An opticians has helped raise hundreds of pounds for the Manx Blind Welfare Society to assist more than 600 people dealing with serious sight loss on the island.
Specsavers on Strand Street in Douglas sponsored the latest Sporting and Dining Club event with celebrity explorer and author Ranulph Fiennes, at the Royal Hall, Villa Marina.
Attendees to the event dug deep and raised just over ?450 for the charity which helps those suffering from visual impairment on the Isle of Man.
Staff from the store attended and supported the event. The proceeds raised will go towards the costs of the various services the charity provides. As the Manx Blind Welfare Society receives no governmental funding and offers all of its services free of charge, it relies heavily on donations.
The charity organises activities including weekly social group sessions, home visits, a befriending scheme, a weekly audio news service and an audio library designed especially for those with serious sight loss.
Money raised will also go towards giving people the opportunity to try their hand at various fun activities including acoustic shooting, a sport specially designed for those with sight impairments which relies on hearing rather than sight and kayaking lessons.
Debbie Kenyon, volunteers coordinator and events organiser at the Manx Blind Welfare Society, says the donation has provided a real boost for the charity: ‘It was wonderful news to hear that Specsavers had nominated us as their chosen charity for the Sporting and Dining Club as the money raised will really help us to further support those on the island dealing with severe sight loss.
‘The generosity of businesses like Specsavers, as well as the local people, is much needed to continue the services the charity provides at no charge.’
The Sporting and Dining Club is a membership organisation which brings celebrities from the worlds of sport, business, entertainment and politics to speak at events held at locations across the island.
The next event will take place at the Palace Hotel with former international rugby player, manager of England and motivational speaker Martin Johnson.
Adrian Higgins, store director at Specsavers in Douglas, says: ‘These events are a great platform for raising vital funds for charities across the island and we are proud to support them.
‘The Manx Blind Welfare Society work relentlessly to improve the lives of those suffering from sight loss on the island and so Specsavers are proud to be able to support them’.
