JCI Portsmouth are proud to be supporting a new nationwide community event this summer.

Here's a message from Katie Ogley, JCI UK Community Director 2014.

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In 2014 JCI UK are proud to be supporting Flamingo Creative and contributing to the Shade Aid appeal.

As we come closer to summer and many of us prepare to head to sunny Malta for European Conference, a pair of sunglasses (or 2!) will be considered mandatory, and not something we give a second thought to being able to buy.

Unfortunately, for some people who need them most, this isn't the case.  By the time the average child in Africa reaches 18 years of age, they will have reached 80% of their lifetime exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun, which leads to various eye disorders, including loss of vision.  Buying sunglasses to prevent this might sound obvious, but sunglasses can cost as much as a year’s salary for people in Africa. We will be collecting sunglasses to try and prevent this, which will be distributed via Vision Aid Overseas.  Did you know that 68% of people in the UK no longer wear last year's shades?  If you're one of them, dig them out and lets re-gift them to someone who really needs them.  It could literally change their lives and save their vision. SPF rated sunglasses are preferred and we will also be collecting prescription glasses to put to good use as well!  Any sub-standard glasses will be recycled to raise funds for preventable blindness projects.

JCI UK has set an ambitious target of 800 pairs of glasses!  We need your help to achieve this!  Dig through you drawers and get your friends, family and colleagues involved.  The closing date for collections is 31 July 2014.  As with the amazingly successful bra campaign in 2013, there will be a certificate for the Chamber who collects the most glasses and also for the individual who collects the most.

Large collections can be arranged (I do love a good road trip!), or there are drop off points across the UK listed on the Shade Aid website www.shadeaid.org.uk.  If you are going to make donations to the drop off points, please ensure you notify us so we can include your donation in our total.

If there are any questions, or there is anything you need to help you with the appeal, please let me know.

Katie Ogley
JCI UK Community Director 2014

katie.ogley@jciuk.org.uk