COCONUT Bar has raised more than £1,200 in aid of Berkshire Vision, which works to support those with sight impairment.
Despite significant challenges faced by venues during the pandemic, the bar has worked to raise money for the charity since late 2019.
On Thursday, May 19, Berkshire Vision’s CEO, Laura Mitchell, and marketing officer, Clare Matthews, were presented with a cheque for £1,254.
Ms Matthews said: “It’s so lovely to work with local businesses being a local charity, of course– it’s really important to have that relationship.
“They’ve raised a lovely amount, and every bit helps us, it’s just wonderful.”
Coconut Bar director Kaman Lam said that the venue wanted a charity they could work closely with.
“We chose Berkshire Vision because it was local, and because there’s not many charities that are focused on sight loss.”
“Our staff like to get involved, even before COVID some of the staff were signing up to volunteer during their time off, which got cut short, of course.”
The money was raised with a portion of proceeds from themed cocktails at the bar being awarded directly to Berkshire Vision.
Ms Mitchell said that the funds would help the charity provide a number of vital services for those with sight impairment.
“One of the most valued services is actually one that underpins the rest of them, which is transport.
“We’ve got three fully accessible mini buses, because obviously most with sight impairments don’t drive,
“And many will not have enough sight to navigate public transport, or perhaps aren’t confident doing it.”
She explains that this service, more than others, can provide independence to somebody with vision loss.
“Even when they have someone to bring them, that creates a care or dependency situation, and that can really take away from their independence.
“So it’s really important for us to help get them around, but fuel especially is getting so expensive.”
The charity also works to help with employability, Ms Matthews explains.
“And that means helping them identify work options, building skills and confidence, get placements and training, and ultimately paid jobs.”
As well as its more practical services, Berkshire Vision offers a number of social activities, which can also be hard to access for those the charity supports.
“A big part of our of our ethos is challenging perceptions and expectations of what people visual impairments can do” says Ms Mitchell.
“And that can be society’s, but it could also be their own– we take them cycling, ice skating, rock climbing, and we’ve just come back from axe throwing.”
She said that Berkshire Vision valued working with businesses, both to help them to be more accessible, and to continue the charity’s support work.
“We value the two way partnership, and feel like they really want to work with us.
“They want to give their support, they understand what we’re about.”
“It is a very simple thing, but to us it means a great deal, so we really want to thank them.”
Berkshire Vision and Coconut Bar are also collaborating on an art exhibition, featuring work from visually impaired artists, in July.
For more information about Berkshire Vision, visit: www.berkshirevision.org.uk
