Give to the blind this Christmas

AS we grow older Christmas seems to come around more quickly every year. The shops look bright and appealing with sparkling displays and Christmas music playing.

For the thousands of people who suffer sight loss the thought of fighting their way through the crowds in order to complete their Christmas shopping must be a daunting prospect.

Here at Sunderland and County Durham Royal Society for the Blind we endeavour to provide a wide range of services for people with sight loss. Social activities, sporting opportunities, educational training, counselling and befriending support, advice and companionship are all on offer. We cater for over 2,000 people.

I am writing to ask your readers if, this Christmas, they will add one more gift to their shopping list in the form of a donation to Sunderland and County Durham Royal Society for the Blind.

Any amount will be most welcome and all donations will be acknowledged with a thank you letter and official receipt.

Please help us to continue our work on behalf of blind and partially-sighted people and in

return I am sure the warm feeling you will get as a result of your kindness will help ensure that everyone enjoys a magical Christmas. RICHARD WOOD, executive officer, Sunderland & County Durham Royal Society for the Blind, 8 Foyle Street, Sunderland, SR1 1LB. Tel: 0191 5673939.