By Seth DuChene
Editor
Late last month, the Province of Ontario honoured four local residents for their efforts in keeping the CNIB support group for the visually impaired up-and-running in Napanee.
Last Monday, that same support group thanked their own CNIB representative for giving them a helping hand over the years.
At their regular monthly meeting at the Canadian Museum of Fraternal Orders, the group recognized four of its volunteers who received volunteer service certificates from the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration: Fran Pringle and Lois Thomlison have both volunteered with the CNIB for more than 35 years, while Ed Peters and Ken Ackerman have both volunteered with organization for more than 10 years. While Peters and Ackerman got their certificates at a special ceremony at the Ambassador Hotel in late June, Pringle and Thomlison had to wait until the regular July meeting to get their certificates. They were also handed pins to signify their 35-plus years of volunteering.
“Ed and I were talking one day and said, we didn’t care whether we won the award or not, but you two ladies, from the time we came here… you’ve always been here to help us: preparing the snacks, helping us out, driving people here. We really appreciate you very much,” said Ackerman.
“When I first came to the CNIB, I was welcomed with open arms the very first time I came to a support meeting, (at that time) at Trinity United Church,” recalled Peters, adding that Thomlison and Pringle were a big reason why. “It’s been a great run to have you two involved in our group. It’s been so enjoyable,” he said.
CNIB Kingston Volunteer Co-ordinator Tracy Holland used Monday’s meeting to give the two longtime volunteers their recognition. Little did Holland know, however, that the CNIB support group would be honouring her as well for her work with the group with a ‘thank you’ plaque.
Although Holland remains at the CNIB, some restructuring within the organization means that she will no longer be the agency’s liaison to the Napanee support group; another individual will be taking over that role in time for the group’s next meeting on Aug. 14.
The group itself, which currently boasts about 14 members, meets every second Monday of the month. There, members can discuss issues relating to their vision loss, and learn about resources and programs that might be available to help them out. Much of those resources are available through the CNIB.
Peters says the group can be a “lifelline” for those having difficulty adjusting to their vision loss. “It’s good for getting people the help they need,” he said.
Ackerman says anyone with vision problems is welcome to attend their meetings.