Currently, our world is home to around 1.4 million youngsters whose lives and studies are negatively impacted by some form of eye disease or blurred vision. With research showing that roughly 75% of a child’s learning is visual, kids who are unable to see properly are prevented from learning and progressing. Orbis is determined to save or restore the sight of as many of these visually-impaired youngsters as possible. The donation raised by this year’s walkathon will go a long way towards moving its volunteers and supporters closer their shared target of a world free of avoidable blindness.
The VIP guests at this year’s opening ceremony officially got the walkathon underway by striking a brass gong and sharing participants’ blessings of light and vision with visually-impaired people everywhere. Ms. Mary Lau, Executive Director of Orbis Hong Kong began by expressing her heartfelt thanks to everyone who showed their support of Orbis. “We are delighted to welcome the 3,200 of you to walk this year,” said Ms. Lau. “Your kindness and compassion will ensure our volunteers can continue to spread the blessings of light by sharing desperately-needed state-of-the-art skills with local medical professionals across the developing world. Thank you all for enabling us to take such giant strides forward for those who must travel the too often rocky road to sight. In closing, we would also like to once again like to extend our gratitude to Hong Kong International School for supporting such an inspiring venue, and to our sponsors and volunteers for their typically selfless support,” she added.
This year’s walkathon included a choice of pleasant 6-kms family strolls and more challenging 10-kms hikes for seasoned walkers. A fun-packed post-event carnival made the day doubly memorable and meaningful for all who came along.
