YWAM Ships

IN various locations around the city “spectacle receptacle” boxes are appearing for people to donate their unused pairs of spectacles and sunglasses.

The spectacles drive is an extension of the medical mission of the ship MV Pacific Link, which is due to dock in Gladstone in June en route to Papua New Guinea.

Local committee spokesperson Phil Adlam said the ship, owned by Youth With a Mission (YWAM) Australia, will spend several months in PNG administering medical and dental aid to local villagers, as well as providing optical care and distribution of the spectacles.

According to the Fred Hollows Foundation, 550,000 people in PNG have low vision that can be corrected with spectacles. However, there are only 10 optometrists in the entire nation – the equivalent of about 40 optometrists for the whole Australian population.

The spectacles, along with donations of medical and dental supplies and finances, will be presented to the YWAM crew when the ship is in port from June 8 to June 14.

The 37m MV Pacific Link arrived in Australia from New Zealand in March and has been visiting cities and ports along the eastern seaboard, raising community awareness of the plight of people in PNG. Mr Adlam said he was excited the ship was coming to Gladstone and said he hoped people would take the opportunity to visit the ship while it was in port.

The “spectacle receptacle” boxes are on display at the Observer office in Goondoon Street; the council libraries in Gladstone, Calliope and Mt Larcom; Liz Cunningham’s office; Medicare at Gladstone Central; Rhema FM in Lyons Street; Pro Vision Optometrist at Centro Valley; and Tannum Eye Care at Tannum Sands.

For further information about the spectacles drive phone Vicki Buchanan 4972 9355.