Recylce For Sight Project

In 2010 they held their first Recycle for Sight Project.

The aim of the project was to provide an avenue for the public to dispose of unwanted goods in an environmentally friendly manner.

“As Lions are well known for the work they do for the visually impaired, it made sense to link the two projects,” said Benoni Lions Club club member Beaulieu Maré.

The recycling events took place once a year in June, to coincide with Helen Keller Day, but, as awareness grew, so did popular demand and the collections are now being held on a more regular basis.

“We have found that people are very grateful to have somewhere to dispose of their old, broken and unwanted goods.

“Partnering with Lakeside Mall has resulted in an increased public awareness and we have been able to extend the collections over a longer period of time,” Maré added.

During the collection held in 2013, 1.7 tons of E-waste was brought in, and the collection in January 2014 brought in 3.4 tons.

E-Waste is anything electronic and includes items such as computers, printers, cables, kettles, microwaves, etc.

Desco Electronic Recyclers provide a high quality service for the disposal of electronic waste, and ensure that the service is conducted in an environmentally friendly manner.

All processes involved during the disposal conform to and comply with all relevant lignifications, as enforced by the recognised authorities, local and international.

“All though the project is aimed at protecting the environment, we have managed to raise funds at the same time and all funds from the project are used towards cataract surgeries,” said Maré.

Member’s of the public are also encouraged to donate spectacles.

The Lions Operation Brightsight has been in operation since 1978 and provides corrective spectacles to visually impaired member’s of the public who cannot afford spectacles.

Thousands of people throughout South Africa have been assisted through this Lions project.

The organisation receives used eyeglasses from the public, as well as donations of new frames from optometrists.

The lenses are removed and the frames are sorted and cleaned thoroughly, and are then fitted with new prescription lenses according to patients needs.

Lions Operation Brightsight is based in Benoni and, through a grant received from the Lions Club International Foundation, has recently extended its operations to include a fully equipped clinic, where an optometrist does eye testing.

For more information on the Recycle for Sight Project, or Lions Club International, contact Beaulieu Maré on 082 971 5472.