NCBI launches a new national World Sight Day campaign 2019

L-R Madeline McNamara Vision Ireland service user, Volunteers of Vision Ireland shop Celbridge, Chris White CEO, Laura Meehan Shop manager and Darren Reid Service user

7th October 2019, The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) is delighted to launch its inaugural World Sight Day on Thursday 10th October. This international annual day focuses global attention on blindness and vision impairment and calls for the development of services and inclusion for people who are blind and partially sighted.  Information on the World Sight Day goals are available online at www.worldsightday.ie

At the launch of the campaign in one of NCBI’s 115 shops in Celbridge this morning, Chris White, NCBI CEO said “Today is about raising awareness of the work NCBI does for people with sight loss, as well as highlighting issues around sight loss for the wider community. We have various events going on this week throughout the country to mark this day, so there are plenty of ways people can get involved and we hope to make this a flag day for NCBI for many years to come. We would like to thank Bayer Ireland for their support for this project”

Getting involved in World Sight Day is easy.

  • #SilverSelfies – NCBI is asking people aged over 55 years to take a selfie with the person in your life who is a sight for sore eyes and share their Silver Selfies. It can be a friend; a loved one or even a furry friend. Whoever it is that brightens up your day!
  • Sell raffle tickets to win fantastic prizes including a family holiday to Fota Wildlife Park and Fota Island Resort, a family holiday in Trabolgan Co.Cork and annual Leopardstown Racecourse membership. All ticket sellers will be entered into a separate draw for a luxury hotel stay! The raffle will generate much needed support so that we can ensure that our services remain both top class and free to all who require access.
  • Come along to any of our 115 shops who are hosting a range of mini activities such as coffee mornings, DJ events etc to celebrate the day.
  • Pledge a donation online or through our shops to make a quick and meaningful impact on the lives of those who are blind or visually impaired.

Brian McGurran, NCBI service user said “When I lost my sight at age 30 over a three week duration, I lost everything – my business, my car, my sense of purpose etc. I struggled with adapting to my new world and with the help of NCBI I regained my independence and found a new lease of life. Connecting with them was the best decision I ever made.”

 

For more on World Sight Day and information about events near you log onto Worldsightday.ie

L-R Madeline McNamara NCBI service user, CEO of NCBI Chris White, Laura Meehan Celbridge shop manager, Darren Reid NCBI Service user L-R Madeline McNamara NCBI service user, Volunteers of NCBI shop Celbridge, Chris White CEO, Laura Meehan Shop manager and Darren Reid Service user