is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving communities across North Carolina through charitable programs and initiatives that reflect the values and mission of Lions Clubs. Our Work
Services and Programs for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Camp Dogwood for the Blind
Camp Dogwood is a recreational facility, serving the blind and visually impaired citizens of cities and towns across North Carolina. It offers the blind and visually impaired persons an environment that is uniquely designed for their needs in an upscale dormitory campus setting. Located on the shores of Lake Norman some of the favorite activities are boating, swimming, fishing, skiing, and tubing. Support and Mobility Canes
Support and Mobility Canes are available free of charge to any blind or visually impaired person in North Carolina. The 1949 Legislature established the “White Cane Law”. This bill prohibited the use of a white cane by any but a visually handicapped person and gave to such persons the right of way at road, street, or highway crossings when they extended the cane at arm’s length while crossing or were accompanied by a guide dog. This became effective on January 1, 1950. Educational Grants
Educational grants for sighted children of visually impaired parents are available to support their quest for higher education. VIP Fishing Tournament
Annual grants are provided to the North Carolina Lions VIP Fishing Tournament that attracts over 500 blind and visually impaired people, along with their guests, ages 12 to 91 to the Outer Banks. The tournament which draws people from 77 counties is the largest gathering of blind and visually impaired people in North Carolina. Services and Programs for the prevention of loss of sight
See the 21st Century Mobile Screening Unit
Local Lions Clubs work with NC Lions, Inc. to provide free vision and hearing screenings in communities across the state. funded the purchase of the Mobile Screening Unit that is scheduled by Lions Clubs throughout the state. Through the early detection of vision problems and education of our citizens we hope eliminate the loss of vision. Clinical Eye Research
Eye Research provides hope for improved treatments and ultimately cures for vision loss. NC Lions provide for clinical research at the major universities in our state. These include Wake Forest University Eye Center, NC Lions Pediatric Eye Care Center at Duke University and NC Diabetic Eye Care Center at UNC Chapel Hill. Services and Programs for aid to our citizens
Matching Grants
Local Lions Clubs provide help for people in financial need in their local communities with the cost of purchasing glasses, exams and surgeries. NC lions, Inc. provide matching grants for this important community based service.
