Norm Jaques
Special to The Morning Star
Armstrong Lions Betty Koutnik and Linda Werner have recently returned from a trip to El Salvador in Central America.
They left Armstrong Sept. 12 and returned Sept. 23. The Lions were invited to join with a group from Bellingham that is coordinated with the Peace Health Group to go and dispense glasses to the poor.
In two and a half days the group was able to help 300 people who were unable to afford glasses. In the group were two optometrists, eight Lions, and three friends of Lions who went and made a difference in the lives of the people from Estanzuelas.
They travelled in a group from Seattle, and once in San Salvador, they travelled by bus to various locations. The nearest hotel was in a town called Berlin, a one-hour road trip on narrow, winding roads.
The people of Estanzuelas were very grateful for the help that they received from this high-energy group.
Back in the capital, they visited the Lions of San Salvador and gave supplies of Braille paper, white canes, and educational supplies for the deaf and the blind children. They toured a school for the blind as well as a school for the deaf. It was wonderful for them to see how the Lions over there are looking after their own. The Lions of San Salvador were very grateful for the help that our group provided. Past president Linda handed out Canadian Lions pins to the Lions who were at their club house.
Lion Linda is the chairperson for the Lions Recycle for Sight and is responsible for the collection of the glasses, and was so proud to be able to see the look on the faces when the people were able to read.
The Armstrong Lions Club would like to thank the many citizens of Armstrong who donate their glasses. Please know that these glasses are put to good use and are gratefully received.
Lions Betty and Linda prove that Lions serve!
Norm Jaques is publicity chair for the Armstrong Lions Club.
