Messages from the Sightsavers Ireland team

This spring, our supporters sent in messages about their history with Sightsavers – now we want to respond and say thank you.

From left to right: Cathal, Lauren, Ciara, Craig, Moira, Michael, Meadhbh, Wim, Julia and Declan

From the entire Sightsavers Ireland team, we would like to say thank you to each and every supporter who’s been part of our journey since we started in 2003.

Whether you’ve been with us for the whole 20 years or only part of it, we value your contributions, no matter the size.

Some members of the team have left messages for you to view below. Some of the names may be familiar, if you’ve ever received a letter, email or phone call from us.

Wim Desmedt, head of individual giving

“Ever since I joined Sightsavers, I have been blown away by the generosity of the people. Your support has been critical. I have been privileged to see the impact your donations make in the life of so many people, especially children in some of the poorest and most remote places.

“Earlier this year, I was in Zambia to see 20 children having cataract operations. I got a chance to speak to their parents, who gave a heartfelt thank you and said they would never forget you in their prayers. They wanted every parent who has a child in need to feel the same joy when their child would receive the treatment needed.

“Thank you for your continuous support.”

Moira Horgan, head of strategic partnerships

“I joined Sightsavers Ireland earlier this year and I’ve been completely blown away by your generous support. This is a hugely uplifting role, as I get to meet extraordinary supporters who give selflessly and consistently. It means the world to our small team as we know what an incredible impact this support makes.

“What I love most is the systemic approach we take as an organisation, from eliminating trachoma to embedding educational inclusion at a national level. Our next 20 years will drive change at every level in the countries in which we work.

“Two small words can’t sum up what your support means to us, but I want to say them from the heart. Thank you.”

Declan White, fundraising manager

“With so many worthy causes, it’s wonderful to see our supporters choosing to support the work of Sightsavers so generously and so loyally through the years.

“For some it can be a case of simply helping others and giving the gift of sight to a child. For others, the preciousness of sight is something that means so much to them personally. Many supporters tell us how delighted they are to know that their donation is making a difference and are reassured to know that every treatment and operation that Sightsavers delivers is fully recorded and costed.

“We are just so grateful to all those who choose to save and protect sight. Thank you from all at Sightsavers!”

Meadhbh Mlowezi, public engagement programme manager

“Sightsavers Ireland’s supporters are the backbone of our organisation and the work we do to promote disability inclusion and protect sight across the world. Your generosity is constantly felt, not only through your donations, but also through your words in communications, generosity of time volunteering and participation at events from the Arctic Circle to the top of Croke Park stadium.

“The last 20 years have been filled with achievement, including the elimination of trachoma in five countries. In 2018, you helped ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Ireland.

“The next 20 years could be when we eliminate trachoma and preventable blindness for millions more. Your continued support is key to continuing our work.”

Michael Breslin, supporter care manager

“I’ve been lucky enough to work in supporter care for Sightsavers Ireland for over three years now. Having spoken to many generous supporters, learning why you contribute and why it matters to you, many of you have shared personal stories of how you, a friend or loved one has been affected by sight loss, and why you think supporting us is so important.

“The positive impact a small donation can make has been mentioned a lot. Giving the gift of sight is life-changing, and we cannot thank you enough. It’s an opportunity to see friends, family, and nature again.

“I would like to thank you for you contributions, and I look forward to continuing on this journey with you all.”

Julia Tessari, fundraising coordinator

“When we sent our Focus magazine in March, I was overwhelmed by the messages from our generous supporters. I read them all and was struck by your beautiful words.

“Just thinking about how many lives you’ve helped change, how many people you’ve helped free from agonising trachoma, how many children can now see the world that surrounds them, and how much you’ve fought for social inclusion and diversity makes my heart jump.

“Together, we are moving closer to a more just and equal world. We’ve accomplished so much in the past 20 years, but more needs to be done. With your continued support, many victories will come! On behalf of the lives you have helped to change, thank you.”

Craig Bodger, senior fundraising assistant

“Thank you all so much for your support during the past 20 years. We are so grateful and humbled by your ever-growing compassion and generosity. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to bring such great change to the world.

“Together, we have eliminated trachoma from Ghana, The Gambia, Malawi, Mali AND Benin. To be able to say we played a crucial role in eliminating a disease that has been around for more than 10,000 years is something I am unimaginably proud of, and I hope you are too.

“Let’s make the next 20 years even more impactful!”

We protect sight, fight disease and make sure everyone can claim their rights.

Find out how your support can make a huge difference and change lives.

The Sightsavers Ireland team share their thanks to you