Macular Degeneration New Zealand (MDNZ) unveiled its vision for 2020 at a cocktail party in October, generously hosted by The Kelliher Charitable Trust in Parnell, Auckland.

MDNZ gathered key supporters and donors together to remind those present about the devastating effects of macular degeneration and how sight can be saved, and to hear how MDNZ’s Vision for 2020 campaign will help fight this terrible disease. Vision for 2020 aims to raise $150,000 a year, over three years to raise awareness about MD among the 41% of people over 50 years of age in New Zealand who remain unaware of it, yet are also at risk of developing it.

Using the Kelliher Trust art gallery to highlight our work, MDNZ distributed glasses, kindly donated by MSO (previously Mike Sladen Optical), that simulated vision loss from macular degeneration. We encouraged guests to look at the art wearing the glasses so they could understand the devastating effect of the disease. We also took the opportunity to auction artworks by emerging artists that raised $3,000 for MDNZ’s work, which is still unsupported by the government.

Our ambassador and founding trustee, Viv Jones spoke about her experience of vision loss from macular degeneration and how being aware and proactive not only saved her sight, but improved it. Board chairman, Henry Ford introduced the Vision for 2020 campaign and inspired attendees to consider how they could contribute.

To kick start the campaign and to encourage others to contribute, a generous donor granted MDNZ $25,000 a year for the next three years. MDNZ’s event at the Kelliher Trust helped secure the donation as the donor could see we are engaging with our major donors and supporters and this would amplify their contribution.

The evening had a lovely atmosphere in the delightful surroundings of quality artworks. Attendees all said they really enjoyed the evening and are keen to learn more about Vision for 2020 and our work. If you would like to know more, please visit http://mdnz.org.nz/