Bandar Seri Begawan - The issue of visual impairment goes beyond health- it affects the livelihood of individuals and impinges on the welfare of communities. Standard Chartered Bank believes in making a difference, and it does so by raising funds through its Seeing Is Believing project, which is a global initiative to help tackle avoidable blindness.

According to a press release from the bank, Standard Chartered Bank is inviting its clients and the general public to support its, cause and get involved in this initiative at the Seeing Is Believing Charity Afternoon Tea on Friday, November 6, 2009 at 2.30pm in the Manggis Mall Ballroom.

The press release said, "The bank will provide eye masks on the day to suppress your sense of sight during the meal and open your eyes to the daily challenges visually-impaired people face.

"Getting through challenges is easier with a helping hand, so purchase a pair of tickets, ie two tickets at B$20 each ticket, and bring along a partner who will guide you through the afternoon tea.

"Alternatively, you can opt to sponsor a visually-impaired-person and their guide, both of whom Standard Chartered Bank will allocate on your behalf, to enjoy the event.

"Tickets can be purchased from Standard Chartered Bank branches in Gadong, Manggis and Kuala Belait.

"In addition to the proceeds from ticket sales, there will be a charity auction of two RBA tickets to destinations which will be announced on the day of the event and framed winning photos from the recent Standard Chartered Bank Seeing Is Believing photo competition.

"Participants can also pick up unique Seeing Is Believing memorabilia at the tea event. All proceeds will go to the Seeing Is Believing campaign to give practical support and treat avoidable blindness."

Danny Quah, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank stated, "Globally, to date, Standard Chartered Bank has raised over USD17 million and is on course to impact over 11 million people across 20 countries by 2010. Our latest commitment is to invest a further US$ 20 million to develop comprehensive, sustainable eye care for 20 million people in the underprivileged areas of 20 cities across the world.

"Seeing is Believing works in collaboration with International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), the co-founders along with World Health Organisation of `VISION 2020: The Right to Sight' the campaign to eradicate avoidable blindness.

"Through this unique event, we want to bring the Brunei community closer to this cause and to understand better the challenges of visual impairment. Visual impairment not only affects the individual but also affects the person's immediate family or careers," he added.

The press release said, "Standard Chartered Bank's Seeing Is Believing is a flagship community programme founded in 2003. It is driven by Standard Chartered Bank staff in its response to a health issue that resonates globally.

"Through this programme, it helps to build a healthy community and supports economic growth by helping visually-impaired people, which in turn helps their dependents, families and communities. The programme has also progressively evolved from curing blindness to prevention to building sustainable eye-care services and capacity.

"In Brunei, Standard Chartered Bank raises funds for Seeing Is Believing through various platforms and actively supports the Special Education Unit of the Ministry of Education for it's, various sponsorship needs. The bank also supports the Brunei Darussalam National Association of the Blind by providing the non-government organisation with an office for its use.

"Find out more about the Seeing Is Believing Charity Afternoon Tea by calling the bank's Phone Banking Centre on265 8000 or visiting its Gadong, Manggis or Kuala Belait branch " the Press release said.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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