Interest grew quickly. When Christian set up an Instagram account for his finance club, the Centennial Finance Club followed it. At first, Christian thought the club was from a Calgary high school; however, he says they “got to talking and I realized they were in Southern California.” The Centennial Finance Club had registered a non-profit to try and connect high school financial clubs from around the United States. They welcomed the Capital Minds Club into the 15 Club Federation, and Christian invited club members to participate in Invest for Sight.

In all, 55 students from across North America took part. Christian says he embraced the peer-to-peer aspect of fundraising by “really encouraging everyone to get their families and friends to support them.” Sponsors provided $1,000 in prizes for students for various challenges, such as submitting the top investment strategy. Together, the students raised $5,018.  

Fundraising hones leadership skills and contributions to the global community

The experience of setting up a fundraiser helped Christian learn skills and experience he will use throughout his student life. “Fundraising is a good opportunity for students to experience leadership at their young age, and it helps in giving initiative to their passion. You develop skills when you develop a project.”

Christian had to manage the fundraiser, stay on top of grade 12 schoolwork and incorporate activities and sports. “I became way more efficient at managing my time and activities – and it really kept me driven in what I was doing,” he says. “At university, there’s so much more schoolwork and extra-curricular activities. Fundraising is a great thing for young high school students to do.” The initiative will be noted on his application for university finance programs in the United States.

Peer-to-peer fundraiser appreciated

Robyn Wilson, our Manager of Donor Relations, says, “We are thrilled to have worked with Christian over the summer and are deeply grateful for his remarkable talent in both fundraising and building connections. Through his efforts, Christian not only secured financial support to bring people the gift of sight but also inspired and engaged his peers, helping us connect with the next generation of supporters.”

Thank you, Christian and team, for your creative support! Interested in organizing your own peer-to-peer fundraiser? Learn more at operationeyesight.com/fundraise. 

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I can’t believe it’s June already! I remember when my kids were still in school, they’d be getting pretty antsy around this time. They just wanted to be outside enjoying the nicer weather, and most of their after-school activities were starting to wind down.

I also remember running around trying to find that perfect end-of-the-year gift for their teachers. What do you get for the people who have dedicated so much of their time and energy to the betterment of your children? They probably have more than enough apple-themed knickknacks, and a person can only eat so much chocolate or drink so many cups of coffee.

And then there were the other caring adults in my children’s lives, like their scout leaders, coaches and piano instructor. I wanted to show them my appreciation, too. Fortunately, I found a unique and truly meaningful way to recognize these special adults: with a tribute gift.

A tribute gift is when you make a donation in someone else’s name – and it’s a great way to say “thank you” to a teacher or coach, while at the same time making a difference in the lives of those living in developing countries.

Your $20 donation can provide prescription eyeglasses for up to three children living in Africa or Southeast Asia. Your gift of $35 can help provide primary eye care training for teachers and others in the local community, so they can identify those with eye health issues and refer them for appropriate eye care.

When you make a tribute gift to Operation Eyesight, you can choose to send an eCard directly to the recipient. Or, you can request to have a beautiful greeting card mailed to your home so your child can give it to the recipient in person.

Imagine the look on their teacher’s face when she or he learns that they’ve given the gift of sight to someone living halfway across the world! Imagine how honoured their coach will be to know that he or she is truly making a difference in the lives of others, near and far.

Browse our online Gift Guide today and give the gift that gives twice! Thank you for your support – and happy June!

The post Unique end-of-school-year gifts appeared first on Operation Eyesight.

American journalist and historian Henry Adams once said, “Teachers affect eternity; you can never tell where their influence stops.” The teachers of Edmonton Public Schools have taken that statement to another level with their Charity Trust Fund.

A generous supporter of Operation Eyesight for more than 25 years, the Edmonton Public Teachers’ Charity Trust Fund’s mandate is to support Edmonton children and their families, as well as to provide general community support and reach out on an international basis. “It’s a wonderful way for our members to give back to their community,” explains Nels Olsen, a teacher and chair of the donations committee. “Our members find the Charity Trust Fund payroll deductions a convenient way to donate to local and international charities.”

The Charity Trust Fund was established more than 40 years ago and distributes donations to about 35 agencies each year. Operation Eyesight, the only internationally-focused recipient for many years, gained the Charity Trust Fund’s support for a couple of simple reasons: “The committee felt that the organization had a very large impact for what amounted to a modest donation, and Operation Eyesight uses the money we give so effectively.”

Donating internationally helps to give their students perspective about supporting community both at home and abroad. “It also shows our members that they have impact far beyond Edmonton and Canada,” says Nels.

In fact, their impact is international and reaches some of our world’s most vulnerable people. By supporting projects like community development in India and hospitals and outreach programs in Africa, countless children, women and men see a brighter future, thanks to the compassionate members of Edmonton Public Teachers Local No. 37.

The post Thanks to you: Edmonton Public Teachers’ Charity Trust Fund appeared first on Operation Eyesight.