Recycling spectacles

A collaborative project between Simplicity Funerals of Woy Woy and Lions Club Australia has seen the collection and delivery of hundreds of used spectacles for disadvantaged people in developing countries.

Woy Woy funeral director Ms Jan Thompson said the Woy Woy office was pleased to come together with other Simplicity Funeral branches to assist in Lions Club Australia's Recycle for Sight program.

"Simplicity Funerals on the Central Coast, along with a number of locations throughout Sydney, are collecting and recycling eyeglasses throughout 2009, with organisers hoping to boost the number of glasses donated this year," Ms Thompson said.

"We encourage people to donate used spectacles at participating funeral homes.

"All of our funeral directors have already scoured their own homes, and just like they did, I'm sure many will find glasses they no longer use tucked away in cupboards or drawers.

"The program also allows families to donate their deceased loved ones' glasses which will 'live on' and assist the less fortunate in a practical and helpful way."

Ms Thompson said prescription glasses with both plastic and metal frames were most welcome and could be dropped off during normal business hours at collection boxes located in each Simplicity Funerals branch.

"Many families are also bringing in glasses when they come and see us to arrange a funeral or attend a service," Ms Thompson said.

"Since the Save-Sight Foundation was established in 1964, significant quantities of donated glasses have been distributed via humanitarian organisations to countries in need, but there are many more people for whom the cost of purchasing glasses or even being seen by an eye specialist is out of the question.

"Simplicity Funerals is proud to be participating in this initiative as part of our commitment to the community.

"You can really appreciate the difference that the Recycle for Sight program makes."

Director of the NSW Save-Sight Foundation Mr Samuel Chu said the donated glasses would be packed and shipped to the Lions Save-Sight Foundation where they would be sorted, cleaned and classified by prescription in preparation for delivery to the areas where they are needed most.

"Lions Club Australia is very appreciative of the support that Simplicity Funerals is providing for the Recycle for Sight program," Mr Chu said.

"Anyone who has an old pair of glasses lying around at home is encouraged to bring them along to Simplicity Funerals in Woy Woy or phone 4344 2333 during normal business hours."

Press release, 5 Aug 2009 Jan Thompson, Simplicity Funerals Woy Woy