A community of CNIB donors plan to shed light on vision loss by walking in the dark.
John and Josie Wilsbech have been involved with CNIB since 1994. This year, as a way to say, ‘Think you,’ they are taking part in the five kilometre walk in the dark – Night Steps – on Thu. Aug. 25 at the Forks Market Plaza.
Last year’s CNIB 5 Km Walk/Run was well attended.
John started losing vision rapidly in 2011, until he lost all his sight completely two and a half years ago.
Within that time frame, CNIB stepped in by helping John with individual orientation and mobility training so he can travel independently. CNIB also helped him cook again by marking the stove, microwave and toaster oven.
They also re-oriented him to his treadmill, taught him to read braille, and helped him use his iPad. He can once again win card games with his family (as they use braille playing cards).
John and Josie Wilsbech have been volunteering for CNIB in such areas as fundraising, helping with the Friday support group, outings, and the mobility group. Josie explains she gets satisfaction from, “More than just taking people somewhere…[but] showing them what’s out there.”
With John’s gradual vision loss, Josie has learned to be very descriptive, and the two have maintained their ‘warped’ sense of humour not only to cope, but to enlighten others. That is how they have gained support for this year’s Night Steps event.
CNIB supporters show their glow at last year’s 5 km walk/run.
Wanda Mills, Manager, Events and Community Giving, explains, “Night Steps is a peer to peer fundraising event designed to raise funds for CNIB services. As well, it brings the community together, sharing challenges experienced by individuals who face vision loss.”
Mills adds, “The funds raised enables CNIB to do what we do best – passionately provide Manitobans who are blind or partially sighted with the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. From impacting a child’s ability to play, to empowering an adult to travel independently using a white cane to get to work.”
This support goes a long way, transforming lives such as the case of the Wilsbech family. John Wilsbech explains, “I got my independence and social life back.”
This event will include a BBQ at 6:30 p.m. at the Forks Market Plaza followed by the 5 K walk or run at 7:30 p.m., with music, prizes, and fun for the entire family (including pets)! Adults registration fee is $50, youth $20 and children under 12 are free.
Each participant can enter for a chance to win $100,000 in cash!
50/50 tickets are for Night Steps and can be purchased from 1080 Portage Ave. until Aug. 24. The day of the event, tickets can be purchased on site at the Forks Market. Tickets sell for $10 each or four for $20.
To register go to www.cnibnighsteps.ca
For more information, please email nightsteps.manitoba@cnib.ca
CNIB is an active part of the community located at 1080 Portage Avenue. If you would like more information about services or wish to volunteer please visit www.cnib.ca or call 204-774-5421.
