Rotary Donates $23,500

Immediate Past District Governor Peter Raynor, Margaret Raynor and Foundation CEO Julie Heraghty

Macular Disease Foundation Australia thanks the members of Rotary District 9670 for their generous support of the Macular Disease Foundation Australia’s Research Grants program.

Margaret Raynor coordinated the District 9670 Partner’s Project 2012-13 and raised the grand total of $23,500. Margaret and husband Peter, Immediate Past District Governor, visited the Foundation on Wednesday 26 February to present the giant cheque. It was a superb effort by Margaret and all the District 9670 clubs who supported her.

Margaret Raynor has seen the impact of macular degeneration firsthand as her mother lives with severe vision loss as a result of the disease. This personal experience was the impetus for Margaret’s Partner Project to support the Foundation’s research program so that all Australians can see a future.

Margaret visited every club in District 9670 to explain why Rotarians should support her Partner Project. She shared her personal story about macular degeneration and encouraged members to consider the effect vision loss would have on their lives. “Close your eyes,” she suggested. “Now imagine trying to manage your normal daily routine.”

The donation will be contributed to the Foundation’s Research Grants program, which funds gifted Australian researchers in medical, social and nutritional research into macular degeneration. To date, Macular Disease Foundation Australia has committed over $1.4 million to world leading Australian researchers to find the answers and reasons for the disease.

6 May 2014