The region's blind and low vision community have benefitted from a generous donation from a dedicated group of Kiama volunteers.
Leading blindness and low vision service provider Vision Australia was recently presented with a cheque for $3700 by The Kiama Friends of Vision Australia, which will go towards the not-for-profit's work in supporting people who live with vision loss.
Vision Australia Illawarra Regional Business Manager Jodie Cox said the organisation was grateful for the dedicated work done by The Kiama Friends of Vision Australia each year.
"We're one of the few regions that is lucky enough to have a group of people like this who are willing to give up their time to support the blind and low vision community," Mrs Cox said.
"The Kiama Friends of Vision Australia have been supporting us for more than four decades and they have played an important role in helping us to deliver the services we offer to support people who are blind or have low vision to live the life they choose," she said.
Mrs Cox said the donation will go towards the range of services Vision Australia provides to support people who are blind or have low vision to live the life they choose, including occupational therapy, orientation and mobility services, assistive technology support and employment assistance.
"There are challenges that come with living with blindness or low vision, however there are plenty of supports and strategies we can put in place so our clients can achieve what they want in life, whether it be living independently, remaining active in their community, finding employment or whatever else."
The donation was made at The Kiama Friends of Vision Australia's annual High Tea, which was attended by around 80 people.
"The work done by the committee and members of The Friends of Vision Australia is amazing, but it's great that the wider community is willing to support us as well," Mrs Cox said.
Vision Australia supports more than 27,500 people of all ages and life stages, and circumstances. This is done through 28 Vision Australia centres in Victoria, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia; 30 clinics; and through outreach programs in the Northern Territory and Tasmania.
For more information, head to www.visionaustralia.org or 1300 84 74 66.