ORBIS Day announced at 25th anniversary

The 1st of March was declared "ORBIS Day" in New York City, USA, by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at the celebration of ORBIS's 25th anniversary at the United Nations.

ORBIS International, best known for the world's only Flying Eye Hospital, is dedicated to saving sight across the world and more than 80 heads of state and the past three secretaries general of the UN gathered to recognize its achievements.

To recognize the 28 million people, worldwide, who are needlessly blind, the tower lights of the Empire State building were turned off for 28 minutes and, when re-lit, the building was lit in blue and white in honour of ORBIS.

A call for global action was launched with a $10 million gift from A.L. Ueltschi, chairman of FlightSafety International and chairman of the ORBIS International board of directors; the largest gift ever received by the organisation.

Numerous companies have also pledged money, and it is hoped that the overall fund will total around $100 million.