Charity pledge to mark 50th anniversary

L-R: Martin Allen, Peter Reeve, Saskia and Hans Stepper of Stepper Eyewear

Stepper Eyewear is marking its 50th anniversary in 2020 with a donation to the charity, Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP).

Founded in 1970, Stepper will underwrite the costs of running the charity’s Manchester clinic, in a city with one of the highest homelessness problems in the UK.

Peter Reeve, managing director of the Kent-based company, explained: “We have been aware of the charity for many years and last year at the ABDO student games, we sponsored the sack race which was a lot of fun. It set us thinking about what else we could do. We receive a lot of requests for various sponsorships but we have decided to put our charitable giving in one direction, where it can make a real difference for the year ahead.”

Elaine Styles, VCHP chair, commented: “This donation of over £7,000 will make a tangible difference for many people in the north-west. Manchester, a city of 600,000 people, has a street sleeper problem which is second only to London. Our Monday clinic at the Cornerstone Day centre attracts patients from a very broad radius and word has got around that we are in the city, and provide a great service.

“Our qualified volunteer network, not just in Manchester, but at all of our clinics is the backbone of our service,” Elaine continued.” We are hugely grateful to those who are able to give up a few hours each month to help in their local area – our work can be truly transforming for some vulnerable lives. Being able to see well can be the much needed first step to removing the barriers and helping to re-build lives.”