The Lions Club Internationale District 63 Zone based in Martinique has donated over 6,000 pieces of eye correction equipment to the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment. The initiative will provide critical support to persons with visual impairments, particularly those who may not have the financial means to access corrective eyewear.
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, Karen Dupres, emphasised that this initiative will empower individuals and enhance their quality of life beyond improving vision.
“This gift is geared towards not just correcting vision. It provides us with opportunities, independence, and a better quality of life. Access to proper eyewear opens the door to a brighter future for those with impaired vision. On behalf of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, we extend our deepest gratitude for your invaluable support. As we accept this donation, let us remember the larger mission: to ensure that no one is left behind due to a lack of resources,” she said.
The Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association, responsible for overseeing the distribution of the glasses, also expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasizing the impact it will have on the daily lives of those struggling with vision challenges.
Zone Chair of the Lions Club Internationale District 63 Zone Martinique, Vanessa Jean Baptiste, lauded the partnership, highlighting the importance of regional collaborative efforts in improving the well-being of disadvantaged communities.
“For over 100 years, our organization has placed vision health at the core of its mission. In Martinique, the Lions Club, in collaboration with opticians, businesses, and schools, has mobilized to collect these glasses with a clear goal: to help those in need see the world with greater clarity and dignity,” Jean Baptiste said.
Minister for Equity, Hon. Joachim Henry, welcomed the donation, noting its significance in advancing the Ministry’s mission to support the most vulnerable. Minister Henry further encouraged other organizations and clubs to follow suit, stressing that collaborative efforts are crucial in addressing the needs of underserved communities.