Dear Friends and Supporters,
We owe a tremendous thank you to Marcia Summers for her initiative in collecting glasses and to Mr Percy for coordinating with optometrists and organising the distribution event. Thanks to their efforts, 119 individuals have had their lives remarkably transformed, experiencing the sheer joy of clear sight for the first time.
TFT project manager Madushi had the privilege of speaking with several of the elated recipients. Mrs Bandara shared her experience, "My world was a blur, and simple things that many people might not even think twice about were a challenge for me. Reading a book, recognizing faces from a distance, or even appreciating the intricate details of the world around me seemed like distant dreams. Then, something remarkable happened. This team of dedicated eye care professionals visited our community, offering a ray of hope to those who struggled with poor vision. I found myself standing in line, surrounded by neighbours and friends, with a mix of anticipation and curiosity. Little did I know that what awaited me at the end of that line would change my life forever. I want to express my profound gratitude to all those who played a role in contributing to this project. Thank you very much for your invaluable contributions."
Mrs Kumara expressed her gratitude, saying, "Today, I stand before you not just as an individual who received a pair of glasses but as someone whose life has been changed by the gift of sight. It is impossible to express the depth of my gratitude adequately, but I want to take this moment to thank each and every person involved in making this possible – the eye care professionals, the organizers of the vision outreach programme and all those who support initiatives aimed at bringing clear vision to those in need. To the optometrists who identified my vision needs, to the volunteers who organized the eye screening program, and to the donors and sponsors who make programmes like these a reality. I offer my heartfelt thanks. Your generosity has not only given me the ability to see clearly but has opened up a world of opportunities like reading to my daughter that I could only dream of before."
Another heartwarming success story is that of Alisha, a testament to the power of our mission to keep families together. After her husband was imprisoned two years ago, Alisha faced rejection from her community and struggled to provide for her daughter. Through resilience and determination, her life has dramatically changed for the better. Thanks to the support of a donated sewing machine and training, Alisha now creates beautiful mats from her home. This new skill has enabled her to earn an income to afford nutritious food, school supplies, and extra tutoring for her daughter. Beyond financial stability, the training brought Alisha friendships, ending her isolation and filling her life with happiness and pride.
These stories highlight the profound impact of your support, demonstrating how small acts of kindness can significantly change lives. From improving vision to empowering individuals with skills for self-sufficiency, together, we're creating a world of difference for those in need.
Warm regards,
Joel