South Ayrshire Council News

Staff from South Ayrshire Council will be digging deep into their pockets on Friday 14 December 2007 to support Sightsavers International, an organisation that helps people to combat blindness.

Sightsavers International works to combat blindness in developing countries, restoring sight through specialist treatment and eye care. It also supports people those living in poverty in some of the world's poorest countries who are irreversibly blind by providing education, counselling and training.

All donations collected will be put to good use:

• 5P could pay for a course of antibiotic ointment to treat infection from trachoma
• £5 could pay for trichiasis surgery to stop advanced trachoma from blinding someone permanently
• £17 could restore sight to an adult with a cataract
• Sightsavers International last year treated over 14.2 million people for potentially blinding conditions and restored sight to 233,203 people. .

Councillor Nan McFarlane, supported by Graham Peterkin the Acting Chief Executive, Councillors and staff is championing the cause of combating blindness. Councillor McFarlane said: “Many Council staff are involved in a range of fundraising initiatives for many worthy causes and this initiative is just another example of their generosity and giving something back to others.

“On Friday 14 December staff across the Council will be taking part in ’50 Pence Friday’ and any member of staff who wishes to will be able to donate 50p, or more, to help others less fortunate than themselves.

“It is amazing to think that by their generosity staff will be helping others across the globe to either see again or provide support for those whose sight cannot be restored. It is important to provide treatment for those who need it and assist with the rehabilitation of others who are irreversible blind.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the ’50 Pence Friday’ collection on 14 December 2007 can check at their local Council office to see if there is a collection bucket, or drop into the Council’s headquarters where there will be a bucket at the reception area.

Further information can be found about Sightsavers International by logging on to their website at www.sightsavers.org