnvoy Club Branch,” said LO Lions Club
President, Sharon Rollins. Please bring your family and friends
(*Note: Dogs are not allowed on Athletic Fields unless authorized
by the City Parks Director) and celebrate this 76-year tradition
together at George Rogers Park, 611 S State Street in Lake
Oswego, on the 4th of July. Enjoy all the hot coffee, cold milk,
orange juice, and delicious pancakes and sausage you can eat
for only $10 ($7 for children under 12). You'll enjoy the company
of all of your neighbors, including (drum roll, please) Rae Gordon!

This multi-award-winning singer and her band will be serving up
rollicking patriotic selections in a potent stew of gritty blues and
heartfelt soul!

Get the details on how to be a volunteer, sponsor, or participant
and/or make an online donation on our website:
https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/lakeoswegoor/index.php
or contact Lion Bonnie Roeder at: bonnieroeder@comcast.net

About OLSHF & the Lions of Oregon
The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) serves
communities statewide. Since their formation in 1959, they have
created programs in response to the need for sight and hearing
assistance and partnered with medical professionals for
discounted rates. They have built upon the promise made to
Helen Keller by creating a continuum of care for people who lack
access to vision and hearing services. Learn more at
www.olshf.org or www.facebook.com/olshf.

About Lions Clubs International:
Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization
in the world. Our 1.4 million members in more than 46,000 clubs
provide humanitarian service in more than 200 countries and
geographical areas around the globe. Since 1917, Lions clubs
have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth
initiatives, and strengthened communities through hands-on
service and humanitarian projects. For more information about
Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org.

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* https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/parksrec/parks-rules

Attached Media Files: Lions, We Serve,

Portland Hollywood Lions Club Food Drive At Grocery Outlet - Saturday 5/10/25 (Photo) -05/05/25

PORTLAND - On Saturday, May 10th, the Hollywood Lions Club will be running their semi-annual food drive at the
Hollywood Grocery Outlet from 10am to 3pm! They will be accepting non-perishable food items for all including pet foods. All donations will benefit CFPA’S Hollywood Senior Center. Bring used eyeglasses and hearing aids too!

The high cost of food, gas, utilities, medical care and rent continue to plague people in Portland. 1 in 5 residents of Oregon suffer food insecurity. Hunger affects children and families, and especially seniors who can be more isolated than other community members. The CFPA Hollywood Senior Center is a not for profit committed to enriching the lives of adults 55 and older by creating opportunities for social connection, health and wellness, independence and life-long learning. The Hollywood Senior Center is committed to providing services, education, information and recreation for seniors, families and caregivers in Multnomah County and particularly in their Hollywood neighborhood.

Often, seniors keep pets for emotional support and to stave off loneliness. These furry friends suffer from the same food insecurity as their senior friends, so sealed, new pet food will also be welcomed by the Hollywood Lions.

The Hollywood Lions Club, celebrating its 96th anniversary this year, is committed to service in its community and beyond, including a long relationship with the Hollywood Senior Center, with Lions on the HSC Board of Directors and more. The Hollywood Lions know that “where there’s a need, there’s a Lion”.

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Attached Media Files: The Hollywood Lion Delivers Food,