We understand that there would be mixed responses but isn’t this a question you ask before donating? Based on our experience, education and instinct, we tend to prefer a particular cause over another. Some may choose to support education, others the elderly, or maybe even the disabled.
Every cause is important and they all need their due attention. However, to answer the question accurately, it is vital for donors to have all the required information. What exactly is the problem? How many people are affected by it? What can be done to help? What can one do to alleviate this problem?
To address these relevant issues, GiveIndia will launch a campaign every month dedicated to a particular cause. Every month, we will attempt to raise a predetermined amount of funds, for a particular cause and in the process spread awareness.
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In April 2012, our mission is to raise enough funds to support 200 cataract surgeries. Cataract as you may know, is common among the aged and in some cases also affects children. In India, over 7 million people suffer from this condition, some of whom are incapacitated labourers. Without their eyesight, many of them are rendered helpless.
Cataract, however, is a curable condition and the affected don’t need to suffer. A delicate but simple surgical procedure is all that’s required to cure it. So why is it still a problem for so many people? Well, there are plenty of reasons; distance, fear, lack of service awareness, lack of support etc. Some people are also completely oblivious to the fact that their diminishing vision could be a result of cataract.
But the
prime reason why they are denied timely aid is lack of financial resources. The cost of a cataract surgery in India falls anywhere between Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 15.000, however, prices may get higher depending on the city and the hospital one chooses to get the surgery done. These costs are unaffordable to some unfortunate people, which forces them to live with their disability.
The good news is that some NGOs are able to offer these surgeries at subsidized rates that are under Rs. 2,500. This has made the treatment more accessible and goes a long way in alleviating the problem. However, as you are aware, some citizens of this country live on minimum wages and cannot afford the surgery even at these subsidized rates.
Our mission in April is to help at least 200 such people get their sight back and leave their disability behind. We plan to achieve this by educating donors and spreading awareness about this cause. All through the month we will update our progress on our website and we hope to hit our target well before 30th April, 2012. Wish us luck!
Click here to support us now:
http://www.giveindia.org/t-cataract-surgeries.aspx