Recycling Eyeglasses
Canadians are fortunate to have access to optometrists when needed. However, more than 253 million people globally are blind or visually impaired. For those in developing and third world countries unable to access proper care, the issue is acute.
St. Albert Host Lions Club collects and donates used eyeglasses from 26 different locations in the city. In the past year members collected, sorted, packaged and shipped 12,285 pairs of glasses to Canadian Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centre (CLERC) in Calgary.
Once in Calgary, eyeglasses are washed, sanitized, inspected sorted and shipped to eye care projects in needed countries. Recent shipments of recycled glasses were exported to Haiti, Malawi and Nicaragua.
These glasses are distributed free of charge and can change lives. They allow children to learn to read, adults to work and seniors to remain independent.
We can continue to help people see the world with more clarity. St. Albert Host Lions Club operates local Eyeglass Donation Box Locations. A complete list of drop-off sites is available online at www.e-clubhouse.org.
Feline investigator
Barrhead Animal Rescue Society (BARS) is looking to create a new volunteer position as a Feline Investigative Reporter. The position would require the candidate to call all feline foster parents for pictures and stories about their furry companions.
Candidates need to work well and communicate effectively with people as well as have confidence navigating social media. Interested parties are asked to contact [email protected]
Morinville SCARS
Animal intake at Morinville’s new rescue centre is up and running. Staff and volunteers are seeing an alarming number of pets and animals needing assistance. All that goodwill takes funding.
To assist in paying costs, SCARS is hosting its first Critters and Cocktails gala since the pandemic. Held at the Italian Cultural Centre on November 5, the evening for animal lovers will be filled with food, entertainment, auction items, a wine raffle and prizes.
Dress is casual. However, this year’s theme is Grrrease and guests are free to dress up in their best 50s attire. Tickets are $85 per person or $500 for a table of eight. For more information visit events.scarscare.ca.
Flag program
The Rotary Club of St. Albert’s 2023 flag program is already open for pre-ordering. In this major fundraiser for the club, members will place a Canadian flag on your lawn for three long weekends: Victoria Day (May), Canada Day (July 1) and Labour Day (September).
Rotary volunteers will plant the large patriotic maple leaf on the Tuesday before the long weekend and retrieve it after the weekend. The cost is $63. To register visit stalbertrotaryclub.com.
