Specsavers stores across ACT have jointly raised approximately $17,500 through the Specsavers Community Program to assist the crucial work undertaken by Lifeline Canberra.
For over 46 years, Lifeline Canberra has been supporting ACT people in times of crisis, saving the lives of those experiencing thoughts of suicide. Speaking to over 30,000 people in crisis each year, Lifeline Canberra is only possible due to its crisis support volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure someone is available at the end of the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing impartial, non-judgmental and confidential support.
Lifeline Canberra’s crisis support volunteers answer around 100 calls every day from locals in crisis. With each lifesaving call costing $26, the money raised by Specsavers Canberra, Tuggeranong, Belconnen, Woden Westfield and Gungahlin will allow the charity to facilitate more than 600 calls to support locals in need. On top of this, the stores have pledged to make a donation for every pair of glasses sold this year.
Speaking on behalf of the ACT stores, Specsavers Belconnen Retail Partner Marisa Turley said, “Lifeline Canberra is a charity very close to our hearts, and we are so proud to be able to offer our support to them. Every single day this charity continues to offer our community essential help, and our stores are proud to work together and raise much needed funds for this worthy cause.”
Lifeline Canberra CEO Carrie-Ann Leeson said, “We rely on support from the community to continue our services and are so grateful to the Specsavers stores and their customers for their donations. The money raised will be used to help support the ongoing work Lifeline Canberra does within the local community.”
The money is being raised through the Specsavers Community Program, which sees all stores in ACT donate a portion of all glasses sales to the charity. On top of Lifeline Canberra, the Specsavers Community Program raises funds for selected local charities chosen by stores, and The Fred Hollows Foundation, which is working to eliminate avoidable blindness in Australia.
