Supporters gather in Cambridge to launch See the Way Appeal

CBM brought a taste of Africa to the Storey’s Field Centre in Eddington yesterday evening, at an evening reception to celebrate the launch of our See the Way appeal. Volunteers, supporters and representatives of local businesses enjoyed East African food and drumming, while learning about CBM’s new appeal to help people with sight problems in the world’s poorest places to See the Way to a brighter future.

CBM’s Head of Philanthropy Dave Taylor said, “We’re delighted to welcome existing and new supporters to join us this evening in celebrating the launch of the See the Way appeal. We’re hoping that people will go away inspired to do whatever they can to support the appeal, for example by donating n, spreading the word to their friends and contacts, or organising their own fundraising events. It’s such an exciting opportunity, as government match-funding means that every donation will have twice the impact to restore sight and transform lives in the world’s poorest places.”

Attendees at the reception included Lily Bacon, Deputy Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire and Executive Vice-President of Cambridge technology company RealVNC. She said, “It’s been great to find out more about the work of CBM and their See the Way appeal to help people with sight problems in the world’s poorest places. Hearing the stories of people who are blind due to cataracts and struggling to get treatment has really brought it to life for me. It’s been an inspiring evening.”

Representatives of several Cambridgeshire businesses who have pledged their support for the appeal also attended. David Arnott, Practice Manager from Clamp Optometrists, said, “Because we’re an opticians, we know how important eye health is to people’s lives. But you get caught up in your own little world – our world in Cambridge. So it’s been amazing to hear how small amounts of money can make a big difference in other places, like getting people the transport to get their cataracts done. Or setting up satellite clinics, making it easier for people to not become blind because of cataracts. So it’s just a no-brainer to help raise money.”

Speakers at the event included Kirsty Smith, Chief Executive of CBM UK, and Dr Babar Qureshi, CBM International Director for Inclusive Eye Health.  

CBM’s See the Way appeal is raising funds to improve access to sight-saving surgery, glasses and support in the world’s poorest places, enabling people to attend school, read and write, get around safely and support themselves and their families.

Until 14th May 2019, the UK government will double all public donations to the See the Way appeal up to £2 million. Public donations will support CBM’s work preventing blindness and transforming lives wherever the need is greatest. Match funding from the UK government will improve access to sight-saving eye-health services in Rwanda, East Africa.