If you’d like to be part of Vision Awareness Week 2017 make sure you don’t miss Bright for Sight Day on Friday 15th September.
Manx Blind Welfare Society is encouraging people to wear colourful clothing on that day to raise awareness of visual impairment and raise funds for the Society, which provides a range of vital free services to people with total and partial sight loss.
As part of Bright for Sight Day there will be a coffee morning organised by the Isle of Man Fund for the Blind and a Zumba Night, with both events being held at Corrin Court, Onchan.
Manx Blind Welfare Society Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘Bright for Sight Day is a fun way of raising awareness of how we can, as a community, better understand what it means to be blind or visually impaired, and ensure everyone has the opportunity and independence to live their life as they choose.
‘Each year we’re really grateful to everyone who gets involved, dressing up, baking colourful cakes to share at work or finding other ways to join in the fun. Through Bright for Sight Day we hope to not only improve awareness of the issues faced by the visually impaired in the Island, but also to help people understand the importance of looking after their own eye health, which is the main message of Vision Awareness Week this year.’
She added: ‘The day is also an opportunity to raise funds for the Society, so we can continue our vital work with visually impaired people in the Isle of Man. There are many ways you could help raise funds, perhaps making Bright for Sight Day a dress down day in your workplace and asking for donations or holding a cake sale. It’s up to you how you get involved; just make sure it’s bright!’
Bright for Sight Day is one of the highlights of Vision Awareness Week, which runs from 11th to 17th September.
The popular walk along Douglas promenade, Step Out for Sight, returns on Sunday 17th September. To celebrate the return of Vision Awareness Week, there is also a Ceilidh in the Park on Friday 8th September, featuring music from Tarroo Marroo Ceili Band. Tickets for the event, which will be held in Onchan Park Marquee from 7.30pm, cost ?15, which includes a chilli supper, and can be purchased by calling 674727. There will also be a raffle and a licensed bar will be available.
Vision Awareness Week 2017 will be highlighting eye health, particularly the dangers of smoking, and raising awareness of the issues faced by the hundreds of visually impaired people living in the Isle of Man.
Manx Blind Welfare Society provides vital services for more than 600 people with serious sight loss on the Isle of Man and during Vision Awareness Week the charity will also be publicising the work they do alongside other charities, societies and agencies with blind and visually impaired people.
To find out more about Step Out for Sight and Vision Awareness Week 2017 please visit www.mbws.org.im/vision-awareness-week.
