JOIN WITH THE CANADIAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND

Sponsorship INVITATION
Join with the Canadian Council of the Blind
“We are changing what it means to be blind.”
February 2 - 8, 2014
AN INVITATION FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE CCB
YOUR INVITATION TO JOIN THE CANADIAN COUNCIL OF BLIND AS WE
CELEBRATE OUR 70TH ANNIVERSARY AND WHITE CANE WEEK® 2014
The celebration of White Cane Week 2014, from February 2 - 8, will mark the 11th
Anniversary since the Council assumed sole responsibility of this important event. We
at CCB stand committed to increasing the impact and outreach of this important week
which we dedicate to educating public awareness of the blind and visually impaired.
The theme for White Cane Week 2014 will be a continuation of our efforts to promote
accessibility and inclusion. As well, at the same time, we are asking those around us to join
the CCB in “changing what it means to be blind”.
During each year’s White Cane Week celebrations our members and volunteers from here
in Ontario and all across the country participate in many events at the national, division
and chapter levels. These events raise awareness of the White Cane as “a symbol of ability not disability”, and
to achieving both public support and action for the accessibility that is crucial to the quality of life for those in
the blind and visually impaired community.
The 2014 AMI Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championships hosted in Ottawa each year returns for its 10th
year with even more exciting competition while once again providing a platform to demonstrate the abilities
and skills within our community. We continue to work hard to diminish the effects of marginalization of our
community with the hope that we can someday achieve that all too elusive level playing field. While progress is
slow we can report there is progress. None the less we need your help and I am taking this opportunity to ask for
your support. You will make a difference.
To our past and present partners, sponsors and donors thank you! We can’t do this important work without
you. As we approach White Cane Week 2014 I would like to extend an invitation for you to again join with the
Canadian Council of the Blind in generous support of these events and their efforts. CCB is happy to discuss any
role you may wish to play as well as special needs and requests. Your sponsorship dollars will work year round
playing an important role in the CCB achieving its goals.
Please join with us the first full week of February 2014 as we celebrate not only the 70th Anniversary of the CCB
but White Cane Week. As you can imagine it’s a special time for us and I am sure you will be glad you did.
Louise Gillis
National President
Canadian Council of the Blind
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THE CANADIAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND
tODAY AND TOMORROW
White Cane Week 2014 will mark the 70th Anniversary of the Canadian Council
of the Blind (CCB). The CCB was founded in 1944 by returning blind war veterans
and is recognized as the Voice of the Blind tm in Canada. Since the approval by the
Federal Government of CCB’s 2007 bylaws all blind and vision impaired persons in
Canada now enjoy membership. The CCB is the largest organization for the blind
in Canada with over 65 chapters and 836,000 members who individual suffer from
some form of vision loss.
An important element of the Council is that all officers and directors are blind or
visually impaired. This is in direct contrast to our counterparts at the CNIB. The CCB
deals with the on-going effects of blindness and visual impairment and to our community’s long term vision
health and protection. We are fully dedicated to improving the quality of life of all blind and visually impaired
restricted Canadians.
WHITE CANE WEEK MAGAZINE
TM
The Canadian Council of the Blind is the Voice of the BlindTM in Canada. The white cane is a symbol of
ability not disability....of independence, not dependence. A lack of sight is not a lack of vision. Change
what it means to be blind. Extend accessibility. Most people don’t know what it is like to be blind. Just
close your eyes. FOREVER. Accessibility promotes ability not disability.
February 2007 Issue.
To be clear this is the role that the CCB is prepared to play over and over again to achieve its stated goal “that
the blind and vision restricted people, along with all sighted Canadians, receive as rightly deserved, the very
best vision care available.
Official Sponsors of White Cane Week 2007:
TM
February 4 to 10 2007
Today the Canadian Council of the Blind deals with the ongoing effects of vision loss, coping with it by
providing programs such as peer support, bursaries, sports and recreation and advocacy on government
issues relevant to the vision impaired community.
Starting in 2014 in celebration of our 70th Anniversary the CCB is embarking on a proactively initiative of
social enterprise that will take us beyond these core programs. We at CCB are intent on addressing issues of
the 21st century directing it’s efforts toward health promotion and illness prevention specifically where vision
loss is a product. We are facing a health care crisis of epidemic proportions where almost 33% of our youth are
either overweight or obese, and for the first time in history, the life expectancy of Canada’s children will not
exceed that of their parents.
As an integral part of this social enterprise the CCB has launched Mobile Awareness Accessible Health Program
(MAAHP) which is an integrated health concept that combines primary care, diabetes, eye examinations, mental
health, nutrition and exercise for children, youth and seniors. The CCB is committed to social enterprise to offer
employment and self-employment to all interested persons with disabilities. At present, the unemployment
rate for the blind and visually impaired community is almost 70% and 56% to the entire disabled community.
This effort represents an underdeveloped resource to Canada one whose implementation can be crucial to,
and will contribute positively, to the health care of communities across the country.
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WHAT EVERY CANADIAN NEEDS TO KNOW
AT THE CCB WE ARE CHANGING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE BLIND
How Does Vision Loss Affect People?
Currently some 836,000 Canadians are living with significant vision loss
and that number is expected to rise dramatically in the coming decades
due to an aging population. Many people who are newly diagnosed with
vision loss are often devastated to find that familiar activities suddenly
present new challenges. Childcare, travelling, reading and even work can
suddenly seem impossible, while relationships become strained. Without
assistance in adjusting to vision loss, many people may become isolated
and fearful, particularly seniors.
Despite the fact that many in this group are highly educated, the
employment rate among working-age people with vision loss is only 25%.
Many people with vision loss live in poverty as a result of discrimination
and outdated attitudes. The reality of living with vision loss is that it has a
significant financial impact.
What Are The Most Common Causes of Vision Loss in Canada?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision
loss in people over 50.
AMD along with glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts are the
four major causes of vision loss in Canada today. Although strides have
been made in development of promising drugs for the treatment of some
eye diseases, there are still many causes of vision loss that are unavoidable
and untreatable.
What Can Be Done?
With the support of their peers, people with vision loss learn to adjust
and to do things differently. They learn to get around independently, use
assistive technology to communicate more effectively and adapt in the
workplace, read books again and once again take control of their lives.
At Canadian Council of the Blind, people with vision loss can become
part of a local chapter, interacting, socializing and being mentored with
others who have had the same experiences.
How Are Canadians Affected?
Canada’s population is aging. By 2031 the 65-plus age group will rise
from 13% to 24% or almost 1 in 4. Some 26% of Canadian children are
overweight or obese, a contributing factor in diabetes which is a major
contributor to vision loss. Almost 50% of Canadians who have diabetes do
not know it, and similarly, many have high blood pressure and are unaware
of it.
It is unacceptable that 1 in 4 Canadian children have undetected or
undiagnosed vision issues especially when nearly 50,000 Canadians lose
their vision each year.
Educate yourself and others on the causes and effects of vision loss and
what can be done to prevent vision loss and or treat existing conditions.
You can prevent vision loss by having regular eye exams, using medications
as instructed, using eye protection when necessary, working and playing
safely and following a healthy lifestyle.
New treatments and drugs are constantly being developed and refined
to help prevent and even reverse some types of vision loss. Advances in
technology are allowing more and more people with vision loss to gain
essential skills that allow them to communicate and interact more easily
with others and to regain their independence. Remember 75% of vision
loss is treatable or preventable with early diagnosis and proper treatment.
It remains an interesting fact that while an overwhelming number
of Canadians view vision loss as one of the feared of disabilities
contributions toward vision loss is but a small fraction of 1% of all
charitable donations!
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THE HISTORY OF WHITE CANE WEEK
In 1921, a photographer named James Biggs, of Bristol, England was blinded in an accident. Released from
hospital, he had the idea of painting his cane white so it could be easily seen at night. The advantages of the
white cane soon became apparent as people alerted to Biggs’ blindness assisted his movements with guidance
and warning of obstacles.
Biggs’ innovation soon became an internationally accepted symbol of blindness. Today, nine provinces have
legislation that restricts the use of the White Cane to those legally blind.
Since 1946 and primarily due to CCB initiative the first full week of February has traditionally been designated
White Cane Week in Canada.
The objective of White Cane Week has always been education. Each year a theme and/or slogan is adopted
for White Cane Week. This serves to focus public attention on a facet of blindness and vision impairment. The
theme for 2014 is “we are changing what it means to be blind”. Growing public support for accessibility is
crucial to the quality of life for those in our community – the blind and visually impaired.
The CCB has 65 Clubs in 9 Divisions from coast to coast that provide our annual campaign with an effective
local, regional and national base. The grass roots network provides support for the broader national awareness
campaign.
The first ever White Cane Week, had only a handful of participating blind or vision impaired individuals.
Since 2004 White Cane Week has become a national network of special events, sport competitions, hands on
demonstrations, open houses, and tours taking place from coast to coast.
Over the years, the White Cane Week programs and events have evolved to reflect the changing situations of
the blind and vision impaired. In 2013 our AMI Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championship made history
when for the first time ever the Rogers Cable Network televised a semi-final game in described video.
Early on White Cane Week was used to demonstrate concerns for rehabilitation prevention. However, in more
recent times, events have been used to demonstrate the equal capabilities and talents of people who are blind
and vision impaired. To demonstrate one’s ability not disability!
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WHITE CANE MAGAZINE
More than just a magazine
White Cane Magazine 2014 has been designed to provide valuable support to White Cane Week events. The
magazine will reach CCB members across the country placing important information into the hands of those
members who need and benefit from it most.
The magazine serves as a resource guide for key contact information for hundreds of organizations, both
governmental and private sector that are dedicated to providing important services for the blind and vision
impaired.
The magazine gives CCB an opportunity to thank its supporters while at the same time giving an annual
report on the Council and its activities. This includes a special mailing to every Federal and Provincial Member
of Parliament.
White Cane Magazine 2014 will be described on AMI both video and audio. It will also be available on the CCB
website at www.ccbnational.net.
Last, but certainly not least, the magazine is a vehicle for editorial and personal interest articles that best
showcase the abilities of blind or vision impaired Canadians. The articles themselves give testament to the
abilities of the blind, as many are written and edited by staff writers who are themselves blind or vision impaired.
White Cane
Magazine
THE CANAdIAN CouNCIl of THE BlINd
WHITE CANE MAGAZINE
WHITE CANE MAGAZINE 2013
The Voice of the Blind™ in Canada
WHITE CANE WEEK
The Voice of the Blind™ in Canada
FEBRUARY 2009 ISSUE
2010 ISSUE
The Voice of the Blind™ in Canada
White Cane
Magazine
THE CANAdIAN CouNCIl of THE BlINd
WHITE CANE MAGAZINE 2013
The Voice of the Blind™ in Canada
LOW RES
E
- REPLAC
This year
the world
celebrates
the bicentennial
of the birth
of Louis Braille
Valérie Grand’maison - BRONZE
Chelsey Gotell - GOLD
Kirby Côté - SILVER
Congratulations to Canada’s Blind or Visually Impaired Paralympians Beijing 2008
The Canadian Council of the Blind is the Voice of the BlindTM in Canada. The white cane is a symbol of
ability not disability....of independence, not dependence. A lack of sight is not a lack of vision. Change
what it means to be blind. Extend accessibility. Most people don’t know what it is like to be blind. Just
close your eyes. FOREVER. Accessibility promotes ability not disability.
February 2007 Issue.
CANADIAN WOMENS GOALBALL: Amy Alsop, Amy Kneebone, Annette Lisabeth, Nancy Morin, Contessa Scott, Shawna Ryan.
Head Coach: Janice Dawson and Assistant Annie Pouliot. Physiotherapist: Maggie Kayes. CANADA MENS GOALBALL: Mario
Caron, Jeff Christy, Rob Christy, Bruno Haché, Dean Kozak, Brendan Gaulin. Head Coach: Danny Snow and Assistant Mike
Huzuliak. Physiotherapist: Isabelle Trottier. Team-leader: Alan Carlsson. ATHLETICS CANADA: Dustin Walsh with guide Steve
Walters, Jason Dunkerley with guide Greg Dailey, John Dunkerley with guide Sean Young. CYCLING CANADA: Brian Cowie with
pilot Devin Smibert, Daniel Chalifour with pilot Alexandre Cloutier, Geneviève Ouellet with pilot Mathilde Hupin, Stéphane Cote
with pilot Pierre-Olivier Boily. JUDO CANADA: William Morgan. SWIMMING CANADA: Flag-bearer Donovan Tildesley, Amber
Thomas, Brian Hill, Chelsey Gotell, Devin Gotell, Jaqueline Rennebohm, Jessica Tuomela, Kirby Côté, Valérie Grand’maison.
Tappers: Christena Hurley and Hugh Tildesley.
MEASURE ME BY MY CAPABILITIES NOT MY DISABILITIES.
Official Sponsors of White Cane Week 2007:
Official Sponsors
We’re changing what it means to be blind.
WHITE CANE WEEK MAGAZINE
TM
The Honourable
David C. Onley,
Lieutenant
Governor of
Ontario
Recipient of the 2013
President’s Award
TM
CCB Person of the Year
Team Canada Award
Embassy Day
Kitchens of the World
Cross Canada Journey
The Canadian Council of the Blind is the Voice of the Blind™ in Canada. Extend accessibility. The white cane is a symbol
of ability not disability... of independence, not dependence. Changing what it means to be blind. A lack of sight is not a
lack of vision. Most people don’t know what it’s like to be blind. Just close your eyes. FOREVER. Accessibility promotes
ability not disability. We’re changing what it means to be blind.
February 4 to 10 2007
Official Sponsors and Friends:
Terry Kelly,
Singer,
Songwriter,
Motivational
Speaker,
Humanitarian
Recipient of the 2013
White Cane Person of the Year
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AMI CANADIAN VISION IMPAIRED CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
The AMI Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championship returns in 2014 with more exciting Competition.
The CCB is pleased to once again welcome Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) as the title sponsor of this annual
championship and commends them for their ongoing innovations in providing increased accessibility and
greater inclusion by improving the lives of English and French Canadians with vision loss.
Initially contested in 2005, next year 2014, will mark the Championships 10th Anniversary. The ten year old
event was designed to provide a platform to demonstrate the abilities and skills within the blind and vision
impaired community. The AMI Championship includes eight teams from across Canada; British Columbia/
Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario (2), Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Each year the
winning team is honoured with the title of “Team Canada”.
Team British Columbia from Kelowna was dominant early on winning the Championship unbroken from 2005
through 2011. The streak was broken in 2012 when Team Ontario from Kitchener broke through defeating the
Team Canada team from Kelowna in exciting Friday afternoon final. In 2013 the finals pitted two Ontario teams
against each other. Both teams, Team Canada the 2012 champions from Kitchener and Team Ontario from
Simcoe provided spectators an exciting afternoon. Spirits were high and the competition was equally as strong.
In the end the team from Simcoe was victorious and crowned the new Team Canada.
A visually impaired curling team is made up of a coach, a guide and four curlers. The guide who is on the ice
with the team will line up his lighted broom from just inside the hog line with the skips broom at the other end
so the thrower can tell where to aim. Depending on the amount of sight the thrower has, the guide may also
line up the players body.
The President of CCB Louise Gillis says it best stating “Once a year we get to do this – a chance to set aside
our “disabilities” and get down to showing our “abilities”, all as a national group of individuals, who just happen
to be curlers”. One thing is certain, immediately after 2014’s AMI Championship’s opening ceremonies at the
Ottawa Curling Club, despite friends new and old, it will be time to take to the ice, to compete - it will be time
to get down to business.
Our blind and vision impaired curlers will do their very best and all will go home proud of accomplishments.
All will be champions because in the end that is really what blind and vision impaired curling is all about.
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CCB annual AWARDS
CANADIAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND 2013 WHITE CANE AWARDS
Each year during White Cane Week the CCB at its Gala Awards dinner presents two awards to those who have
a difference.
The White Cane Person of the Year is presented to an individual or organization that, in their work or service
with or for the blind or partially sighted, has made a real difference in the quality of life of the vision impaired
community in Canada.
The CCB Presidents Award is given annually to an individual or entity that in their work or service have made a
difference to our community.
Recipient of the 2013 CCB White Cane Person of the Year Award
TERRY KELLY, Singer, Songwriter, Motivational Speaker, Humanitarian
Awarded to Terry Kelly who has demonstrated unique leadership and vision in his ability to encourage others
to succeed, serving as an inspiration for all persons including the blind and visually impaired. This award is
in recognition of Mr. Kelly’s passion and dedication to changing stereotypes of people living with vision loss,
innovative leadership, program initiatives and advocacy.
Terry Kelly, Person of the Year Award 2013
Recipient of the 2013 CCB President’s Award
THE HONOURABLE DAVID C. ONLEY, Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Ontario
Awarded to the Lieutenant Governor in recognition of his important contributions to the disabled. David
Onley has been a champion to promote and encourage persons living with disabilities to overcome barriers and
lead fulfilling lives; and is a leading advocate to improve accessibility for all persons with disabilities and raise
public awareness of disability issues.
The Honourable David C. Onley, President’s Award 2013
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GOLD SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE
√ Official recognition at all White Cane Week events as a Gold title sponsor
√ Premium signage and banners at all events
√ Premium logo representation in all White Cane Week print and electronic media
√ Sponsor reference in all White Cane Week press releases
√ A one page, four colour advertisement, in White Cane Magazine and in the AMI curling program
√ A full page advertorial in White Cane Magazine
√ Premium logo position on sponsor page of White Cane Magazine and in AMI curling program
√ Corporate recognition, link to and premium logo position on CCB website
√ Sponsorship recognition on CCB monthly newsletter
√ Corporate curling team entry for media day event
√ Invitation to White Cane Week 2014 opening ceremonies
√ Reserved seating for one at the White Cane Week Award Gala dinner head table
√ A reserved table for eight at the White Cane Week Awards Gala dinner
√ Use of 2014 White Cane Week logo for 12 months
√ Direct mail your corporate message to approximately 35,000 CCB donor mailers
√ CCB is open to discuss your special needs and requests
GOLD SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE
COST $20,000
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SILVER SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE
√ Official recognition at all White Cane Week events as a Silver sponsor
√ Premium signage and banners at all events
√ Premium logo representation in all White Cane Week print and electronic media
√ Sponsor reference in all White Cane Week a press releases
√ One page, four colour advertisements in White Cane Magazine and the AMI curling program
√ A half page advertorial in White Cane Magazine
√ Premium logo position on sponsorship page of White Cane Magazine and AMI curling program
√ Corporate recognition, link to and premium logo position on CCB website
√ Corporate curling team entry for media day event
√ Invitation to White Cane Week 2014 opening ceremonies
√ Reserved seating for four at White Cane Week Awards Gala dinner
√ Use of White Cane Week 2014 logo for 12 months
√ CCB is open to discuss your special needs and requests
SILVER SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE
COST $14,000
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BRONZE SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE
√ Official recognition at all White Cane Week events as a Bronze sponsor
√ Premium signage and banners at all events
√ A one Page four colour advertisement in White Cane Magazine
√ Premium logo representations in all White Cane Magazine and Curling Event Program
√ Corporate curling team entry for media day event
√ Premium logo position and link to CCB website
√ Invitation to White Cane Week 2014 opening ceremonies
√ Reserved seating for two at the White Cane Week Awards Gala dinner
√ Use of White Cane Week 2014 logo for 12 months
√ CCB is open to discuss your special needs and requests
BRONZE SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE
COST $7,500
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OFFICIAL SUPPLIER SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE
OFFICIAL SUPPLIER
√ O
fficial supplier of product and services are welcome. These opportunities will be evaluated on an
individual basis. The CCB is open to discuss your special needs and requests and build a program
addressing your corporate circumstance.
CCB WEBSITE
√ The CCB invites you to visit it’s website at www.ccbnational.net
WHITE CANE WEEK 2014 EVENTS
AMI CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP DINNER
OTTAWA CURLING CLUB
WHITE CANE WEEK AWARDS GALA DINNER
CCB ANNUAL AWARD CEREMONY
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OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Louise Gillis
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Nova Scotia
Jim Tokos 1ST VICE - PRESIDENT
Ontario
Linda Sobey
2ND VICE - PRESIDENT
New Brunswick
Heather Hannett
3RD VICE - PRESIDENT
Alberta
Harold Schnellert
PAST PRESIDENT
Alberta
BOARD MEMBERS
Lori Fry
British Columbia/Yukon
NATIONAL OFFICE
James H. Prowse
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Janet McIvor
executive ADMINISTRATOR
Michael Potvin
PROGRAMS AND
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
CONTACT CCB
CCB National Office
20 James Street, Suite 100
Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0T6
Telephone: 613-567-0311
Facsimile: 613-567-2728
Toll Free: 1-877-304-0968
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ccbnational.net
Charitable Registration No.
11921 8899 RT0001
Jerome Kuntz
Saskatchewan
Don Grant
Ontario
Member-At-Large
Robbie Burt
Prince Edward Island
Christina Lewis
Nova Scotia
Elizabeth Mayo
Newfoundland/Labrador
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SPONSORSHIP SALES CONTACT INFORMATION
February 2 - 8, 2014
WHITE CANE WEEK 2014
SPONSORSHIP SALES
Michael Baillargeon
Keith Communications Inc.
1599 Hurontario Street, Suite 301
Mississauga, Ontario L5G 4S1
Tel: 416-651-2102 / 905-278-6700 ext. 15
Fax: 416-651-2581 / 905-278-4850
Email: [email protected]
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