The good work of a Griffith optometrist has proven to be the gift that keeps on giving, thanks to an Inner Wheel donation. 

Chris McTaggart travelled to Nepal in early 2017 to lend his skills to help those who might not otherwise have access to eye care.

When Griffith East Inner Wheel’s international service officer Mary Bertoldo read about his story in The Area News, she knew she’d found a cause worthy of throwing her support behind. The cause was eventually nominated by the district as its 2017 international fundraiser. 

“When I heard about Chris McTaggart, I said ‘oh my goodness, he’s a local person’. I knew I was going to put that in because I know, as you get older, how important sight is,” Mrs Bertoldo said. 

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Together, the groups raised over $4896 for EyeCare Nepal, assisting a group of optometrists in removing cataracts. 

Inner Wheel is an international organisation closely linked to Rotary. It was initially founded to unite wives and daughters of Rotarians. Before 1989, Rotary generally prohibited women as members. 

While women are now able to join Rotary, Inner Wheel continues in over 100 countries. 

Mr McTaggart’s wife Pamela said the pair were amazed by the difference one trip had made. 

“We were just gobsmacked. We didn’t think it was even possible. I think that’s the idea of raising awareness of what goes on … there’s so much going on. Knowing there’s that support, all these external third parties that some way or another, also contribute to this,” she said. 

“You may not be there in Nepal but you’re putting in a little seed to help.”

Griffith East Club President says the district chooses a different international project every year. 

“Each year the clubs get the opportunity to put forward an international project. The clubs come together to raise money for that cause for the whole year,” she said. 

“Last year, Mary came and spoke with Chris and it was chosen by the district.”