To run a community eye clinic for one week

In 2023 we went as part of a specialist opthalmic medical team that works with the Footprints Foundation (thefootprintsfoundation.co.uk) providing a week of medical and community aid to 3 township projects situated in Lehae, about 50km south of Johannesburg.

Eye exams, diagnosis, treatment and support was provided to the local community, both children and adults, by top opthalmic practitioners from the UK. We carried initial eye screening tests, triage work and ensured those with complicated eye issues were seen by the right specialists on our team. In between those sessions we ran a clothing and bra shop!

Equally importantly, we supported the soup kitchens in the community. The monies raised ensure the children in the communities get one hot meal (sometimes their only meal) every day, all year round - £5 can feed 20 people. Our aim is to support through volunteering and hands on help as well as providing financial support to the community all year round to provide food, medical aid and support.

Every single item donated to us was checked and labelled, packed up, taken on our flight, unpacked and distributed directly to the people of Lehae. We told them it was a gift from friends in England to friends in South Africa. We are going back again this October to keep up the support that this community so desperately needs. So if you have any old spectacles, bras (particularly sports bras) sunglasses and/or a couple of pounds you could donate, we can assure you it will go directly into the hands and hearts of an amazingly resilient community who will greatly appreciate your kindness.

Thank you, Cinty, Carmel, Paul