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News Release

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,

Lions Launch "Earth Action Days" – A Call To Serve And Sustain -04/18/25

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lions Clubs of Oregon
Carrie Bartley, District Governor
541-391-0767
 
Statewide, OR — April 17, 2025 — Lions Clubs across the United States are stepping up for the planet during Lions Earth Action Days, a 10-day initiative from April 18 to 27 dedicated to environmental service and community sustainability.
From tree plantings and park cleanups to recycling drives and pollinator garden builds, Lions are mobilizing volunteers of all ages to protect our shared home. The goal? Make a visible, lasting difference — one project, one community at a time.
"Earth Action Days are about rolling up our sleeves and putting our values into motion," said Carrie Bartley, a member of the Milwaukie Lions Club and District Governor for the Lions of 36-O. "It’s service with impact, rooted in hope."
Below is a sampling of some of the projects happening here in Oregon:
EARTH DAY EVENT
DATE: Saturday, April 26
TIME: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
TITLE: Spring Clean Up 
LOCATION: Columbia City School, Columbia City
DROP SITE: for appliances, scrap metal, yard debris, car batteries, old furniture, tires, unwanted items
COLLECTION SITE: for eyeglasses, hearing aids, sneakers, hiking shoes, non-metal cleats (clean, like-new or gently-used)
COST: Donations appreciated
 
ENVIRONMENT CLEAN UP PROJECT
DATE: Saturday, April 26
TIME: 8:00 am to 10:00 am
TITLE: Trash Pick Up 
LOCATION:  Columbia City and Hwy 30
WHO:  St Helens Lions Club members and friends
WHAT: We will be picking up trash along Hwy 30 and residential streets 
 
Please contact Lion Sharon Fraser (sharonaltafraser@gmail.com) or Lion Kathy Syrstad (syrstadk@gmail.com) if you have any questions.
 
 
 
EARTH DAY EVENT   
DATE: Saturday, April 26
TIME: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
TITLE: Tree Give Away- free seedlings
LOCATION: Roy Raley Park, Pendleton
WHO: Stewards of the Umatilla River Environment
 
ENVIRONMENT CLEAN UP PROJECT
DATE: Saturday, April 26
TIME: 9:00 am start time
TITLE: Trash Pick Up 
LOCATION: Roy Raley Park, Pendleton
WHO: Stewards of the Umatilla River Environment, Pendleton Lions Club members and friends
WHAT: river clean-up, supplies provided, families welcome 
 
Contacts: Kathryn B. Brown, S.U.R.E. Organizer, Stewards of the Umatilla River Environment, 541-215-0776
 
Lion Risa Riggins, don1998risa@yahoo.com
 
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The McMinnville High School Leos club is partnering with the Environmental Club and Leadership club volunteering to help clean up the beach. In conjunction with SOLV a group of high school students will join hundreds of others to collect and clean up a portion of the Oregon coastline on Saturday April 19th.  https://volunteer.solveoregon.org/
In an ongoing community service project, the McMinnville Lions collect used durable medical devices from individuals and businesses. The club cleans and repairs them if needed and then gives them to people that need those specific items. This project keeps thousands of good usable items from being sent to the landfill or scrap yards and helps individuals in need. In the last year the project has given devices to more than 2200 people in the community.
Contact Lion Brian Sauer for more details at briansauer52@gmail.com
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The Lake Oswego Lions Club youth branch, Vision Envoy, facilitates a new environmental volunteer project in which youth and adults sign up together for trail work events through the Forest Park Conservancy. The goal of the project is to accomplish meaningful conservation and trail management work.  The group will be participating in an Ivy Clean-up at the Lower Holman Trailhead on April 19, 9am to 12pm.  Equipment will be provided. 
Event Team Leader: August Walrod, augustwalrod@gmail.com
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Milwaukie Lions Club members will be participating in Earth Day 2025Saturday, April 26, 2025 - 9:30am to 12:30pmat Dogwood Park11299 SE Main StMilwaukie, OR 97222.
In celebration of Earth Daythe city, in partnership with the Historic Milwaukie Neighborhood District Association (NDA), Rotary Club of Milwaukie, the Milwaukie Parks Foundation, and other community partners, is hosting a volunteer event in downtown Milwaukie. Prior to the start of the volunteer work, Milwaukie will receive an official designation as a Bee City USA for its work to protect pollinators and promote healthy habitats. An historical moment that you won't want to miss! The event will also include a station to decorate pollinator wings, numerous organizations with information tables, music, and spring weather so come join in the fun!
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Lions Clubs throughout Oregon collect used eyeglasses, hearing aids and cell phones year-around to recycle and repurpose. The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) provides eyeglass collection boxes that are set up at vision providers, pharmacies, retirement homes, and stores throughout Oregon. Lions Club volunteers gather and transport those donations to our warehouse in NW Portland.  OLSHF manages one of 18 LERCs worldwide, collecting over 100,000 eyeglasses every year in Oregon.
Since 2002, OLSHF has partnered with Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF) in Wilsonville, OR to process the eyeglass donations. At CCCF, 30 women adults in custody (who have been accepted into the Paraoptometric Training and Eyeglass Recycling Program) clean, calibrate, repair and sort the eyeglasses. The glasses are then categorized and stored back at the warehouse in NW Portland, ready for sight missions.
Numerous organizations request specific inventories of “mission ready” eyeglasses from our warehouse for their trips. We distribute thousands of donated eyeglasses each year to sight missions all over the globe including Vietnam, Mexico, Australia, Africa and many other underserved areas of our world.  https://olshf.org/lerc
A list of collection sites statewide can be found here:  https://olshf.org/donate-glasses
 
Want to get involved by helping or becoming a Lion?  Find your nearest Lions Club at:
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About Lions Clubs International
With 1.4 million members in over 200 countries, Lions Clubs International is the largest service organization in the world — dedicated to improving lives through vision care, disaster relief, hunger initiatives, youth programs, and now more than ever, environmental action.