Blind Buddy – Become a Blind Buddy Today

Welcome to the Blind Buddies
We work to increase awareness around blindness and its impact on children.

A preschool learner draws while an instructor looks on

ABOUT

The Blind Buddy Campaign is an awareness and fund-raising initiative to support the early childhood development and education of blind children, their families, and communities. Our campaign runs various events throughout the year for schools and businesses including Blind Buddy Day, the Blind Buddies Ball, the Blind Buddies Run, merchandise sales, and other engaging events. All funding supports the League of Friends of the Blind’s early childhood development program, and works to further the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal for Education.

Who is Bobo?

Bobo is the mascot for the Early Childhood Development program at LOFOB. As a cuddly and friendly icon, he works to engage children and create an approachable means to learn about blindness. His name means “light”.

Become a Blind Buddy

Anyone can support early childhood development!

Purchase Stickers & Merch

Donate Now

Ways to Engage

Schools

Participate in the Bobo-the-Bear Colour in Competition
Host a fundraising event
Book a Blind Buddy Education Talk

Info for Schools

Businesses

Participate in the Annual Blind Buddies Ball
Support Early Childhood Development with a single or recurring tax deductible donation

Info for Businesses

Individuals

Assist with Deliveries
Work in Telesales
Source prizes, gifts, and auction items
Logistical Help
Volunteer at events
Participate in the Blind Buddies Run

2998

number of Bobos coloured in

participating schools and businesses in 2019

75+

number of blind children helped

Images in circles of preschool program learners

Impact

Throughout South Africa, we are the only organization supporting blind children’s education and services from birth until the age of 13. Our work doesn’t stop with the child, as we connect with and educate parents and social workers about blindness.

An often overlooked part of working with a blind child is creating a support network for them throughout their community, educating and dispelling prejudices to create a safe space for them to grow. Being a Blind Buddy and supporting our campaign helps raise awareness of the issues that blind children face in their development.

Educating underserved communities about childhood blindness prevention is another role of our program. An educated parent can look for signs and prevent lifelong blindness in their children and more by sharing their knowledge in their community. By giving these parents the resources to learn and connect to assistance, we work to lower the global rate of avoidable blindness that is currently around 80%.

LOFOB members, a learner, and a school principal in a group

Blind Buddy Awareness Day 2020
Participate in our Nationally Recognized Awareness Day

Learn More
Blind Buddy Run 2019
Become a Blind Buddy and run in our annual sponsored race!

Learn More
Blind Buddies Ball 2020
Learn how to attend our first Blind Buddies Ball in the summer of 2020

Learn More