Put a little skip in your step

A leading Irish sight loss charity has launched a campaign promoting sustainability through the reuse of furniture for people who are visually impaired.

Last month, Vision Ireland announced the launch of Skip The Skip, a campaign designed to promote environmental sustainability and support for nearly 300,000 people living with visual impairments or blindness across Ireland.

Coinciding with #SustainableSeptember, the year-long campaign aims to highlight Vision Ireland's free preloved furniture collection service available in Dublin, Wicklow, and Cork.

Vision Ireland, the second-largest charity shop chain in the country with over 130 stores, offers a collection service for used furniture and encourages communities to donate rather than discard, giving preloved items a second life and reducing waste.

Ciara Coleman, Head of Business Development and Growth at Vision Ireland Retail, said: “In 2024, we estimate that we’ll collect over 109,000 10kg bags of overstock and returns, with a significant 37% of these goods being recirculated for sale. This highlights our ongoing commitment to creating a positive impact on both the environment and the communities we serve.”

The Skip The Skip campaign is also designed to provide practical and emotional support, along with rehabilitation and training for independent living for those affected by sight loss.

Vision Ireland is also a leader in sustainable fashion, with over 95% of clothing donated to the charity being recycled or sold for reuse. This effort helps to redirect potential landfill waste, with 410 tonnes (41,067 10kg bags) of unsellable stock repurposed this year alone.

Get involved

Vision Ireland is encouraging the people of Cork to participate in the Skip The Skip campaign this year by opting to donate their unwanted furniture and clothing to the charity. This simple act directly supports individuals living with visual impairments or blindness in Ireland.

For more information on how to donate or to schedule a free collection, visit vi.ie or contact your local Vision Ireland store.

Vision Ireland is Ireland’s national sight loss organisation, providing practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services, and other training designed to help people with sight loss live independently and confidently. Services offered by the charity include rehabilitation training and independent living skills and mobility training, as well as the provision of low vision solutions such as magnifiers or other aids.