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Fighting Blindness Newsletter - September 2008

Greetings!

Here at Fighting Blindness every coin really does count towards funding our research into cures for blindness and our counselling centre.
 
Each day Elaine in our fundraising team sends us all a 'daily gift report' of money people have generously sent in. It's great to see all those €10 and €20 gradually add up!
 
But did you know that if you give us €250 or more in one year, we can claim back extra money from the government? It's easy and it's free. That's just €21 a month - or less than two takeout coffees a week! 
 
If you pay tax at the standard rate, €250 from you means we can claim an extra €63 from the Revenue (that's an extra 24 coffees!), making your donation worth over €313 in total to Fighting Blindness. It's a win-win all round. Why not give up your coffee habit (or just donate the €21 a month!) and sign up now? For more details, click here.

Read on for more money-spinning ideas where you, as well as Fighting Blindness, could stand to win! If you're already donating regularly to Fighting Blindness, a sincere thank you for your support.
 
Until next month,
 
The Fighting Blindness team
Prof Robin AliMeet Gene Therapy Patient & Professor at our AGM
People attending the Fighting Blindness AGM will hear from a patient who has had revolutionary gene therapy for his eye condition.

Steven Howarth, 18, from England, has the eye condition Lebers Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). Following the treatment by Prof Robin Ali (pictured) he was able to successfully navigate a maze in a darkened room - something he couldn't do before.
 
The AGM is this Saturday, October 4, at the Westbury Hotel, Dublin. 
Win Win for our
Private Draw Members
Our Private Members Draw is proving a big hit with 3,000 people now in with a chance to win some fabulous prizes.
 
Congratulations to our latest winner Mr Foley of Co Laois who won a €2,000 voucher to spend in DID Electrical. Meanwhile Ms Barry of Co Limerick has picked up her brand new Citroen C1 car she won earlier in the summer.
 
They signed up for €100 for entry into 12 monthly draws, or €9 direct debit a month. You're entered for the following 12 months after you join up, not according to the calendar year. 
 
Meanwhile the Draw brings in €150,000 net for Fighting Blindness each year and is a great boost in helping us reach our goal of cures for blindness.
 
Thanks to all signed up so far, and if you'd like to be in with a chance to win, click here to find out more. 
RTE presenter Laura WoodsRTE's Laura Launches our
Jungle Jaunt!
We've launched our trek through the rainforest in Panama and we want you to join us! This trek, in Spring 09, follows old Inca trading routes through the jungle and crossing this spectacular country from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Put your best foot forward for the challenge of a lifetime and help to raise funds for our research and counselling. Sign up today!
 
Read more...
In This Issue
Meet Gene Therapy Patient
Win Win in our Draw
Jungle Jaunt for Fighting Blindness
Shake your stuff for FB!
Forward this email to a Friend
Quick Links
Shake Your Stuff for FB!
collections
We urgently need volunteers to help us with collections for our first Light For Sight national fundraising initiative over the October bank holiday weekend.
We're looking for people who can spare a few hours to shake a bucket with us at shopping centres in:
  • the Mahon Point, Cork
  • Central Dublin
  • Swords village
  • Blackrock village
  • The Bridge, Tullamore
  • Blanchardstown
  • Donaghmede
  • Galway
  • Coolock
The weekend coincides with the clocks going back - heralding the start of the dark nights setting in. For many of our members, darkness is extending in their lives with the gradual loss of their sight. 
 
To help make a real difference, please contact us now.
We survived 3 days | 2 nights | 1 serious challenge! 
Thanks to everyone who took part in our Wicklow Challenge, including Irish rugby international Shane Byrne who spurred everyone on! The event was kindly sponsored by HSSCU.
Registered Charity No CHY 6784 Web: www.fightingblindness.ie  Email: communications@fightingblindness.ie