eftpos Hands Over $1 million to Vision Australia
25 January 2013 at 4:43 pm
Vision Australia's Dr Kevin Murfitt with eftpos CEO Bruce Mansfield and a Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dog. Picture supplied. |
eftpos has presented Vision Australia with a donation for $1 million following the completion of its 2012 Giveback campaign.
The blindness Not for Profit was selected as the recipient of the donation following a nation-wide search in July last year.
Presenting the donation to Vision Australia chairman, Dr Kevin Murfitt, eftpos chief executive Bruce Mansfield spoke of the need for Australian companies to support charitable programs.
“I’d like to personally thank every shopper who pressed CHQ or SAV over the course of the campaign,” Mansfield said.
“The Giveback campaign is a key part of our calendar at eftpos, and we are honoured that we can help make a difference to an organisation such as Vision Australia.
“It is very important for Australian companies like eftpos to get involved with charitable campaigns, and raise their commitment to helping organisations like Vision Australia make a difference in the lives of Australians across the country.
“It is fitting that we are making this donation on the eve of Australia Day because it is about giving back to the Australian community.
“The Giveback campaign is a good example of what can be achieved when companies engage with consumers to raise money for a great cause.”
The $1 million donation will reportedly help Vision Australia fulfil its long-time ambition to build a new, world-class Seeing Eye Dog breeding and training centre in Melbourne.
Vision Australia chairman, Dr Kevin Murfitt welcomed the donation, saying the success of the Giveback campaign will mean more Seeing Eye Dogs will be available to support Australians who are blind.
“We could not have started work on the new state of the art training centre without the generous support of eftpos and every Australian who pressed CHQ or SAV in the run up the busy Christmas period,” Dr Murfitt said.
“When our centre is complete we will be able to match more Australians who are blind or have low vision with Seeing Eye Dogs and hopefully reduce the waiting times for everyone involved.”