Giving the gift of sight to Chernobyl children

STAFF at one of the country’s most charitable multi- nationals have given the gift of sight and improved health to yet another group of orphaned children from Chernobyl.

Bausch & Lomb employees in Waterford have welcomed a further 26 visually impaired children from the Vasilivichi orphanage to the county for their annual, three-week holiday in Waterford for the eleventh year in succession. Employees at the eye-care company have so far contributed over €350,000 to help blind and visually impaired children in Vasilivichi, close to the Chernobyl exclusion zone.

The children, accompanied by three teachers and three interpreters, have met many of the employees who make weekly contributions to the ‘Vision for Vasilivichi’ charity through payroll deductions and special lunches in the plant.

Since it was set up, the fund has financed annual summer camp-style holidays in Waterford as well as the refurbishment of the Vasilivichi building. They have also provided glasses and optical aids, including Aladdin reading and Braille machines, to help further the children’s education.

There are now plans for further improvements at the children’s orphanage, including a playground at the school, aided by a contribution by the company to celebrate Bausch & Lomb’s 150th year in business.

* Donations to the Vision for Vasilivichi fund can be made to Bank of Ireland, Lisduggan, Waterford. Account Number 7063844, Sort Code 90-62-16.