If you live in Campbell River, BC, you might open your mail one day to find a greeting card and gift from an enthusiastic Operation Eyesight supporter… even if you don’t know him personally.

For the past 30-plus years, Don McIver has celebrated local milestones by giving friends, strangers and organizations like Rotary and church groups a tribute gift from Operation Eyesight: a cataract surgery that will restore the sight of someone in a developing country.

“I like the idea of giving,” he says. “My wife Joan and I were hooked from the first time we gave that gift. To think that two people with no medical capabilities could give the gift of sight to people in far-away countries… it was the best thing we could do for anyone.” He hopes the recipients, in turn, like the idea and choose to give themselves.

Don volunteers for a number of local events, including the Campbell River Dance, film festival and Christmas craft sales. He sets up a table offering what he calls “eye cards,” greeting cards from Operation Eyesight that fund cataract surgeries in Africa or India. Many people contact the organization to purchase the cards, and at least one couple bought all their Christmas gifts through Operation Eyesight, thanks to his promotion.

Don is pleased that additional good is resulting from his steady volunteer schedule. “I’m always happy when we can give more cataract surgeries. Thirty dollars won’t do much for us here, but we can make such a difference in another person’s life by giving.”

As a father and grandfather, Don recognizes the difficulty presented by being blind in a developing country. “It’s difficult enough to raise kids here in Canada. But imagine when a mother loses her vision, or a husband loses his job. Imagine when children are born with congenital cataracts.”

Don regularly reads SightLines newsletters and watches the videos that offer a glimpse of lives impacted by generous donors. He has worked with the community television station to air Operation Eyesight videos, further helping to share the organization’s story with a wider audience.

Long retired from his work in a local pulp and paper mill, Don now enjoys being outside as much as he can. He himself recently had cataract surgeries, and is now doubly appreciative of healthy eyes.

“There are so many nice things in nature to enjoy,” he muses. “What pleasure we have from eyesight!”

The post Thanks to you: Don McIver appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

~ Author unknown

With Father’s Day only two days away, we take this opportunity to showcase some of the dads and grandfathers we have encountered through our work both in India and Africa. Click on the images to see bigger versions. It’s not too late to send an eCard to your father, grandpa, or spouse. Celebrate him with an eCard and a meaningful gift that honours him and helps fathers and families in Africa and India.

The post A Dad is… appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

Here are some of the memorable mothers we’ve encountered in the past few years. Click on the images to see a bigger version of the photos, or read about their stories and our programs in the places they live.

May 13 is Mother’s Day. It’s not too late to send an eCard to your mom, grandmother or spouse. Celebrate her with an eCard and a meaningful gift that honours her and helps mothers in India and Africa.

The post Mothers make a difference in the world appeared first on Operation Eyesight.