Whilst we’ve been searching for the perfect pair of sunnies to accompany our summer wardrobe, we’ve yet to stop and consider just how important these accessories really are.
Here in the UK, extensive damage from the sun is unlikely to occur but in developing countries where the sun is stronger, shielding your eyes from damaging UV rays is a necessity. However, sadly, in certain countries sunglasses can cost as much as a year’s salary and, for the average person, are quite simply unobtainable. For this reason, charity Shade Aid, have set up a new initiative to help fight preventable blindness through recycling and re-gifting unwanted, old sunglasses.
So whether you’re a Ray-Ban Wayfarer wearer, or can’t be parted with your cats’eye Pradas, it’s likely that lurking in the depths of your accessory cupboard will be a pair of unwanted, unfashionable but totally wearable and protective sunnies. If so, go fish them out and donate them to Shade Aid simply by dropping them in one of the 21 venues across the UK, or alternatively pop them in the post before August 1st.
The most useable pairs will be distributed by Vision Aid Overseas and Build Africa to people across Kenya, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zambia and Malawi, where there is a scorching 2,500 hours of sun a year. Any sub-standard shades will be recycled to raise money for the charities.
For a full location list of drop-off points, please visit www.shadeaid.org.uk/dropoffpoints.