The gift of sight

Seva Canada

“I always wish to see things around me. I promise that I will not cry and if I will see, I will buy you a bottle of Coca-Cola,” said Cristella prior to cataract surgery.

Amid the holiday chaos, it’s easy to take things for granted, so now is the perfect time to think about giving back.

Cristella, a four-year-old Burundian girl (pictured) was born with cataracts, leaving her blind. She wanted to see the world around her so badly that she was willing to buy the ophthalmologist the only thing she imagined would show her appreciation—a Coca-Cola.

When Cristella’s parents learned she had cataracts they were devastated; they couldn’t afford surgery but knew without it her future would be limited.

“Without treatment, children often don’t finish school, are dependent on a caregiver, and face life-long challenges. A $150 donation provides a child with cataract surgery and follow-up care, transforming their life,” explains Penny Lyons, Executive Director of Seva Canada.

Seva Canada, a 35-year-old Vancouver-based charity, provides the world’s poorest communities with access to high-quality, low-cost eye care. Seva works with local partners to create sustainable programs that reach those most in need, including the 1.4 million children living with blindness worldwide.

Thanks to Seva donors, Cristella’s surgery costs were covered and she was given the gift of sight.

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Just $50 restores the sight of 2 adults with life-changing cataract surgery.

All donations made by December 31, 2017 will be matched so you can help twice as many people.

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