Roy Keane and his Irish Manchester United teammates John O'Shea and Liam Miller today rallied behind the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind SHADES 2005 campaign.
Sponsored by Specsavers Opticians, SHADES 2005 is a national fundraising and awareness week starting next Monday.
"It's a fun way for people to support this great charity. Just wear your shades to work or school," said Roy Keane. "Get your workmates and school to join in and support the great work of Irish Guide Dogs and their many volunteers."
The serious message of the campaign is the danger that sunlight can pose to eyesight.
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) say that, even in this country, the ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of sight difficulties later in life. They recommend wearing a hat with a brim or sunglasses that state they block out at least 99 per cent UVA and UVB rays
IGDB provide a variety of services and training including: guide dogs; mobility and independent living skills and child mobility training programmes. It will cost €2.5 million to keep the organisation afloat in 2005, and maintain the support they give to 300 clients living in Ireland.
IGDB aim is to raise €360,000 from SHADES 2005, which would double last year's total of €180,000.