ORANJESTAD, Aruba — The FAVI Aruba Donation Campaign has officially begun for 2026, calling on the community to help support services for children and adults who are blind or visually impaired across the island.
Fundacion Arubano di esnan Visualmente Incapacita, known as FAVI, launched its annual fundraising initiative during a special gathering with members of the media.
The event was designed not only to explain the importance of donations but also to give journalists a brief understanding of what it can feel like to receive information without being able to rely on sight.
Following welcoming remarks from FAVI director Cetty Baarh-Bijlhout, participating journalists covered their eyes during part of the presentation.
The exercise was intended to demonstrate some of the accessibility challenges faced by people with limited or no vision.
FAVI Aruba Donation Campaign Supports Services
Funds raised through the FAVI Aruba Donation Campaign help the organization maintain and further develop services for people with visual impairments.
These services include guidance and rehabilitation, adapted education, assistive devices, technology, activities and other forms of support designed to increase independence and participation in everyday life.
FAVI says its wider mission is to provide assistance and guidance to blind and visually impaired people while supporting their personal development and inclusion in society.
During the campaign presentation, ambulant teacher Merdith Faarup-Laclé explained more about FAVI’s work and the importance of continued community support.
Volunteers Help Make Campaign Possible
FAVI also thanked the collectors and volunteers who return each year to help with the fundraising effort.
Director Baarh-Bijlhout expressed appreciation for both volunteers and residents who continue donating to the foundation.
Activity Coordinator Catherine Midi explained how the annual campaign is organized and prepared.
She emphasized that contributions of any size can help FAVI continue providing services to people with visual impairments.
The volunteers collecting donations also serve as important representatives of FAVI throughout the Aruba community.
Several Ways to Support FAVI
Residents who want to support the FAVI Aruba Donation Campaign can contribute in several ways.
Donations can be made directly through FAVI, by bank transfer, through a recurring standing order or electronically through Pay.aw.
FAVI’s official donation information lists the following accounts:
- Aruba Bank: 7024380290
- RBC Royal Bank: 31366122
Pay.aw users can also access the Good Deeds section and select FAVI to make a contribution.
These donation methods are also listed on FAVI’s official website.
Campaign Promotes Independence and Inclusion
Dairon Ras from FAVI’s administration called on Aruba residents to support this year’s campaign and help create a society in which people with visual impairments can participate as independently and fully as possible.
FAVI works with people of different ages and provides support intended to reduce isolation while encouraging social participation and independence.
The foundation says approximately 3,105 people in Aruba have some form of visual impairment, based on figures it attributes to the Central Bureau of Statistics.
Through the FAVI Aruba Donation Campaign, the foundation hopes to secure resources needed to continue rehabilitation, education, assistive technology and other programs.
FAVI thanked the media, volunteers, collectors, donors and wider Aruba community for their continued involvement and encouraged residents to support the 2026 campaign in whatever way they can.
