Community Corner

Sussex Leos Club Raises Money, Donates to Visually Impaired

The group of teenage volunteers presented an oversized check to the Vision Forward Association in Milwaukee.

Due to , everyone knows about the and the amazing work they do for the community. However, the Sussex Leo Club is no stranger to community involvement either. 

Almost like a junior-Lions Club, the Leos are a group of more than 70 area students between the ages of 12 and 18. Each dollar they raise goes back into the community with their most recent donation of $350 going to the Vision Forward Association

As a Milwaukee-based organization serving all of southeastern Wisconsin, Vision Forward offers services to blind or visually impaired people of all ages. Vanessa Nerbun, the organization's resource development manager, says there's an estimated 60,000 people living with vision loss or blindness in Southeastern Wisconsin.

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"Visually impaired people can do many remarkable things," Nerbun said. "We want people to know people suffering from vision loss can have a very full and productive life."

"The club gave almost $3,000 to various community organizations... Every dollar they raise goes back into the community."

The Leos printed out an over sized check and surprised Nerbun with a donation. 

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Ron Buschke, a Sussex Lion and the Leos advisor, said the Leos are sponsored by the Lions club, and kids in the club are all about servicing the community.

"This is probably the largest Leo club in the state," Buschke said. "The club gave almost $3,000 to various community organizations, and they raise that money by doing things like water and popcorn sales at Lions Daze. Every dollar they raise goes back into the community."

Buschke said the group is always looking for new members, and anyone between the ages of 12 and 18 can join. The group meets once a month but contribute and volunteer year round. 


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