How you can help
Donations
We are incredibly grateful to every donor who has contributed to Gift of Sight. We are very lucky to have such loyal supporters without whom we would be unable to continue our vital research.
We would like to raise £2.5 million. This money will provide security for the future of our research centre and our many research projects into the causes and treatments of blindness.
Gift of Sight is delighted to be able to offer an online donations facility - please click on the "donate now" logo below to be directed to a secure online service provided by Charity Choice.
From the 4 January 2012 a nominal 2% fee will be charged on all donations. This minimal charge will go towards Charity Choice administration costs and help give charities adequate support.
Unlike other similar services, Charity Choice will not be taking any percentage from Gift Aid payments.
If you would prefer to make a credit card donation by telephone please call us on 023 8059 9073.
Alternatively, you may send a cheque made payable to ‘Gift of Sight’ to Gift of Sight, Department of Development, Building 37, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, Hampshire, UK. SO17 1BJ.
Regular payments
Making a regular gift via direct debit is a wonderful way to support charity appeals and enables us to look to the future in the knowledge that your kind gift is arriving in our account on a pre-determined date. Please contact our fundraiser on 023 8059 9073 if you would like a new direct debit form sent to you.
A Gift in Your Will
This is the most personal type of gift and after ensuring that your family are cared for after your death it would be wonderful if you could consider leaving Gift of Sight a legacy in your Will. In this way you can help us to ensure long term support for our vital work in saving sight and protect vision for the younger generations.
Tissue Donation
If you have signed up to the Organ Donation scheme (0300 123 23 23) you may save the sight of a patient with eye disease. Please tell your next of kin, or the administrator of your estate, that you would like to donate your eyes (tissue) as well as other organs. Any tissue unsuitable for donation may then be used for research or to save sight. If you haven't already signed up to donate your tissue please think about doing so now by using the link provided.
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Fundraising at Work
There are many ways that you can support our work with your colleagues and employers. You may like to run your own fundraising event or make Gift of Sight your company's Charity of the Year. You may have other exciting ideas of your own - do let us know. We will do all we can to help you enjoy your event and ensure that your fundraising is productive.
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Recycling
Milk Bottle Tops
We regret that milk bottle tops can no longer be delivered to the Eye Unit at Southampton General Hospital. This system was causing health and safety issues when items other than tops were 'dumped' in the bins. The company are still happy to receive the tops at their depot at Unit 7, Wren Farm Industrial Estate, Castle Lane, North Baddesley, Southampton, SO52 9LY (weekdays and on Saturday mornings from 9a.m.—12 noon). Their contact number if required is 07884220173.
The tops are recycled into plastic wheelie bins, sign posts and even plastic decking and the Company pays Gift of Sight for each tonne of tops recycled.
Please remember that the Recyclers can ONLY accept milk bottle tops.
We are very grateful to the many individuals, companies, clubs and supporters for collecting materials for recycling on our behalf.
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Empty Inkjet Cartridges and Mobile 'Phones
Recycle 4 Charity.co.uk
We have envelopes from the above Company that we can forward to you if you would like to send off your printer cartridges or mobile 'phones. Details of the Company can be found through their website.
We have raised £225 so far in 2011 through this scheme and thanks to Angela Cree for all her hard work in undertaking to forward all the cartridges to the Recyclers.
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Buttons
If you have a button box hidden away that you would like to donate to Susan Symes please make contact with Angela Cree on 02380 777222 Xt.8046 in the first instance. Any buttons Susan cannot use herself are forwarded on to local jewellery maker, Debbie Cox. Button necklaces are proving very popular and Debbie makes a donation to Gift of Sight for each new supply of raw materials received.
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Sponsorship
Draper Tools have been a major sponsor of The Gift of Sight Appeal’s ‘Eye Ball’ since 2005. Managing Director, John Draper is an enthusiastic supporter of Gift of Sight.
Our Newsletters are kindly sponsored by Esso/ExxonMobil at the Fawley Refinery.
If you are interested in sponsoring one of our events, there are opportunities available for 2010/2011. Please call 023 8059 9073 or email info@giftofsight.org.uk
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Remember Someone Special
Jock Irwin was one of Gift of Sights tireless supporters. Jock was a stained glass window designer who continued creating beautiful windows even after he lost his sight. When Jock passed away his family and friends wanted to remember him by making donations to our appeal. Thank you to everyone who has made a donation in memory of Jock and to all of his friends who are fundraising still.
We are very grateful to all families and friends who decide to donate to help our research in lieu of flowers at the funeral when they are bereaved. Your kindness is very much appreciated.
For further information please call 023 8059 9073 or email info@giftofsight.org.uk