Swansea student builds playground for disadvantaged children in Uganda thanks to local opticians

Specsavers in Swansea raised £500 for the charity after local resident, Abby Sly, got in touch with the store and asked if they could hold a fundraiser.

Ms Sly, an 18-year-old who studies at Swansea University, was in Uganda for two weeks with Play Action International – a charity that provides safe and fun play facilities for disadvantaged children in Uganda.

Specsavers, which also offers a Home Visits service for those unable to visit one of its 1,000 locally owned stores, raised £250 by hosting a raffle and bake sale, which was matched by the store’s directors to make a total of £500.

Ms Sly says: “It was an extremely eye-opening experience spending time in Jinja, Uganda to help an underprivileged community. Things that we take for granted, like a playground, mean so much to people here and it has a real positive impact on their daily lives.

“Play Action International is an incredible charity that is doing vital projects in Uganda and Kenya. I’m so grateful to the team at Specsavers for their support, as, without their help, I wouldn’t have been able to take up this opportunity.”

Chris Jones, retail director at Specsavers Swansea, adds: “We’re really passionate about supporting charities that are doing such vital work for those in need and it’s great to see that the money raised to help Abby has had such a positive impact. To see someone from our local community making a real difference is very inspiring.”