Nearly £18,000 raised by colleagues and stores has funded a new website that will help more people experiencing homelessness access vital eye care
Vision Care is celebrating the launch of its new website after colleagues and stores across Specsavers West Division raised an incredible £17,933 to fund the project.
The appeal exceeded its original £15,000 target through a combination of fundraising events, store donations and the support of Specsavers customers.
It began with a charity barbecue, networking event and golf day, before gaining further momentum through individual donations from stores across the division. An innovative patient survey fundraiser held in October contributed more than £12,000 to the final total.
The new website, now live at visioncarecharity.org.uk, provides an accessible and modern platform through which people experiencing homelessness and referral partners can find information about Vision Care’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.
Vision Care provides free eye care 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 eye care.
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.
“We are incredibly grateful to every colleague, store and customer who contributed. This website is not simply a new look for the charity. It will help people find our services, enable us to recruit more volunteers and supporters, and strengthen our ability to champion the right to sight for people experiencing homelessness.
“The West Division’s support has created something that will benefit Vision Care and the people we serve for many years to come.”
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. Vision Care’s new website will help connect more people with the charity’s services, volunteering opportunities and important work.
“Thank you to everyone who donated, organised an event, completed a survey or encouraged others to get involved. This was a genuine team effort, and it is wonderful to see the difference that effort has made.”
The website was designed and developed by Northern Bear, working closely with staff from across Vision Care to ensure it reflects the charity’s new brand, strategic direction and every area of its work.
The fundraising appeal formed part of the wider Specsavers Homelessness Campaign, which aims to improve access to eye and ear healthcare for people experiencing homelessness through partnerships with organisations including Vision Care.
Vision Care extends its sincere thanks to Specsavers West Division and to every colleague, store and customer who donated, fundraised or supported the appeal.
Their generosity has created a lasting legacy that will help Vision Care expand its reach and continue championing the right to sight for people experiencing homelessness.
The charity hopes the West Division’s achievement will also inspire other businesses, community groups and individuals to explore how they can fundraise, volunteer or partner with Vision Care.
