STEPPER EYEWEAR has generously pledged to support VCHP again – marking the fifth year of engagement with the charity. This year’s £11,000 donation will be used towards the running costs of the Birmingham clinic, which runs every Monday at SIFA Fireside.
Supporting people who are experiencing homelessness, the charity was delighted to welcome Peter Reeve, UK Managing Director of STEPPER EYEWEAR. He spent the morning with the local VCHP team, including clinic manager Claire Weir, clinic assistant Akhila Vijayan, optometrist Sunita Chauhan plus Alison Gordon, VCHP Community and Corporate Fundraiser.
STEPPER’s longstanding support for VCHP – with £43,000 donated in total during the past five years – has brought Peter to spend time talking to the volunteers and finding out more about the regional clinics. These discussions have brought additional donations of frames and sunglasses and suggestions for much needed equipment suppliers.
Peter Reeve, Managing Director of the Kent-based company explained –
‘We are delighted to have the opportunity to support the vital work VCHP does. That we can help in providing eyecare for the vulnerable in the Birmingham community aligns with our belief that frames are primarily a medical device and quality eyecare should be available to all.’
Elaine Styles, Chair of Vision Care for Homeless People praised the support –
“This donation will make a tangible difference for many people in Birmingham. Our clinic attracts patients from a very broad radius and word has got around that we are in the city and provide a great service. Our qualified volunteer network at all of our clinics is the backbone of our service. We are hugely grateful to those who are able to give up a few hours each month to help in their local area – our work can be truly transforming for some vulnerable lives. Being able to see well can be the much needed first step to removing the barriers and helping to re-build lives.”
Picture shows, left to right: Alison Gordon, VCHP; Peter Reeve, STEPPER; Claire Weir, VCHP, and Akhila Vijayan, VCHP.
Companies interested in supporting VCHP are encouraged to contact Alison Gordon, VCHP Community and Corporate Fundraiser – alison.gordon@vchp.org.uk.
