This year we were fortunate to have three staff members join us all the way from India and Ghana. Kashinath Bhoosnurmath, Global Director of Programmes (based in India), delivered a presentation on our Hospital-Based Community Eye Health Program – a program model that is effectively eliminating avoidable blindness on a sustainable basis.

Yashwant Sinha, International Programme Coordinator (also based in India), had the chance to meet many of our donors for the first time, while Dr. Boateng Wiafe, Director of Quality and Advocacy (based in Ghana), was reunited with some of our long-term donors. And of course, all our staff and partners from South Asia and Africa were with us in spirit!

• Active Accounting;
• Collis Insurance;
• DATA Communications Management;
• Everybody Benefits Inc.;
• Greg McKernan Graphic Design;
• ICICI Bank of India;
• MNP LLP;
• SerVantage;
• Sure Systems;
• TOPLINE Printing;
• Western Union Business Solutions; and
• Three anonymous Santa Clauses.

We’re also excited to announce that Report to Donors 2016 is now available! Click here!

Special thanks to Lucas Taylor for the great photos! Stay tuned for more photos in the coming days. 

The post Christmas in June?! 2017 AGM appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

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.

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!]

The post 2016 AGM: Now that was a party! appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

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.

The post 2014 AGM: Our future is bright! appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

Iris is an accomplished stage and film actor, director, voice-over artist and acting coach. And just this year, she added cookbook author to her resume. We were gratified to learn that she is donating a percentage of the proceeds of the sale of the first 1000 cookbooks to Operation Eyesight!

We sat down with Iris and her husband Fred when they were in Calgary last month for our 50th anniversary celebration and annual general meeting.

OE: Can you share a favourite memory of your great uncle?

Iris: One of my earliest memories is when Dr. Ben and [his wife] Evlyn visited from India. I was about five years old and they gave me exotic Indian jewelry. I was thrilled! I remember listening in awe to Uncle Ben’s stories from India – a place so far and different from Nova Scotia. Even then, I think I had an appreciation for who he was and what he did.

OE: So, why a cookbook?

Fred: Iris is a terrific cook! When we host dinner parties, our guests are always asking for her recipes… so there was great demand.

Iris: I’ve always wanted to write a cookbook. And I recently celebrated a milestone birthday, which always makes you a bit reflective, I think. As I thought about it, I realized I wanted to leave a legacy. So I combined the two by donating part of the proceeds to Operation Eyesight and it’s a dream come true. It feels great!

OE: Tell us a little bit about the cookbook?

Iris: I really wanted my cookbook to be suitable for both beginners and foodies, so the recipes are totally accessible to almost anyone. I think being a teacher gives me a unique perspective in laying out clear recipe instructions, so the book as a whole will lead the home chef from appetizer to dessert. I hope it will be a delicious and fun exploration! I believe in cooking just a few times a week and making your freezer your new best friend. My recipes have suggestions for re-inventing meals so that leftovers are new and exciting. I am hoping it will be a great resource for newlyweds, students, and busy working folks. I have included 200 of my favourite and most requested recipes.

OE: What’s your most requested recipe?

Fred: That would have to be Iris’ macaroon recipe. It’s the most versatile and very simple. The perfect sweet treat! (See page 192 in Salivation for the recipe.)

OE: We can’t thank you enough! How do people order the cookbook?

Iris: It’s really easy. Just go to the cookbook page on www.irisquinn.com and follow the instructions. There’s even a sample recipe for goat cheese and sun-dried tomato pita crisps. Another favourite!

We’re thrilled to be the beneficiaries of this unique fundraiser. Thank you, Iris and Fred! 

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