Gary in the park
Gary has been partially sighted from birth and despite having other medical problems he is a cheery, happy-go-lucky boy. His favourite time of the year is Christmas. He loves the smell of mince pies, feeling the presents under the Christmas tree and singing along to his favourite carols at church.
Gary's parents always search hard for the perfect present for him, as many of the most popular toys aren't suited to a child with a visual impairment.
This year they are planning to buy him a number of special tactile toys and educational games. These allow Gary to have fun, whilst learning to use other senses, such as touch and smell.
Hopefully when he opens these presents on Christmas D
ay, they will put as big a smile on his face as he had last year!
Helping children like Gary all year round
Gary enjoying Christmas
Your donations to the Greater London Fund for the Blind give us the necessary resources to help children, like Gary, throughout the year. They also fund a number of other projects and services.
I'd like to tell you about two of them now.
Just imagine for one moment taking your child or grandchild to the doctors with what you had assumed was some minor condition or ailment.
Minutes later you are in shock having been told that your child has such poor and irreparable sight that they must immediately be registered blind.
For all families, this news would be devastating, but suppose that following this diagnosis a specialist nurse like Gill comes into your life, to help and support you at this difficult time.
Gill explains how she can help:
"I try and point people in the right direction and show them where they can get the right amount of help that can make such a big difference."
"For example we all recognise the importance of early learning which is why I work closely with teachers of visually impaired children to create the right educational environment.
"I make sure that simple things like any technology equipment and large print books are accessible. I also check the child's desk is at the correct angle for comfortable working, and that the direction of the sun does not have a negative impact on their vision.
"All this may sound like trivial stuff but I can assure you that handled sensitively it can and does make a huge difference to the well being of each child."
Putting more smiles on children's faces
Group photo from holiday
Last summer your donations helped provide a special holiday break in the Kent countryside for a group of visually impaired children from some of our inner city's poorest areas. One parent describes the importance of this welcome break:
"Visually impaired children can feel disadvantaged and self-conscious when playing with their fully sighted peers at school so what should be fun and relaxing becomes quite stressful for them sometimes.
"Learning new skills and having enjoyable experiences with other visually impaired children makes them more relaxed and confident about having a go at new things. My son feels he can just be himself and doesn't have anything to prove."
I'd like to thank you again for your past support which has made so many projects, services and opportunities accessible to our members.
At the same time, as we close another year of achievement, I'd like to ask you to please make a donation this Christmas. By doing so you will put a smile on Gary's, and many other faces over the coming year.
Thank you!
Christmas Shopping List
Here are some of the presents and services that your donations could fund this Christmas:
£5 could buy a simple sensory toy for a child to play with.
£15 funds an hour session with our support worker, Gill.
£25 sends a visually impaired child on a fun activity day.
£75 buys talking computer software for the child to use.
£250 would pay for a specialist holiday with other blind children.
