A cheque for ?1,000 has been presented to Manx Blind Welfare Society by investment business AXA Isle of Man.
Managing Director Mike Foy made the presentation during a training session held by the Society at AXA’s offices in Walpole Avenue, Douglas.
Members of MBWS were giving AXA staff Visual Impairment Awareness training, which explains the challenges faced by visually impaired people on a daily basis and ways those challenges can be managed or overcome with the services of the Society of other organisations, the use of specialised equipment and the support of the public.
The training session also touched on Guided Walking, the method used by sighted people to escort blind and visually impaired people. This training will allow AXA employees to confidently and safely assist visually impaired colleagues and clients at work, as well as people they meet outside work.
Manx Blind Welfare Society Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘We were very pleased to be invited to give Visual Impairment Awareness training to AXA employees. It is a free service we offer which helps organisations understand better what it means to be blind or visually impaired, what services and support are available to help people with those challenges and what the Isle of Man community can do to help.
‘The training gives staff life skills which can be utilised in the workplace, to enhance the experience of clients and colleagues, as well as in everyday life.
‘It was a wonderful surprise to be presented with ?1,000 by Mike. It is a significant contribution to the Society and will help enable us to continue offering support and services to blind and visually impaired people across the Island for free. We work with people of all ages and a range of visual impairments, helping them to live as independently as they choose. Donations like this kind contribution from AXA make it possible for us to continue and enhance the services we offer.’
Mr Foy added: ‘Manx Blind Welfare Society has an important role in Island life, and I’m pleased we are able to receive their advice and training to help us be better prepared to interact with blind and visually impaired people.
‘This donation is part of our ongoing support for the Society, and we will continue to work closely with them to find others ways we can support their work and utilise their expertise for the benefit of our staff and customers.’
To find out more about the work of Manx Blind Welfare Society visit www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety.
Photo - (from left) AXA Isle of Man Managing Director Mike Foy, Manx Blind Welfare Society Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson, MBWS Resource Officer Dave Wilson and Society member Angela Bridson.
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