National Bonds, the Sharia-compliant national savings scheme of the UAE, will sponsor Zayed University (ZU) eyeglass donation campaign, which is also supported by The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charity and Humanitarian Establishment.

The campaign, organised by ZU students, aims to encourage the public to donate used eyeglasses and sunglasses for the benefit of the disadvantaged around the world.

Donations will be accepted till April 15, 2008, at dedicated boxes available at Al Jaber Optical outlets, Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, and Dubai Festival City.

“National Bonds has always been a strong advocate of community programmes as we continuously strive to develop various initiatives in the housing, education and healthcare sector of the emirate. As such, we are pleased to be part of this noble cause and provide the underprivileged with the gift of sight,” said CEO, National Bonds, Mohammad Qasim Al Ali.

The launch of this campaign coincides with the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Redevelopment Conference and Exhibition, held under the patronage of vice-president, and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum from April 8 to 10, 2008.

Three ZU students will have a stand at this exhibition to present their charity project to the public.

Recycling used eyeglasses provides those in developing nations with access to proper eyeglasses, and therefore the opportunity to secure jobs and education. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 44 per cent of men, women, and children in developing countries are in need of eyeglasses. – TradeArabia News Service