Pala: great sunnies made with love
In a nutshell...
What do they sell? Ethical (and pretty snazzy) eyewear that funds grants to eyecare projects in Africa
Why are they so great? 640 million people currently live with absolutely no access to eyewear, and so when you buy a pair of Pala sunglasses, you are helping bring eye health to more and more people
Pala sunglasses are great sunnies made with love: they'll make you look great while sharing the love with other people who are in need
The full story...
Who is Pala?
Pala is making looking great on your summer hols a way to support people in disadvantaged
communities get access to eye care, as well supporting other people in those communities to develop new skills and create jobs. Pala creates striking, quality sunglasses that really protect your eyes from the sun (which many cheap sunglasses do not) and make sure that your purchase and money can have a positive impact elsewhere in the world. Summer is a time when we often go on shopping sprees that can become pretty self-indulgent, and so Pala is helping to shift the focus onto someone else who is in need. With every pair of sunglasses you buy, you also get a protective case made from woven recycled plastic bags.
Why is what Pala does so important?
Pala's founder, John Pritchard, was disturbed by the fact that 10% of the population are visually impaired and can't get the eyewear they need. Not having access to eyewear means children can lose their education, and it is difficult for adults to work and earn their living. For every pair of sunglasses sold, Pala is able to invest with Vision Aid Overseas into vision centres and dispensaries in Africa so that eventually one person receives a pair of prescription glasses in a community where eyecare is scarce. It is not a one for one scheme, but rather a social enterprise where profits are invested back into important vision-related projects.
Where can I find Pala?
You can shop their sunnies on their website (free delivery, wahoo!) and learn more about their 'Wear Love Give' ethos and watch some brilliant videos on their 'Our Story' section. Also check them out on Insta to keep in the loop about their great launches and campaigns!
