2014 AGM: Our future is bright!

Written by Admin, published on July 8, 2014 Donate Today
Executive Director Brian Foster presents Kare with a certificate of appreciation.

More than 60 donors, board members, staff and friends of Operation Eyesight gathered at the Devonian Gardens in Calgary, Canada on June 25 for our Annual General Meeting. It was a terrific evening filled with insightful stories and updates, celebration, laughter and good company.

Kare, a grade five student from Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, kicked off the evening with a short presentation. She told us about how, to celebrate her ninth birthday last year, she asked for donations to Operation Eyesight instead of presents. We’re so thankful for her contribution!

Dan Parlow, outgoing Chair of the Board of Directors, facilitated the board meeting portion of the evening. Dan, who served as Chair from 2012 – 2014, announced Rob Ohlson, former Vice-Chair, as his successor. We thank Dan for his leadership and contribution and wish Rob the best of luck in his new role!

We were delighted to have Brian Lee, Certified Speaking Professional and CEO of Custom Learning Systems Group, as our guest speaker. Brian volunteered to visit our international staff in India and Ghana last winter. He shared highlights and photos from his trip, giving us the opportunity to learn more about Operation Eyesight’s work through the eyes of a donor.

We were especially pleased to have three of Art Jenkyns’ children, Bill, Arleigh and Linda, join us for the occasion. Art founded Operation Eyesight in 1963 here in Calgary, and the Jenkyns family is still deeply involved with Operation Eyesight. We’re grateful for their ongoing support!

We’re also appreciative of our generous sponsors, who covered the entire cost of the event:

  • Active Accounting;
  • CIBC;
  • Collis Insurance;
  • The DATA Group;
  • Davis LLP;
  • Greg McKernan Graphic Design;
  • Mark Staffing;
  • MNP LLP;
  • Renfrew Insurance;
  • SerVantage;
  • and Sure Systems.

Other supporters from across Canada and other countries weren’t able to be there for the event, so we’d like to express our deep gratitude to them for supporting us for over half a century. Now, 51 years since its inception, Operation Eyesight is more vibrant and effective than ever. We have brought hope and sight to millions of people in developing countries, and it is all because of you!

Thanks to our wonderful donors and supporters, the future is bright – for those who have had their sight restored and for Operation Eyesight as an organization. With your unwavering support, we journey into the next 50 years with confidence and great anticipation – for all the world to see!

For donor stories, international updates and financials, read our 2013 Report to Donors.

Photos by Mona Soyland.

From left to right: Members of the Jenkyns family (Bill Jenkyns, Arleigh Sipos and Linda Jenkyns) with guest speaker Brian Lee.
Four of our wonderful volunteers are recognized with a small token of our appreciation. From left to right: Lisa, Sylvia, Dolly and Mona.
From left to right: Six of our Canada Board of Directors (John Masters, Lorie Gibson, Dan Parlow, Doreen Richards, Rob Ohlson and Sophia Langlois) with Executive Director Brian Foster.