Cataract operations performed in cities like Bangalore typically cost between INR 8000 to 12000 depending on the case and complexity (with Indian lenses being used). With foreign lenses the cost zooms to INR 40000. The Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar (RBI) in association with the Globe Eye Foundation are now able to impact & make these surgeries available at a much lower cost of close to INR 3800. Of the INR 3800, government subsidies and revenue from other surgeries take care of approximately INR 2800. THE BALANCE 1000 INR NEEDS FUNDING!
Through this crowdfunding campaign, I want to raise INR 1000 per surgery to make 20 cataract surgeries happen! These cataract surgeries are mainly for the elderly (65 years and above) in the rural areas of KOLAR, HOSKOTE & CHINTAMANI (these are rural areas around Bangalore). This campaign will impact the rural elderly (both men and women) who are poor and in-need of urgent surgery. JUST INR 1000 from you will GIVE SIGHT to the rural elderly!
HELP ME RAISE INR 20,000 & IMPACT 20 ELDERLY PEOPLE.
The money raised, will be given to our partners - Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar & they will pay the amount to the NGO - Globe Eye Foundation. Once the money is given, the Globe Eye Foundation will use it to perform cataract surgeries for the elderly poor in villages in Hoskote, Kolar & Chintamani. They will then share the details with me. I shall then post an update giving you details of the elderly whose eye sight has been corrected so that you know for whose treatment your money has been used.
CASE STUDY OF A CATARACT SURGERY
ABOUT ME & THIS CAMPAIGN:
Hi, I am Gowri Harish of class 11A of Delhi Public School Bangalore east.
If anyone knows me well, they would know that I love to help others, whether it may be teaching dance to underprivileged kids, raising funds for NGOs, running for a cause, donating books, toys or even hair for cancer patients. I came across "fuel a dream" through my school. The opportunity to help so many elderly poor regain their eyesight and become independent does mean a lot to me.
It was only last year that I became personally aware of this affliction when my grandmother - an extremely voracious reader - was rendered helpless due to cataract and she kept putting off the surgery. The day-to-day simple activities became arduous tasks that took very long to complete.
Finally we convinced her to undergo the surgery that brought light back into her life within a week's time. Soon enough she was hale and hearty, ready to learn to take pictures in her new smartphone. This incident left an indelible mark on my psyche. This campaign reminds me about the sufferings people have to go through and how a simple surgery can alleviate the disability.
Pic: This is me
During my initial research, I found that of the 37 million people across the globe who are blind, over 15 million are from India. What's worse is that 75% of these cases are avoidable. The fact that there are so many people who are crippled, dependent, helpless and probably unaware about their condition whose lives can completely be transformed by this campaign really inspired me. Most of the time, working with NGOs may be a tiresome job which requires constant follow ups. This campaign is only for 45 days and is thus easy to get closure on. While it may be hard for just one person to make such a huge impact, this campaign allows me to connect with my parents, peers and relatives for a good cause and is hence very satisfying.
People spend Rs 1000 for watching movies or eating out but just think if instead of one night's entertainment, how about bringing back daylight for someone else?
'Eye see the future, it's eyeronic how one small contribution can make such a huge impact'
OUR PARTNERS:
ROTARY & GLOBE EYE FOUNDATION
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We are raising money to cover the cost of the cataract surgery & the smallest amount you contribute will help them to regain their eyesight. The funds from this campaign will be transferred to Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar (since they are a registered NGO & you will get tax benefits). They will in-turn route it to the concerned hospitals. Once the campaign ends, regular updates will be posted to keep the funders abreast of which person received the surgery.
TAX BENEFITS:
By funding this campaign, you are eligible for tax breaks as the Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar is a registered NGO & you can avail benefits under section 80G of the IT act. Foreign funding is not accepted. If you are an Indian living abroad or a person holding an Indian passport you can still fund this campaign.
ABOUT THE HOSPITALS:
There are 3 hospitals where these surgeries will be done. All 3 hospitals are managed by the GLOBE EYE FOUNDATION (GEF). The hospitals are located in Kolar, Hoskote and Chintamani.
ABOUT ROTARY BANGALORE INDIRANAGAR:
Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar is a global network of 1.2 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting changes in communities at home and abroad. For over 110 years, the Rotary Bangalore Indiranagar along with its members have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, they are committed to always working towards bettering our world.
ABOUT GLOBE EYE FOUNDATION:
Based out of Bangalore, the Globe Eye Foundation has made significant contributions to the needs of the poor & elderly in the villages around Bangalore. Founded in 1995 by Dr. Sundar Ram Shetty, Globe Eye Foundation is a registered charitable and non-profit organisation. It has been delivering eye care services through its Eye Hospital at Hoskote (near Bangalore) since 1996. The people of Kolar, Bangalore Rural and Urban districts are covered by this Hospital. More than 80% of the services are free for the poor in Karnataka. Their website is at the link http://www.globeeye.org/
FAQs
Will we get to know details of the elderly who benefitted?
Yes. After the money has been collected it will be transferred by Fueladream to Rotary who will then give it to the Globe Eye Foundation. It will take from 30 to 90 days after that to get details of who the beneficiary was with details of them. Once I get this information from the team at Rotary & Globe Eye Foundation (as they collaborate on this) I shall upload this on the UPDATES section of this campaign. You will then get an alert & can read details about the beneficiaries.
What are the crowdfunding charges?
Fueladream charges 2% for the payment for the payment gateway and 7% as crowdfunding charges. With service tax the total comes to 10.62%. There is also an initial fee of 3000 INR which is being waived for us. Of the INR 20,000 a net amount of INR 17856 will be transferred to the Rotary Foundation.
When do I get the receipts?
It takes upto 2 weeks after the campaign is closed for the monies to be transferred. The receipts will start getting processed about 4 to 6 weeks AFTER the campaign is closed and will be sent to you directly.
How does crowdfunding work?
Crowdfunding in India is a relatively new concept & is growing very quickly.
It’s a concept that allows a large number of funders (like you) to fund an Idea or a cause or event by giving small amounts of money online. Fueladream.com is a crowdfunding platform in India that allows for such a pooling of funds.
You can fund innovations & ideas on FuelADream and be the first to get these products or make them come true. You can also do a good turn by funding charities and causes through crowdfunding. When you fund a charity it’s more like a donation & you get small innovative rewards like a shout-out on an FB page or a thank you email from the beneficiaries.
