We celebrate the generosity of every donor, and there are many who deserve recognition! One whom we would like to celebrate is Elizabeth Stevens Stuart.

Elizabeth was born in 1907 in Osgoode, Ontario, and passed away there in 2011, at age 105. She was one of our treasured lifelong donors, who began giving to Operation Eyesight the year we were founded, 1963. A member of the Baptist Church, she knew Dr. Ben Gullison, whose work in India inspired Art Jenkyns to found Operation Eyesight.

During her long life, Elizabeth earned a master’s degree with honours in mathematics from Queens University, enjoyed a 37-year teaching career, and at the age of 81, returned to school to master working with computers to assist in her tireless work as genealogist and local historian for the Osgoode Township Historical Society and Museum, whose creation she spearheaded.

In addition to her many accomplishments, we remember Elizabeth for her generosity. Operation Eyesight was just one of 12 charities that she supported, and during her lifetime she gave us nearly $10,000. She gave us a similar amount as a legacy gift after her passing.

When a volunteer called her in 2006 to thank her for her support, she told us, “I’m thankful that I still have good eyes so I can still drive.” She was 99 at the time. We all hope to be in such good health at that age!

Legacy donors like Elizabeth make huge contributions to our work. Their generosity and foresight benefit many people in developing countries who otherwise couldn’t afford or reach quality eye care. We’re so thankful that Elizabeth was our donor, and we can’t help but be inspired by her resolve to make the world a better place!

If you would like more information on how you, too, can leave a legacy gift to Operation Eyesight, please visit our website or call Susan at 1-800-585-8265. Thank you!

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John Hacault certainly had a great big heart.

A longtime donor to Operation Eyesight, John passed away in Vancouver in 2013. Thanks to his generous legacy gift, our partner hospitals are able to reach out and give the gift of sight to people in need.

One such partner is Dr. Salins Eye Hospital, located in Bidar, India. Many of the region’s 61 million people lack basic health care, which is why the recent establishment of two vision centres is so important. Located at central village junctions, they are the point of first referral for serious eye problems and a big part of Operation Eyesight’s strategy to eliminate avoidable blindness.

“The legacy gift given to Operation Eyesight by the late John Hacault has been a gift of sight to quite a lot of people in Bidar,” says Kashinath Bhoosnurmath, Operation Eyesight’s Senior Director of International Programs. “He has made a significant difference in the lives of these people.”

John’s legacy has also helped another Operation Eyesight partner – Siliguri Greater Lions Eye Hospital, located in West Bengal State at the base of the Himalaya Mountains. Many people from the neighbouring countries of Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal cross the border to reach the hospital.

“We are grateful to Mr. Hacault, and I am also impressed by his foresight,” adds Kashinath. “Our vision centre is catering to a critical need of the people here. His legacy is making a very real difference!”

We all want to leave a legacy like John Hacault – and you can! You don’t have to be wealthy to make a meaningful impact. Call us toll-free at 1-800-585-8265 or email us at info@operationeyesightindia.org to receive a free Legacy Gift Information Package.

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