Belle River man is giving the gift of vision overseas
Steven Mahovlich collects donated glasses in Belle River, Ont., on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2024. (Stefanie Masotti/CTV News Windsor)
A Belle River man spends his limited spare time collecting and repairing donated eyeglasses with a greater goal in mind.
Steven Mahovlich is giving the gift of vision overseas.
“Sitting on the workbench over here is about 1500 pair of glasses that I haven't gone through,” said Mahovlich as he points to stacked boxes in his garage. “In 24 years, I've probably turned over 60 to 80,000 pair of glasses.”
Once repaired, they are shipped to Calgary, where they are inspected by an optometrist. They are then shipped to third world countries, where glasses are hard to come by and the need is great.
“Eyeglasses we collect all go overseas because our government does not allow us to reuse medical equipment in that regard,” said Mahovlich.
Once glasses reach their destination they are distributed accordingly.
“They give the person as close a prescription, if not the exact perception that they require,” he said.
The impact of the donation is far reaching.
“One pair of glasses does not just do one person in third world country; one pair of glasses can do an entire family.”
It’s an ongoing effort to help those get the clarity they deserve.
If you or someone you know has glasses to donate, you can reach Steven at (519) 728-9637 or drop them off at the Belle River Lions Club.
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