Fundraisers support charity project
Golf day fundraiser
The charity Vision Care is celebrating the launch of its new website after Specsavers West Division practice staff helped raise £17,933 to fund the project.
The appeal exceeded its original £15,000 target through fundraising events, including a BBQ and golf day, practice donations and a patient survey fundraiser, which contributed more than £12,000 to the final total.
The new website provides an accessible and modern platform through which people experiencing homelessness and referral partners can find information about the charity’s services. It will also help the charity recruit volunteers, connect with supporters and partners, promote fundraising opportunities and share the impact of its work across the UK.
Formerly known as Vision Care for Homeless People, Vision Care provides free eyecare to people experiencing homelessness through clinics delivered with the support of volunteer optometrists, dispensing opticians and other optical professionals. The charity also works through advocacy, sector engagement and partnerships to remove the barriers that prevent people experiencing homelessness from accessing eyecare.
Hannah Telfer, chief executive of Vision Care, said: “When I first spoke at a Specsavers event about the different ways colleagues could support Vision Care, one person in particular was determined that the West Division was going to do something significant. What began as a conversation at an event ultimately became nearly £18,000 and a fantastic new website for Vision Care. It is a brilliant example of the difference one person can make by backing an idea, refusing to let it disappear and bringing other people with them.”
Terri Avery, regional relationship manager at Specsavers, said: “We are incredibly proud of what colleagues and stores across the West Division have achieved together. We set ourselves an ambitious target, and the response from teams and customers across the division was fantastic. Knowing that the money has funded something so practical and lasting makes the achievement even more special.”