Turning Waste into Care: Collaborative Action Produces Needed Protective Cases for 5 000 Spectacles

At Hold My Hand, we love stories that show the power of community, and this one is truly inspiring.

The Umbono Eye Care Project recently delivered 5 000 pairs of spectacles to learners in need, complete with protective cases—thanks to a remarkable collaboration. When the absence of cases threatened the safety of these vital glasses, Gordon Thompson of the Gately Rotary Club stepped in with an ingenious solution.

By teaming up with Isringhausen, a company specialising in car seat upholstery, waste leather textiles were repurposed into spectacle cases. With the help of Newdeal Trading and the sewing skills of the McClelland Adult Centre residents, these scraps were transformed into high-quality protective cases at just R2 per case, supported by a generous R10 000 donation from the Gately Rotary Club.

This is more than just a story about spectacles—it's a powerful reminder of how partnerships and innovative thinking can change lives.