If your ears were ringing on June 23, it was probably because we were talking about you, our incredible donors, all evening at our “Halfway to Christmas Party” and Annual General Meeting. (And if you were in Calgary, it may have been because you could hear the Christmas handbells a-ringing.)
Thank you to everyone who joined us on a warm summer’s evening for presentations, celebration and, of course, turkey dinner. Nearly 100 donors, volunteers, staff and friends of Operation Eyesight were in attendance – and our many supporters from across the globe were with us in spirit – as we celebrated the amazing work made possible by all of our donors in 2015. (Read our Report to Donors for 2015 highlights.)
We’re especially grateful for our generous sponsors who made our “Halfway to Christmas Party” possible:
Active Accounting;
Data Communications Management;
EBI Group Benefits Inc.;
Greg McKernan Graphic Design;
ICICI Bank of India;
Marketwired;
MNP LLP;
Servantage;
Sure Systems;
Topline Printing;
Western Union Business Solutions; and
Two anonymous Santa Clauses.
The evening kicked off with entertainment from the Vintage Bronze Handbells group from the First Baptist Church of Calgary, where Operation Eyesight was founded 53 years ago. We were very lucky to have members of the church join us, many of whom worked or volunteered for Operation Eyesight during the early days. Thank you for helping us spread some Christmas cheer!
We were honoured to have the children of Art and Una Jenkyns with us to celebrate the sight-saving work that Art began in 1963. Art and Una are fondly remembered by us all, and their legacies will live on for generations to come. From left to right: Tom, Linda, Arleigh and Bill.
What a great looking bunch! We’re so thankful for our volunteer board directors who provide strategic direction for our organization and help us fulfill our mission and vision. From left to right: Dan Parlow, Ray Mowling, Doreen Richards, Lorie Gibson, Dr. Mary Alton Mackey and Rob Ohlson.
Thank you and merry Christmas, from all of us at Operation Eyesight! This year, we were lucky to have Kashinath Bhoosnurmath (far left) with us in person. Kash is our Global Director of Programmes, based out of Hyderabad, India. We all enjoyed his special presentation on Vision Centre-Based Community Eye Care.
For those of you who haven’t met me (Brian Foster) in person, I’m a bit of a hugger. I’m sending virtual hugs out to all of our donors!
We would like to thank all of our friends and supporters – in Canada and across the world – for making every day feel like Christmas. On behalf of all of us at Operation Eyesight, thank you for helping us keep the spirit of giving going all year round!
[Special thanks to Laura Douglas for the great photos!]
