Sam Butler talks to us about Miracles in Nepal

Stories | August 5, 2019

Certainly the catalyst for me becoming involved with CBM and Miracles Day was our club chaplain, Paul Morrison. Morro (as we call him) has been with the club for over 10 years and I’ve always been inspired by his compassion and desire to make a difference.

This has never been more evident than through our many trips to Cambodia together. One of the things I was most proud of during my time at West Coast was my involvement and the West Coast Eagles’ investment into our trips to Cambodia, which Morro was also heavily involved in.

They always reminded me that there is a lot more to football and life than on-field success and that the platform for influence that West Coast gave us was not something that should be taken for granted.

Morro is also co-host of the Brekky Show on 98five Sonshine FM in Perth who are a participant in Miracles Day and which I have been a semi-regular guest on. From this history, the seed for this trip was sown and when Morro ran by me the idea of being involved, I of course said that anything I can do to help, I will.

I admit at the start I was quite naïve to what the trip was all about. I knew Miracles Day raised money for an important cause, but when I found out more, especially about the extent of how much it raises and the impact the money has in terms of pure impact on people’s lives, I was blown away.

The trip is twofold for me – selfishly, I’m looking forward to a new experience and challenge in Nepal – the country, the people and the culture. But more than that, I know that the awareness for such an important day and the long lasting effects on the people who will receive the life-changing surgery is the real goal and the reason we are so passionate about getting over there.

I want to connect with people over there, and being on the ground will be an amazing way to see and feel the work. I feel really privileged that I can help to raise awareness about Miracles Day, although to witness people receiving the actual cataract surgery first-hand may be interesting! Morro has told me I’ll probably struggle if I’m a bit squeamish, but we will give it a go!

It costs just $33 to give someone the Miracle of sight-saving surgery and I don’t think you can get better bang for buck than that. It’s a one-off gift and that will allow that person to be able to work, to connect with their family and to appreciate life.

I feel so fortunate to be involved and I know that with the support of the community, we can make such a huge difference.

This year, through Miracles Day, you can help give 40,000 people the sight-saving surgery they need to see again.

Miracles Day gives Australians the opportunity to give someone the Miracle gift of sight, with a 12-minute operation costing just $33.  Miracles Day happens across Australia on August 15. Give your Miracle today.

Read more about CBM’s Inclusive Eye Health Initiatives

Read about Cataract Facts here.

 

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