1600 pairs of spectacles donated

MORE than 1600 pairs of spectacles were handed over to the crew of the Youth With a Mission floating hospital, Pacific Link, yesterday afternoon.

The glasses were collected by members of the Ballina Lions Club and will be used by people in Papua New Guinea.

Peter Dean, president of the Ballina Lions Club, said his members were proud to be involved.

“Everybody on that ship is a volunteer,” he said.

“In the space of two to three weeks, we managed to collect about 1600 pairs of spectacles, with more to come.”

YWAM operations manager, Robyn Mulligan, said they were ‘very grateful’ for the support of the Ballina community.

“It’s all about partnerships,” she said.

“We have seen communities pitch in all along the coast, and we would really like to thank everyone.”

Ballina mayor Phillip Silver said it was a privilege to welcome YWAM and the Pacific Link.