This week, we’re monkeying around to raise awareness of MACS, the conditions we support, and the thousands of people and families who are part of the MACS community.

From 21st – 27th September, it’s MACS Awareness Week, and this year we’re putting our mascot, Macs the Monkey, front and centre! Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing information about Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia and Coloboma, alongside stories, photos, facts and activities from our wonderful community.

But Awareness Week isn’t just about learning more about the conditions. It’s about celebrating the people and families who make up MACS and helping more people understand the experiences, challenges and achievements of our community.

Help us spread the word

There are lots of ways you can get involved during MACS Awareness Week. You can follow us on social media, share our posts with your friends and family, download our awareness materials, or simply start a conversation about MACS and the conditions we support.

Get involved with MACS Awareness Week

We’ve put together a range of resources to make it easy for you to get involved and help spread the word.

On this page, you’ll find buttons taking you to:

Whether you’re a MACS member, family member, school, supporter or simply someone who wants to help, there’s something you can do to make a difference.

Every share, conversation and bit of awareness helps us reach more people who may not have heard of MACS before.

So, let’s get monkeying around!

Let’s make something big happen.

This Christmas, MACS is hoping to take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge – a fantastic fundraising campaign that doubles donations and helps charities raise even more for their cause. 

But before the campaign can go ahead, we need help. 

Could you become a Big Give pledger? 

Pledgers are supporters who commit to a gift in advance to create the match-funding pot that unlocks the campaign. These pledges are not paid until after the campaign has finished, but they are essential to making the whole thing possible.   

Here’s how a pledge can make a big difference: 

• We need to secure £2,000 in pledges 
• This will unlock a further £2,000 from a Big Give Champion 
• Together, these funds create a £4,000 match-funding pot 
• During campaign week, public donations are matched from this pot, helping us raise up to £8,000 

That means a £100 pledge could ultimately help generate up to £400 for MACS. 

What will the money fund? 

Funds raised through this year’s Christmas Challenge will support our Big MACS Meet Up 2027 – bringing families together from across the UK for a weekend filled with friendship, support, accessible activities and unforgettable experiences. 

For many families, the Meet Up is a rare opportunity to connect with others who truly understand life with Microphthalmia, Anophthalmia and Coloboma. It helps reduce isolation, build confidence and create lasting friendships for both children and adults. 

Can you help? 

If you are able to pledge £100 or more, we’d be incredibly grateful. Payment is due after the campaign by 15 January 2027, giving you plenty of time to plan – perhaps put away £20 per month! 

Together, we can make Christmas giving go twice as far and help create another amazing Big MACS Meet Up for families across the UK. 

Focus Magazine – Winter 2024 – ISSUE 20

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