The South African (SA) Guide-Dogs Association announced the launch of their second annual Wear Your Shades Day campaign, taking place on October 18. This nationwide initiative aims to raise awareness and support for individuals with visual impairments while promoting the importance of eye health.
The association’s spokesperson, Pieter van Niekerk, said Wear Your Shades Day is more than a fund-raising effort – it’s a movement that encourages all South Africans to show solidarity with the visually impaired community. By participating and purchasing a R20 sticker, you’re not only helping to fund vital services, but also contributing to a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can experience freedom and independence.
“Every year, our mission is to transform the lives of approximately 800 individuals by providing them with assistance dogs and long-care training,” he said.
Van Niekerk, who is visually impaired, and a proud guide dog owner, explained that Wear Your Shades Day is a powerful way for the public to get involved and support their ongoing efforts to make a real difference in the lives of those with disabilities.
How to get involved:
Purchase a sticker: Show your support by buying a R20 sticker. This can be done through the following channels:
Online – Buy your digital sticker via the SA Guide-Dogs website at http://www.guidedog.org.za as a shop item.
Call – Contact one of the SA Guide-Dog offices to order your stickers. You can collect them from their offices or have them delivered.
Selected resellers – Stickers are available at participating retailers including Pick n Pay, Falco Milano, Big Blue, Pet World, and BUCO Hardware.Buildware.
Wear your shades: On October 18, wear your coolest shades with pride, alongside your sticker, to raise awareness about visual impairment and eye health.
Share Your Shine: The SA Guide-Dogs Association invites you to Wear Your Shades and Share Your Shine by celebrating the unique brilliance that makes each of us special, regardless of our abilities. They want to see what makes you one-of-a-kind, special, what makes you “shine”.
Globally, at least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment, and at least 1 billion of these cases could have been prevented through measures such as wearing sunglasses to protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Wear Your Shades Day emphasises the importance of sunglasses not just for protecting eye health, but also for helping visually impaired individuals feel more integrated and confident.
Funds raised from the campaign will directly support the SA Guide-Dogs Association’s programmes, including the breeding, raising, and training of Assistance Dogs for the visually impaired, physically disabled, and children on the autism spectrum, as well as providing Orientation and Mobility services.
Tag @sa_guide_dogs on Wear Your Shades Day wearing your sticker and shades, using the hashtags #shadesday #shareyourshine, and stand a chance to win amazing prizes.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.guidedog.org.za or contact them at [email protected].
Saturday Star