At Innovation for the Blind we are cautiously optimistic about the year. We are very aware of the various challenges to our sustainability as well as the balance between growth and organisational stability, but these realities do not reduce our optimism for positive change. I am extremely grateful to each donor friend, corporate partner, our churches, and community members who supports us – we appreciate that you carry us through difficult times and the fact that you celebrate our victories with us.
Last year was once again a year of transformation for Innovation for the Blind.
It was a year during which we were able to create new opportunities, and we look back on so many blessings from our Lord. In 2022 we were able to install our second solar plant. Situated at our Finance and Administration department, it includes our shop Ons Winkel. The plant is necessary to ensure sustainability with regard to financial services and specific services at our shop.
We are extremely grateful for the extraordinary support of our loyal donors, who made it possible to reserve funds to expand our existing solar plant at Ebenhaezer in 2023.
This is our residential facility for people with multiple disabilities, and the building where our central kitchen and laundry department are situated.
This expansion will ensure uninterrupted services to ensure our residents receive the best possible care.
The continuation of sustainable employment opportunities is, of course, just as important and that is why we will also install a solar plant in our metal department. Here people with visual impairments are employed in an environment that bridges the gap between the open labour sector and sheltered employment.
It was also with great excitement that we received funding to renovate and expand the existing small massage department now to include two beautiful spa rooms.
Our joint venture with Joseph Matheatau, the first blind barista in South Africa, has been groundbreaking. It has pioneered new opportunities for people with visual impairments. We are therefore excited to share that we are in the process of launching a second joint venture, in which yet another person with visual impairment will enjoy majority ownership in the massage and aroma-therapy department.
Terelga Bald, an inspiring and dynamic person, may have lost her sight, but most definitely not her vision of the future. She has been an incredible ambassador from her first day at Innovation, and she will soon become a fully-fledged partner. Bald and her team of three masseuses will be ready shortly to welcome the public as clients to the new Innovation Wellness Centre.
We are excited about the ripples of change and transformation that are happening in collaboration with so many precious donor friends and partners. To find out how you can cause ripples of change in the lives of people with visual impairment, contact us on 023 347 2745, email reception@innovationfortheblind.org or visit our website www.innovationfortheblind.org
