Opticians chose Alabaré as their charity of the year

A Pewsey-based chain of opticians with branches across Wiltshire has announced a partnership with the charity Alabaré, which will see them support its work with homeless and vulnerable people across the county.

The collaboration will see Haine & Smith, which has 20 practices across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, commit to donating all of its annual fundraising efforts to help the charity.

So far, all the profit made from plastic bag sales in the practices, along with a percentage of sales from Nikon branded lenses, has been pledged with more fundraising activities planned throughout the year.

The money will help support the valuable work Alabaré carries out supporting vulnerable, homeless and marginalised people; helping them transform their lives, provide accommodation and help them gain the skills, confidence and opportunities to live a fulfilled life.

Anna Lewin, partner and clinical lead optometrist at Haine & Smith (pictured) said: “We’re thrilled that Alabaré has agreed to partner with us and become our Charity of the Year.

“We really wanted to be involved with a local charity that helps people access the support and care needed to live a fulfilling life- which is exactly what Alabaré does.”

The charity is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year after being founded in 1991 and is aiming to raise £1.8 million to support all the work they do.

Laura Knight, community engagement Officer for Alabaré, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected as Haine & Smith’s Charity of the Year for 2021.

“The partnership will have a huge impact on our fundraising efforts which will enable us to support more people that require our help.

“We have already received a great response from employees willing to fundraise for us and we can’t wait to see where this partnership takes us.”