RNIB's partnership with Boots Opticians began in July 2009 and focused on supporting Actionnaires clubs (through Action for Blind People, part of RNIB Group). The clubs run activities and provide services for blind and partially sighted children aged 4 to 16 years and are part of our programme for children and young people. Our Actionnaires clubs encourage social inclusion by helping people connect with their peers and live full and active lives.
Following the merger of Boots Opticians and Dollond and Aitchison opticians around 680 branches across the UK have been involved in fundraising activities. Together they have raised over £260,000 for RNIB Group.
There have been numerous activities across the country over the years from store openings and a fancy dress day in Wolverhampton to a gruelling three-day cycle ride between Loughborough and Reading.
As part of their in-store charity promotion customers are offered the opportunity to donate to RNIB. If they are in need of a minor repair or adjustment to their glasses this service is offered free of charge but with an invitation to make a donation to RNIB.
The partnership has now been extended to March 2013 with a target of £150,000.
"It has been very rewarding for Boots Opticians to have the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of so many blind and partially sighted young people. Having personally witnessed the excitement and increased confidence of the young people at the sporting event in Sheffield, we look forward to extending our fruitful working relationship."
Andy Ferguson, Managing Director of Boots Opticians
Find out more about corporate partnerships
To find out more about becoming an RNIB corporate partner, please email us at fundraising@rnib.org.uk or call us on 0845 345 0054 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).