The Killarney Optometric Centre has reached a significant milestone in serving their community. They're celebrating their 75th Anniversary this coming Saturday, this in conjunction with their October fundraiser for Optometry Giving Sight. "So, this year we get to celebrate 75 years in business at the Killarney Optometric Centre. It was founded in June of 1950 by Dr. Woody Spearman and has been a business in Killarney since then," shares Killarney Optometrist Dr. Candace DeCock. "We're proud to be part of that legacy and so we wanted to do something special!" Each year in the month of October, the staff hosts a fall fundraiser with proceeds going to Optometry Giving Sight, a charitable organization that provides infrastructure, schooling and equipment for communities around the world that need eye care. Samuel's story: After a long ambition to pursue a career within the medical sciences, Samuel Chagwadira became one of Malawi’s first ever optometrists in 2012. Samuel, along with four of his classmates, was among the very first graduates from the Malawi School of Optometry at Mzuzu University. As one of the first students in the program, Samuel remembers the early challenges when the university had limited equipment and resources. With the successful development of the School of Optometry, Samuel is now able to look towards even further study. “My goals are to pursue my Masters and then my PhD, and to offer my services to my country and to Africa as whole,” he said. “The optometry program is a beautiful thing.” Samuel said that graduating was like a dream come true, and that he will always cherish the memories of his time with lecturers and classmates. “To be part of the first group of graduate optometrists in Malawi feels great,” he said. “It is history in the making; we’ve written history!” Optometry Giving Sight was one of the funding partners that aided in the establishment of the Malawi School of Optometry. The Killarney Optometric Centre has hosted fundraising dinner theatres, Spin Cycle events, and other ways to raise funds, always in the month of October. It was during the pandemic the staff invited their community to do a walk through the Killarney golf course to keep with social distancing. "We were able to send away almost $8,000 from that event, which was fantastic in that Covid year," explains Dr. DeCock. "I know that was a hard year for fundraising" "So, yes we're going to do a fundraiser for Optometry Giving Sight this Saturday. We've done one for several years now," adds Dr. DeCock. "So, this year we decided to pair it with our celebration for our 75th Anniversary. But, we've done a number of events and we've sent several thousands of dollars away now which is a credit to this wonderful community that we live in." The Saturday evening celebration will take place at the Killarney Legion from 6-9 pm featuring the Wooden Gate Cider from Pilot Mound. Trivia games and a silent auction will also be part of the evening with appetizers and sweets. All proceeds will be going to Optometry Giving Sight. To reserve tickets, call 204-523-4613 or email: kvseyes@gmail.com "We would just like everyone to come out and celebrate with us," adds Dr. DeCock. "I would love to see 100-150 people come out for this event. We're maxed out at 200 at the Legion in Killarney but it would thrilled to see 150 people come out for our 75th Anniversary and raise money for this worthy cause, and to celebrate with you all."