The polar vision team are delighted to be able to announce Sightsavers International and Guide Dogs for the Blind as our two charity partners for our December 2011 expedition to the South Pole.
Press Release follows:
22nd April 2010
POLAR VISION EXPEDITION ANNOUNCES CHARITY PARTNERS
Polar Vision, the expedition team undertaking a world record breaking challenge to trek, unsupported, from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole, is delighted to announce its charity partnership with Sightsavers International and Guide Dogs for the Blind.
With awareness and fund-raising at the heart of the Polar Vision mission, the expedition team will work closely with both charity partners for the next 20 months as they prepare to take on one of the toughest endurance challenges in the world.
Polar Vision team member, Alan Lock, will attempt to become the first visually impaired person to complete the coast to Pole expedition.“We’re thrilled that both Guide Dogs for the Blind and Sightsavers International are supporting the Polar Vision expedition” said Alan.
“As someone with first hand experience of visual impairment, I fully appreciate the positive impact that these two organizations have on individuals the world over. These partnerships provide the team with a fantastic opportunity to raise valuable funds and awareness that will directly help those who are blind or who have vision impairment, to gain the freedom and independence to fulfill their potential.”
The Polar Vision team will be raising funds and awareness to support both charities in supporting blind and visually impaired people both in the United states and in developing countries throughout the world.
Kelly Dale, International Fundraising Manager, Sightsavers International commented, “We are delighted that Polar Vision has chosen Sightsavers International as one of its charity partners for this exciting challenge. We are very much looking forward to working closely with everyone on the team to highlight the work we do. We’re sure it will be an enjoyable and memorable experience for all!”
Joanne Ritter, Director of Marketing and Communications for Guide Dogs for the Blind also commented, “The excitement generated by the Polar Vision expedition will help carry the message of Guide Dogs for the Blind throughout the world. The ‘can do’ spirit is one we totally embrace. We hope it will inspire everyone to get involved and make a difference.”
Polar Vision will set off on their expedition in December 2011. The team will cover a distance of approximately 730 miles, taking on one of the harshest environments on the planet.
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For further information about the Polar Vision expedition and to follow the team and the challenge, contact [email protected] or visit http://www.polar-vision.org/
Notes to editors:
About Polar Vision:
- Polar Vision is a truly extraordinary and inspiring expedition, following in the tradition of great Polar explorers such as Scott, Amundsen, and Shackleton.
- Walking to the South Pole is one of the world’s hardest expeditions, comparable to climbing Mount Everest or Sailing solo around the world.
- Setting off on the two-month expedition in the Antarctic Spring the team will walk 730 miles across the frozen Antarctica continent to the South Pole, arriving 60 days later.
- The commencement date of this expedition is especially poignant being 100 years since the Norwegian Roald Amundsen became the first man to reach the South Pole on December 14th 1911.
Sightsavers International:
- Sightsavers International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is affiliated with Sightsavers’ international group of organizations which works with partners to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote equality of opportunity for disabled people in the developing world.
- There are 45 million blind people in the world; 75% of all blindness can be prevented or cured.
- Since 1950, Sightsavers has restored sight to more than 5.65 million people and treated over 100 million more.
- Donations to support Sightsavers’ work can be made using the 24-hour donation line (0800 089 2020) or via www.sightsaversusa.org
Guide Dogs for the Blind:
- Whether helping kids and parents get Guide Dog experience early, offering assistance to adults who are newly blind, or placing “retired” guide dogs in loving homes, Guide Dogs for the Blind offers more programs across more service areas than any other guide dog school in North America.
- Our school was incorporated in May of 1942 and began instruction of students in a rented home in Los Gatos, California, south of San Jose. A German Shepherd named “Blondie” was one of the first dogs trained. “Blondie” had been rescued from a Pasadena dog pound. She was later paired with Sgt. Leonard Foulk, the first serviceman to graduate from the new school. Since that beginning more than 60 years ago, we’ve graduated more than 10,000 Guide Dog teams.