(PRESS RELEASE) PLEASANTON, CA — Following an employee fundraising campaign that eclipsed previous efforts, CooperVision has donated $262,000 to Optometry Giving Sight in support of the 2018 World Sight Day Challenge. The company has now surpassed the $1 million milestone in cumulative funds raised during the past seven years for the World Sight Day Challenge.
Employees increased year-over-year giving by more than 35 percent, supported by a matching commitment from the company. More than 40 CooperVision sites and teams created multiple activities to engage employees, drive awareness and generate donations. In addition to sales of cause-branded merchandise, initiatives included artwork auctions, bake sales, jeans days, raffles, barbeques and a World Sight Day walkathon.
“The incredible generosity displayed by our global employees will help to ensure much needed vision care for thousands of adults and children in need,” said Dan McBride, president, CooperVision. “Our record-breaking 2018 World Sight Day Challenge donation represents approximately 52,000 eye exams for people around the world who could otherwise be at risk for a range of vision challenges. The expert care they’ll receive will not only provide near-term benefits, but in many cases a lifetime of greater opportunity through the gift of sight.”
“Our partnership with CooperVision shows the depth of the company’s commitment to improving vision, and the passion and energy of its employees as they rally behind our mission,” said Christina Sanko, senior director of development, Optometry Giving Sight. “That visionary perspective sets CooperVision apart, and we can’t thank them enough.”
CooperVision is a longstanding Optometry Giving Sight partner and Global Gold Sponsor. Beyond its World Sight Day Challenge initiative, the company contributes substantial funds through a patient rebate donation program in the United States, which has totaled more than $175,000 in 2018.
Other Optometry Giving Sight-affiliated programs from CooperVision include LensFerry donations for completed patient annual subscriptions and Europe’s One Bright Vision cause-related marketing program, which benefits communities in Africa and India.