WILLEMSTAD – Fundashon Pro Bista will begin its annual fundraising campaign on Saturday, August 1, with a series of activities aimed at raising awareness about people with visual impairments and supporting the foundation’s services.
The organization, which provides assistance and rehabilitation for blind and visually impaired individuals in Curaçao, wants the campaign to give the public a better understanding of the challenges faced by its clients while highlighting the importance of continued support.
The funds raised will be used to cover Pro Bista’s operational costs. According to the foundation, demand for its services continues to increase every year, and the organization currently has a waiting list for assistance.
Pro Bista attributes the growing demand partly to increased awareness of its services and partly to declining eye health on the island. Factors contributing to this include the high number of people living with diabetes and the aging population.
The foundation currently supports approximately 600 registered clients, of whom 238 actively receive assistance. Last year, a pilot project financed through a subsidy from the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) helped reduce the rehabilitation waiting list from 109 people to 34. However, after the funding ended, the waiting list has started to grow again.
The fundraising month will include activities throughout August. On Saturday, August 1, volunteers and Pro Bista employees will collect donations at several locations between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
A special church service will take place on Sunday, August 2, at the church in Barber. On Thursday, August 6, Pro Bista will organize a “Happy Hour in the Dark,” where visitors will be served by clients of the foundation.
Additional collection activities are planned for August 7 and 8. On August 8, the foundation will host “Sine Pro Bista,” where visitors can watch a movie at Pro Bista’s location on Corriweg for a contribution of five guilders.
The organization will also participate in Punda Vibes on August 13 with another fundraising activity. A supermarket collection will take place on August 15, followed by the “Coffee Concert in the Dark” on Sunday, August 16.
Other events include Experience in the Dark on Thursday, August 20, and additional collection activities on August 21 and 22. The weekend will conclude with a domino tournament on Sunday, August 23.
The final week of activities includes a collection at Sambil on Wednesday, August 26, another Experience in the Dark event on Thursday, August 27, and the “Bunita Bista” event in Otrobanda on Friday, August 28. A final supermarket collection will take place on Saturday, August 29.
The month-long campaign will officially conclude with the Buzon After Party on Sunday, August 30, followed by a closing service on Monday, August 31.
Pro Bista is encouraging residents and businesses to participate and support the organization’s efforts to ensure that people with visual impairments continue to receive the guidance and services they need.