Wear your shades and make a difference to visually impaired people this Wear Your Shades Day
The South African (SA) Guide-Dogs Association is thrilled to announce the launch of its second annual Wear Your Shades Day campaign. Their mission is to transform the lives of 800 visually impaired people with the help of those that buy stickers and wear their shades on the day.
On October 18, the South African (SA) Guide Dogs Association for the Blind invites South Africans to wear their coolest sunglasses in a vibrant display of support for individuals with visual impairments, for Wear Your Shades Day.
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This special event aims to raise awareness about eye health and the importance of protecting our eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
“By purchasing an R20 sticker, you’ll not only showcase your stylish shades but also contribute directly to a noble cause. The funds raised will aid in transforming the lives of visually impaired individuals through essential programs, including the provision of guide dogs, white cane training, and skills for daily living.
“Every year, our mission is to transform the lives of approximately 800 individuals by providing them with assistance dogs and long cane training,” says Pieter Van Niekerk, spokesperson for the SA Guide-Dogs Association.
Van Niekerk, who is visually impaired himself and a proud guide dog owner, explains that Wear Your Shades Day is a powerful way for the public to get involved and support their ongoing efforts to make a real difference in the lives of those living with disabilities.
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Every sticker sold serves as a beacon of hope and support for those who rely on these vital services. You can show your support at various participating stores, including Falco Milano, Pet World, Big Blue, and BUCO nationwide.
“Globally, at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment, and in at least 1 billion of these cases, these could have been prevented through measures such as wearing sunglasses to protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Wear Your Shades Day emphasises the importance of sunglasses not just for protecting eye health, but also for helping visually impaired individuals feel more integrated and confident,” added Van Niekerk.
Funds raised from the campaign will directly support the SA Guide-Dogs Association’s programmes, including the breeding, raising, and training of assistance dogs for the visually impaired, physically disabled, and children on the autism spectrum, as well as providing orientation and mobility services.
To stand a chance to win amazing prizes, post your picture wearing your sticker and shades on all the social media platforms and tag: @sa_guide_dogs, using the hashtags: #shadesday #shareyourshine.
Schools and organisations looking to make a larger impact can place bulk orders by emailing: Melanie at melanieN@guidedog.org.za.
For more information or to get involved, visit Guidedog.org.za, or contact them at info@guidedog.org.za.
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