September 1998 saw increased activity from the Branches in fund raising and awareness campaigns. Walks, runs, golf days, silver collections and seminars throughout the country kept Branch Committees very busy. M-Net gave generous air time to our 30 second TV ad featuring Macular Degeneration, whilst various radio stations and newspapers published or aired our advert free of charge. Our National President, Bruce Fordyce and Geoff Hilton Barber (RP), who sailed solo from Durban to Australia, assisted in public awareness in Port Elizabeth. The Cape Coastal and Country Branch sold blue lapel ribbons to mark the day. The National Management Committee has decided to institute this on a national basis this year and this gives every member the chance to become involved in public awareness for World Retina Day. Can YOU try to sell blue ribbons to your family, friends and business colleagues to wear on Friday and Saturday 24th and 25th September. At just R2.00 each, most people can afford them. Why not ask your company to buy them for all their staff to wear. We will supply you with an official order form. ABSA will be distributing them through all their branches and we hope to create tremendous awareness through this campaign. Orders need to be placed well in advance, so please start canvassing everyone now!