The task of running a local charity brings a huge number of challenges, but it also brings moments of joy and pleasure. Every so often, we’re caught off guard by an unexpected moment of magic which only goes to remind us that the work of Dorset Blind Association is valued by people in the community who don’t benefit directly from our services, but who nevertheless recognise the importance and value of the service we provide in the community, and the lives we change for the better.
This week we were overwhelmed to receive a gift of £20,000 from the Alan Miller Charitable Trust, by way of his friends Gerry and Pauline. By all accounts, Alan was a man who saw the value in supporting groups and initiatives which make a real difference to the lives of people in Dorset, and through his friendship with one of our members, he recognised the value of the work this charity does throughout Dorset.
Indeed, Alan’s influence isn’t limited to DBA, and his legacy is already making a huge difference in the wider community, funding, amongst others: a wheelchair-friendly nature trail on Brownsea Island; eye scanners, microscopes and incubators; and an end-of-life garden at Bournemouth Hospital.
Thank you, Alan. And thank you, Gerry and Pauline. This gift will make it possible for us to continue offering our services throughout what is a vast and sprawling county, and ensure we can offer our members the same quality of help and support they count on us to provide.