Could you negotiate going for a walk, crossing busy Hwy. 101 and making a purchase in a local store without the benefit of sight?
For more than 60 years, the first week in February has been designated as White Cane Week by the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) to help bring awareness to the public of issues surrounding the visually impaired. This year, White Cane Week is Feb. 4 to 11.
On Feb. 11, at 11 a.m., Gibsons Mayor Barry Janyk and Sechelt Mayor Cam Reid have been challenged by the Sunshine Coast White Cane Club to cross the highway, walk down Wharf Road and stop at a store to buy something while visually impaired through the use of special glasses provided by the club. A sighted person will accompany them to keep them out of danger.
The CCB is an organization that most of us would prefer never needing to join.
The CCB is a self-help consumer association of persons who are blind or visually impaired. It is a registered non-profit charitable organization founded by a few people in London, Ont. in 1944. Now, with more than 85 affiliated clubs across Canada, it has become known as the "voice of blind Canadians." Unlike the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, which is a service agency existing to provide specific services for the blind and visually impaired, CCB is the blind speaking for themselves.
The CCB offers an impressive list of programs for members. They provide financial assistance for chapters to grow and plan activities within the community and a bursary program for secondary and post-secondary education. There is an infant vision program and a legal assistance program available to all members across Canada who may need legal advice.
A peer support program provides emotional support to those with vision loss and the sports and recreation program includes competitive sports and social functions at both the local and national level. A program is in place to continue and expand the advocacy and blind awareness campaigns and a skills and training program prepares members to compete for jobs in the work force. The Sunshine Coast White Cane Club will be setting up a table at Trail Bay Mall on Feb. 11 to promote public awareness The club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Davis Bay Com-munity Centre for lunch, companionship and talks of special interest. For further information, contact Don Cameron at 604-885-7470.
