CNIB Manitoba Saskatchewan Annual Stakeholders Report 2008

CNIB Manitoba Saskatchewan
Annual Stakeholders Report
2008 - 2009
Mission Statement: To enhance independence
for people with vision loss and to be the
leader in promoting vision health.
Message from the Board Chair
CNIB’s mission is to enhance independence for people with vision loss
and to be the leader in promoting vision health.
In truth, this is more than just a mission statement: it’s our reason for
working together with such passion and dedication across Manitoba and
Saskatchewan. During my two years as Chair of the ManitobaSaskatchewan Division, we have placed our reason for working together
on all board documents and at the top of messages like this one. It’s
important that we keep this statement foremost in our minds.
On the topic of working together, all of us here at CNIB, volunteers and
staff alike, realize that we cannot be committed to research, public
education, peer support programs, rehabilitation services and
accessibility on our own. We must strengthen existing partnerships, reestablish former ones and develop new relationships.
CNIB has and will continue to use our years of experience to help
improve the lives of people living with vision loss. We willingly share our
expertise with other organizations and government when they share our
mission and vision.
Together, we’ve made major progress. In Saskatchewan, the cost of
Lucentis is now covered by the provincial government. Lucentis is
recognized as an effective treatment for wet age-related macular
degeneration. And although it is not covered in Manitoba we will continue
to urge the government to add Lucentis to their drug treatment
formulary so they can join us in the prevention of vision loss.
A partnership between CNIB and the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB)
was formed in order for CCB to provide two two-week sessions teaching
people with vision loss how to use adaptive technology. This training was
conducted at the CNIB facility with the assistance of staff and volunteers.
We hope there will be more classes as well as other opportunities for
people with vision loss to enhance their skills, networks and
independence.
Some professionals who see people experiencing vision loss before they
come to CNIB are optometrists and ophthalmologists. We have been
working with them to ensure they know a person does not need to wait
until they have lost all of their vision before coming to CNIB. We have a
lot to offer in the area of sight enhancement that may involve strategies
or aids to use all of a person's remaining sight as effectively as possible.
And hopefully the time is near when we can join other nations in having
the costs of alternative-format library services for people with print
disabilities funded by governments instead of a charity.
It’s clear: we’ve come a long way, but there is still a lot further to go.
As my role changes from chair of the Manitoba-Saskatchewan Division to
past chair, I remain committed to improving partnerships and improving
the lives of people living with vision loss. That means continuing to
working with civic officials to have accessible pedestrian signals installed,
directing health officials to the CNIB staff who can deliver services to
people living in rural areas of our provinces, and working with consumer
groups who can offer peer support programs or join us in advocating for
changes in policies that deny those with vision loss access to
information.
One important relationship CNIB cherishes deeply is the one with our
donors. With less than thirty per cent of our costs covered by
government, the financial support we receive to provide programs and
services for anyone with vision loss as well as their families is priceless.
“Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.”
Vic Pereira
Chair, Division Board
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Message from the Executive Director
“A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to
take the helm.”
Community outreach has been and will continue to be the focus of CNIB
in the Manitoba-Saskatchewan Division. We appreciate our community
partners and, in turn, feel embraced by our communities as CNIB
continues its efforts in the areas of advocacy, research, public education
and service.
This year, I want to highlight three special supporters of CNIB –
governments, United Ways, and corporations.
Our governments understand that people with vision loss receive less
opportunity for employment in a sighted world. In fact, the federal
government reports that 51 per cent of working-age people with
disabilities are gainfully employed, while only 25 per cent of people with
vision loss report they are successful in attaining gainful employment.
Governments in Manitoba-Saskatchewan are supporting CNIB to change
this outcome. Together we understand that children are our future, and
children with vision loss require immediate intervention to allow them to
thrive similar to sighted peers. We’ve seen the desire at the government
level to impact in a positive way the vision health for all Manitoba and
Saskatchewan citizens, and we’re grateful for it.
United Ways hold a huge place in my heart as my grandfather, Grant
McLeod, was a founding member of the United Way of Winnipeg in 1965.
The United Ways throughout the division realize CNIB is the primary
provider of vision rehabilitation services in Canada, and they understand
that youth with vision loss need support in order to make their fullest
contribution to society. Our many years of partnership with
approximately 20 United Ways in the division have generated financial
support in excess of half a million dollars; these funds are making a
difference in the lives of people with vision loss in our communities.
The corporate community of Manitoba and Saskatchewan continues to
enhance CNIB’s efforts through their financial and volunteer assistance.
CNIB is proud to have the backing of hundreds of corporate supporters
and sponsors for our many programs, events and activities. We are truly
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grateful to be looked upon by so many caring corporations as worthy of
their support. For them, an investment in our programs and services is a
direct way to support people living with vision loss. A sponsorship
towards our events and activities broadens this scope and through public
endorsement, increased profile and promotion, CNIB becomes more
visible while at the same time raising funds to support our programs.
Whichever way the funds are raised, CNIB is proud to partner with our
many corporate supporters.
Financial support maintains a charity but the community is the heart that
sustains it. It is a partnership – an understanding of the work, the
community relationships that CNIB has taken the time to nurture and
outcomes that as community we share.
Now to our internal community, there is not a day, month or year that
goes by that I don’t think about the team of staff that surround me who
on a daily basis do the work that makes the difference in the lives of
people with vision loss. Then there are our volunteers. I can’t say
enough about this group of people who listen to issues we are dealing
with, share their expertise to support us, sell a ticket in a mall, call a
bingo card, prepare food and ultimately support our mission. Thank you
for all that you do, and all that you make possible.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the
highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
John F. Kennedy
Delcy-Ann Selymes
Executive Director, Manitoba-Saskatchewan Division
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Division Highlights
Webster’s Dictionary defines community (in part) as: a unified body of
individuals; people with common interests living in a particular area; a
group of people with a common characteristic or interest living together
within a larger society; a group linked by a common policy; a body of
persons or nations having a common history or common social,
economic, and political interests.
This definition captures the essence of the highlights from the past year
in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. By partnering with all members of the
community, CNIB is able to provide the services and support necessary
for people to enjoy a good quality of life while living with vision loss.
“Without a sense of caring, there can be so sense of community.”
Service
CNIB is active in every community in Manitoba and Saskatchewan with
staff and volunteers working in offices and travelling to provide support
to people in their homes and rural communities.
Service Days, Low Vision Days, and Peer Support Group Programs are
offered in many communities throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan
and are held in a variety of facilities, such as Lions Clubs, churches,
seniors housing complexes and regional health facilities.
Formal partnerships between CNIB, various government departments
and United Ways work to ensure supports are available within the
community and provide a forum to identify gaps. Continued partnership
development will ensure that the community is responsive to the needs
of people with vision loss.
Some of our highlights this year include:
• Holding meetings with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education
regarding the specific needs of children with vision loss attending
schools in the province. A workshop facilitated by CNIB staff for
teachers, teaching assistants, and parents assisted to develop skills
and understanding of the importance of this to children and youth
with vision loss.
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• Encouraging staff membership on community committees resulting in
CNIB participation in career fairs and the creation of awareness of the
importance of employment opportunities for people with vision loss.
• Having CNIB staff work directly with the Early Intervention program
staff and with rehabilitation centres resulting in programming and
information sharing. This has resulted in improved service for
children, youth, and their families and increased knowledge and
understanding about the impact of vision loss.
• Engaging community volunteers, such as those involved with the
various United Ways to gain a valuable understanding and
appreciation for the needs of people with vision loss within their
communities through CNIB presentations to allocation committees and
to the public through displays about CNIB services at fundraising and
other special events.
• Obtaining capital funding from the Enabling Accessibility Fund of
HRSDC. As a result of this funding, accessibility to the Winnipeg
building and to information in alternative formats is now increased. As
well a Seniors Computer Center/Demonstration Center was
established with three computers with varying sized monitors, loaded
with current mainstream and assistive technology. The center also has
a portable embosser, scanner, printer, and CCTV. The Home
Management Unit in Winnipeg was also upgraded enabling CNIB to
offer the vision loss community an opportunity to take a practical
learning experience and apply it in their homes.
• Training 30 volunteers in Winnipeg and three in Brandon as Speaker
Bureau volunteers which will result in an increased presence at health
fairs and presentations to the public. Eight of these volunteers will be
available as speakers for the United Way of Winnipeg.
• Establishing a tele-health counselling pilot with Aboriginal people
throughout Manitoba. The pilot originally started with participants
from three communities and has now expanded to six communities.
This has increased CNIB’s service to Aboriginal people – especially
those living in remote communities.
• Collaborating with the Canadian Council of the Blind in order for them
to set up a classroom to teach people with vision loss on how to use
adaptive technology.
• Hosting the Manitoba Association of Optometrists for their annual
event at which time an interactive tour highlighting CNIB’s Programs
and Services was conducted. This resulted in many optometrists
gaining valuable knowledge around the work we do and many of them
are now referring people with low vision to CNIB much earlier.
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Development and Communications
Support from the community is the lifeblood of CNIB. Approximately 49
per cent of CNIB’s operating revenue comes from the community and we
simply could not continue to operate without assistance from the
community at large. It costs a lot of money to provide the range of
services needed to help those living with vision loss. CNIB also invests
significantly in public education, research and advocacy.
Along with donors, governments provide support to CNIB for specific
services. The remainder of the revenue needed to fund services and
programs comes from United Ways and self-generated fundraising by
CNIB.
Highlights from our fundraising and communications activities
throughout the past year include:
• A $139,000 contribution from the Regina Maple Leaf Lions Club to
support vision health research. This money was bestowed to the club,
and the club in turn donated it to CNIB for this purpose. CNIB is very
grateful to Lions Clubs for their ongoing support.
• A significant gift of shares from the family of Dr. Paul Bookhalter, a
prominent Regina dentist. “Dr. Paul” lost his sight in the early 90’s
and turned to CNIB for help. In the end, it was Dr. Paul who helped
CNIB to organize their annual golf tournament, coordinating the prizes
that are given to each of the golfers. Over the years, several hundred
prizes were amassed annually due to Dr. Paul’s efforts. The
investment income from the gift of shares will be used to support the
annual golf tournament, renamed ‘The Dr. Paul Bookhalter Memorial
Golf Tournament.’
• A very successful series of special event luncheons, galas and golf
tournaments. Visions Luncheons were held in Regina, Saskatoon and
Winnipeg all netting several thousand dollars, but the highlight was
the Manitoba Hydro Winnipeg Luncheon that netted $67,000. The
Brandon Making Light with Laughter Dinner was again very successful
with approximately 350 people in attendance, all enjoying laughs from
comedian Peter Kelamis. The Eye on the Arts Auction was also a great
success, netting over $40,000. Golf tournaments were held in
Brandon, Estevan, Moose Jaw, Regina, Saskatoon, Selkirk and
Winnipeg. The community of Brandon supported CNIB’s Gift Wrap in
the Brandon Shopper’s Mall, which is run exclusively by volunteers
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and raised close to $10,000. The success of these events is heavily
dependent on the lead sponsors, and our sincere thanks is extended
to Freedom 55 Financial, GRMC Vision Centre, Lions Clubs in
Manitoba-Saskatchewan, Manitoba Blue Cross, Manitoba Lotteries
Corporation, Manitoba Hydro and Scotiabank, all of which were
involved in a significant way!
• CNIB’s major gift program made significant gains throughout the year.
There is increasing popularity in gifts-of-shares, which are now
exempt from Capital Gains Tax if donated to a charity. Major gifts of
life insurance, annuities, endowments, bequests in a will, and outright
cash are also becoming more and more frequent. We would encourage
anyone thinking of such gifts to contact CNIB’s Development
Department for some helpful guidance in working through the details.
There are several large programs and projects CNIB intends to consider
in the coming year and we will need significant funding to support these
needs. To address this, a Development Committee (represented by a
number of corporate leaders) has been formed and will meet to discuss
funding options and strategies for the projects.
CNIB would like to thank all of our government, United Way, community
and individual supporters for their investment in our organization. We
couldn’t do it without you!
“This miracle is this – The more we share, the more we
have.” – Leonard Nimoy
Government Relations & Business Enterprise
The purpose behind CNIB government relations activities is to work
cooperatively with governments, on both the political and the
bureaucratic side, to ensure they have the knowledge, information and
understanding required to fulfill their responsibilities to citizens with
vision loss.
Our activities over the past year have included:
• A Right to Sight campaign targeting the provincial governments
with the goal of getting them to add Lucentis to their formularies
for the treatment of wet Age-related Macular Degeneration.
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Saskatchewan approved the drug as of March 2009, while it’s still
under consideration in Manitoba.
A federal election online advocacy campaign connecting voters with
candidates to raise concerns/issues around vision loss. Over 114
letters were sent in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Participation by staff, volunteers and clients on committees and in
consultations in such diverse areas as independent voting, nondriver insurance discounts, Disability, Health and Wellness, the
creation of a MB Disabilities Act, the Age & Opportunity Housing
Fair, city facility/services accessibility, the creation of SK income
program for people with disabilities, the government’s relationship
with community-based organizations, and the Ministry of Health
“Patient-First” Review.
Submission of a major funding request to Manitoba Health and
Healthy Living for vision rehabilitation services. Negotiations on this
request are ongoing.
Negotiations with Non-Insured Health Benefits in Manitoba that
resulted in an agreement that provides funding for travel by CNIB
staff to serve remote northern clients.
Work with the Retinal Screening program in Manitoba raised
awareness of CNIB and led to an increase in new referrals from the
North.
A partnership in Manitoba with the Health Sciences Center to
provide a tele-counselling “Adjustment to Vision Loss” program to
six First Nations Communities.
A strategy to increase government funding for vision rehabilitation
services in Saskatchewan is being developed. The October 2008
announcement by the SK government of a seven per cent increase
to community-based organizations is much needed.
Negotiations with the Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living
program (Ministry of Health) resulted in program eligibility for
magnifiers being expanded to include people with visual acuities of
20/70.
Recognizing the need for other revenue sources to support programs,
CNIB turned to the business enterprise arena, and where best to start
than with business groups having common interests.
• Re-sale of Assistive Technology: we are working with many of the
sellers of assistive technology allows for expanding the scope of the
service available to clients. Since October, CNIB facilitated nearly
20 sales in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
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• A web-store of innovative consumer products and technologies for
people with vision loss was implemented nationally early in the
year, allowing people to browse and order on-line.
Human Resources
With the support from organizations such as Heart and Stroke, Subway,
Kellogg’s, and the Manitoba Workplaces in Motion Program, employees of
CNIB’s Manitoba-Saskatchewan division are beginning to participate in
new health and wellness initiatives. These initiatives will continue
through 2009.
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) continue to
support services and programs by funding summer students in the
various offices in the division. In 2008 support was specifically made to
the summer camp program for youth in Manitoba, the summer leisure
program for seniors in Brandon, and office support for operations and
development in Saskatoon.
Staff Milestones 2008/2009
5 years
- Clair Cornelisse, Administrative Assistant, Development, Regina
- Brianna Fuellbrandt, Specialist, Independent Living Skills, Winnipeg
10 years
- Pat Shandroski, Specialist, Career and Employment Services
- Delcy-Ann Selymes, Executive Director, Winnipeg
15 years
- Cheryl McBean, Administrative Support, Saskatoon
20 years
- Susan Mooney, Associate Director, Services & Operations, Regina
- Dorothy Orebanjo, Counsellor, Vision Services, Winnipeg
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Staff Retirements
Merilyn McDonald, Saskatoon
After nearly 27 years of service with CNIB, Merilyn McDonald, specialist,
low vision and counsellor, vision services, retired in early 2009.
Merilyn started her career at CNIB as an Assistant Rehabilitation
Teacher. Her passion, exuberance, and an inextinguishable quest for
knowledge assisted Merilyn to get her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
and become a counsellor.
Merilyn went to Toastmasters and became an accomplished public
speaker. Never one to turn down a new challenge, in 2004 she took on
the training and role of Specialist, Low Vision.
Throughout her career, Merilyn has been instrumental in visioning,
developing and implementing new service programs such as Vision on
the Move, Peer Support/Facilitator Training and Service Days.
Merilyn always focused on the positive, and the mission to make CNIB a
stronger organization.
Judi Waldman, Winnipeg
Judi Waldman, specialist, career and employment services, retired in
March 2009 after 11 years of service with CNIB.
Although Judi worked part-time, her energy, humour and hard work
were extensive. She had excellent marketing skills which resulted in
many people with vision loss retaining and gaining meaningful
employment.
Judi was client-focused and juggled priorities with ease. She represented
CNIB in a positive way through interaction with employers, clients and
staff.
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good
put together that overwhelm the world.” Archbishop Desmond Tutu
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Manitoba-Saskatchewan Division Board 2008-2009
Executive Committee
Chair
Past Chair
Vice Chair
Members-At-Large
Board Members
Clint Castle, Winnipeg
Ken Holland, Winnipeg
Laurie Mustard, Winnipeg
Vic Pereira, Winnipeg
Dr. Jay Kalra, Saskatoon
Alison Green, Regina
Bob Brennan, Winnipeg
Dean Owen, Saskatoon
Anna Galassi, Regina
Peter Letkeman, Brandon
Lori Ulrich, Saskatoon
Honorary Life Members
Manitoba
Phil Ashdown
Jack Lammens
Sidney Schwartz
Marion Bilyk
Ken Phernambucq
Shep Shell
Saskatchewan
Ross Bearman
R.G. Ellis*
Ron Filleul
Syd Glassford
John Grossman*
Jim Martin
Bob Rainbow
Lawrence Switzer
Harry H. Dahlem
Herb Essenburg*
Jack Fraser*
Eugene Griffith
Ron Kruzeniski
Cec Moffatt
Don Suchla
John Tokarcsik
*Denotes deceased
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CNIB Manitoba-Saskatchewan
How Operating Funds were raised in 2008-09*
Consumer products &
assistive technology
3%
Funding for capital
purchases
3%
Fee for
service/miscellaneous
4%
Support from the public
39%
Investments
4%
Government support
47%
* based on unaudited financial statements
Total Income $4,967,285
CNIB Manitoba-Saskatchewan
How we used your contributions in 2008-09*
Research
0%
Public education
5%
Administration & fund
development
7%
Library services
16%
Rehabilitation
62%
Consumer products &
assistive technology
10%
* based on unaudited financial statements
Total Cost of Services $4,976,765
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Manitoba-Saskatchewan Division Offices
Manitoba Region
Winnipeg
1080 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3G 3M3
Tel: (204) 774 5421
Fax: (204) 775 5090
Brandon
354 Tenth Street
Brandon, MB R7A 4G1
Tel: (204) 727 0631
Fax: (204) 727 1139
Email: [email protected]
Saskatchewan Region
Regina
2550 Broad Street
Regina, SK S4P 3Z4
Tel: 306 525 2571
Fax: 306 565 3300
Saskatoon
1705 McKercher Drive
Saskatoon, SK S7H 5N6
Tel: 306 374 4545
Fax: 306 955 6224
Email: [email protected]
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VISION HOPE
Experience CNIB and let us tell you our stories…
Craig and Patty’s Story…
Our son was born three months
premature. He was so tiny he
fit in the palm of my hand.
My wife and I were told he
would be blind. When we
brought him home we had
nowhere to turn, but CNIB was
there for us.
Nancy, an Occupational
Therapist, worked with our son
and became our friend.
Our son has a future. This year
he graduates with honours.
CNIB offers hope. Gain a
personal experience with CNIB.
Vision loss can affect anyone,
at any age, any time. Eye
disease does not discriminate.
Accidents can and do happen.
The truth is we are all at risk.
Vision Hope is the opportunity
to meet people whose lives
have been touched by CNIB
and learn how CNIB makes a
difference in your community
CNIB, founded in 1918, is a
nationwide, community-based
registered charity committed
to research, public education
and vision health for all
Canadians.