I can’t believe it’s June already! I remember when my kids were still in school, they’d be getting pretty antsy around this time. They just wanted to be outside enjoying the nicer weather, and most of their after-school activities were starting to wind down.

I also remember running around trying to find that perfect end-of-the-year gift for their teachers. What do you get for the people who have dedicated so much of their time and energy to the betterment of your children? They probably have more than enough apple-themed knickknacks, and a person can only eat so much chocolate or drink so many cups of coffee.

And then there were the other caring adults in my children’s lives, like their scout leaders, coaches and piano instructor. I wanted to show them my appreciation, too. Fortunately, I found a unique and truly meaningful way to recognize these special adults: with a tribute gift.

A tribute gift is when you make a donation in someone else’s name – and it’s a great way to say “thank you” to a teacher or coach, while at the same time making a difference in the lives of those living in developing countries.

Your $20 donation can provide prescription eyeglasses for up to three children living in Africa or Southeast Asia. Your gift of $35 can help provide primary eye care training for teachers and others in the local community, so they can identify those with eye health issues and refer them for appropriate eye care.

When you make a tribute gift to Operation Eyesight, you can choose to send an eCard directly to the recipient. Or, you can request to have a beautiful greeting card mailed to your home so your child can give it to the recipient in person.

Imagine the look on their teacher’s face when she or he learns that they’ve given the gift of sight to someone living halfway across the world! Imagine how honoured their coach will be to know that he or she is truly making a difference in the lives of others, near and far.

Browse our online Gift Guide today and give the gift that gives twice! Thank you for your support – and happy June!

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American journalist and historian Henry Adams once said, “Teachers affect eternity; you can never tell where their influence stops.” The teachers of Edmonton Public Schools have taken that statement to another level with their Charity Trust Fund.

A generous supporter of Operation Eyesight for more than 25 years, the Edmonton Public Teachers’ Charity Trust Fund’s mandate is to support Edmonton children and their families, as well as to provide general community support and reach out on an international basis. “It’s a wonderful way for our members to give back to their community,” explains Nels Olsen, a teacher and chair of the donations committee. “Our members find the Charity Trust Fund payroll deductions a convenient way to donate to local and international charities.”

The Charity Trust Fund was established more than 40 years ago and distributes donations to about 35 agencies each year. Operation Eyesight, the only internationally-focused recipient for many years, gained the Charity Trust Fund’s support for a couple of simple reasons: “The committee felt that the organization had a very large impact for what amounted to a modest donation, and Operation Eyesight uses the money we give so effectively.”

Donating internationally helps to give their students perspective about supporting community both at home and abroad. “It also shows our members that they have impact far beyond Edmonton and Canada,” says Nels.

In fact, their impact is international and reaches some of our world’s most vulnerable people. By supporting projects like community development in India and hospitals and outreach programs in Africa, countless children, women and men see a brighter future, thanks to the compassionate members of Edmonton Public Teachers Local No. 37.

The post Thanks to you: Edmonton Public Teachers’ Charity Trust Fund appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

As you may know, the area affected is called the Horn of Africa, which includes the countries of Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Uganda.

Of these, Operation Eyesight works in Kenya where our partners – Kitale, Narok and Moi hospitals – deal with patients who must be fed before they can be operated upon. They are too weak otherwise.

These are not refugees from bordering countries, but Kenyans struggling to see and to survive. This has put an enormous additional strain on these hospitals – they asked for help and we, in turn, asked for your help.

Because Operation Eyesight is not a disaster relief organization, this appeal was an unusual one. But that hasn’t stopped our donors from responding enthusiastically.

Our goal is $60,000 to buy basic food staples – maize, beans, corn flower – as well as drugs and supplies to help people coming to the hospitals who are weakened by famine. These will be distributed with the help of local people and groups.

The first transfer of funds between Canada and Kenya has just taken place, and our friends at Kitale, Narok and Moi hospitals are thrilled to be able say, “Food is on the way!” Remember that the people who will benefit from the food and medical care are only now feeling the full effect of the famine, so these relief efforts will continue for some time.

Thank you for helping the people of Kenya, and don’t hesitate to respond to this appeal today, if you haven’t already done so. Thanks again for your generosity!

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