# CBM wins first UK Aid Match for new appeal

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2019/02/20/cbm-wins-first-uk-aid-match-for-new-appeal/
- Published: 2019-02-20T09:40:50+00:00
- Author: Melanie May

**Overseas disability charity CBM has won its first UK Aid Match for a new campaign
that launches this week to help people with sight problems in some of the world’s
poorest countries.**

Between now and 14 May, the UK government will match all public donations to [CBM](https://www.cbmuk.org.uk/)’
s [See the Way](http://www.SeeTheWay.org) appeal, up to £2 million.

 

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The campaign is to raise funds to improve access to sight-saving surgery, glasses
and support. Public donations will support CBM’s work preventing blindness and transforming
lives with match funding from the government to go towards improving access to sight-
saving eye health services in Rwanda.

This includes:

 * improving access to sight-restoring cataract surgery and treatment for blinding
   conditions like glaucoma
 * reaching people at risk of blindness in remote areas and helping them access 
   treatment before it is too late
 * ensuring people with low-vision can access glasses and support, so they can go
   to school, earn a living and be active in their communities
 * training local staff, equipping hospitals and strengthening eye health systems
   to ensure the maximum long-term and sustainable benefit

Kirsty Smith, Chief Executive for CBM UK, said:

>  “It’s shocking to think that men, women and children are losing their sight just
> because they are poor. But for many people in countries like Rwanda, treatment
> for blinding conditions like cataracts is out of reach. This appeal will help 
> change that, helping people with sight problems access the treatment and support
> they need. And thanks to the UK Aid Match scheme, every pound donated between 
> now and 14 May will be doubled by the UK government. So a donation of £12 will
> become £24, enough to restore sight to someone who is blind because of cataracts.”

International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt said:

>  “Some of Rwanda’s most vulnerable people are still living with avoidable blindness
> and visual impairments. Too often it is these treatable illnesses that stop these
> people from accessing education and earning a living. By providing access to basic
> eye health services the UK Aid Match ‘See the Way’ appeal will change lives across
> Rwanda for generations and this is only possible with the generosity and support
> of the Great British public.”

 

Main image: Irené, 14 months old with bilateral cataracts, at Kabgayi Eye Unit in
Rwanda © CBM/Hayduk.

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