HOYA Vision Care Canada Becomes National Sponsor of Plane Pull for Sight

HOYA Vision Care Canada’s President, Steven Haifawi, knows how much can change in just one generation. His own father was a refugee who escaped the war in the Middle East at age of five, resettling in Australia. The family had nothing, but because of this opportunity to find safety, they were able to rebuild stronger and set the groundwork for Haifawi’s own success. He sees parallels with his story in the work Orbis does.

“I’m very conscious of the fact that you can transform an entire family and future generations in just one generation,” he says. “A little kid is sitting in the back of the classroom who can't see, can't read, and is struggling to learn. Then, all of a sudden, they've got a pair of glasses, and now they're getting an education. Now they're going to be able to work. Now they're going to transform their family's life. When you touch the life of a child, it’s not just one person that’s impacted, but their family and their community. And not just for today, but for the foreseeable future.”

This passion for improving access to eye care is part of HOYA’s culture, and it is a big part of why HOYA has been a Global Partner of Orbis since 2021. HOYA Vision Care Canada has also been a big part of Orbis Canada’s Plane Pull for Sight events. In 2023, they had teams in each of the three event cities and raised almost $12,000. In 2024, they are taking their support to the next level by becoming a national sponsor of the event.

Haifawi says that the work Orbis does to prevent avoidable blindness is key to HOYA’s commitment to supporting this event. “It goes lockstep with our mission at HOYA to provide people with the best vision they can have, and to impact their lives in the most positive way.” HOYA, a company that provides eye care professionals with what they need to successfully develop their practice, is committed to work that will improve eye health for everyone.

The element of fun that comes with being part of Plane Pull for Sight also factors into the organization’s decision to be involved. HOYA loves the friendly competition, and last year the Toronto team even took the title of Plane Pull for Sight Champions.

Executive Assistant to the President, Karen Briska-Gillis took part in all three Plane Pull events in 2023. She pulled in Calgary and Vancouver, and was a volunteer in Toronto. She can’t wait to participate again this year. “It’s fantastic! It's just the adrenaline rush of pulling that plane and everyone's there for the same cause.”

Haifawi agrees, “We really enjoyed the event. A lot of our staff didn't know what to expect when we put together a team. I brought the family along so the jumping castles, the hot dogs, the ice cream, they're all fantastic. We had a fun day. What was really cool was that our staff who experienced the first event went back to the office and told everyone about it, and now everyone wants to do it.”

Those who missed out will have their opportunity to get involved this year. HOYA has teams in all three cities once again and their eye health partners have also formed a team. Briska-Gillis will be back at each event and is excited to share the experience with her family this time. “I’m bringing my husband and nephew to the Toronto pull and can’t wait to show them how much fun it is.”