Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) has some awareness events planned in the South Cariboo this month.
CCB National First vice-president Lori Fry says World Sight Day on Oct. 13 is an annual day of awareness to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment.
Then on Oct. 15, White Cane Safety Day is a time to remind people about how the white cane is an important tool in helping the blind and partially sighted live with greater independence, she notes.
"The white cane is a symbol of blindness, courage and independent spirit; a symbol of ability, not disability."
(Watch for details to follow in the Oct. 13 edition of the 100 Mile House Free Press.)
Fry says an educational and enjoyable tune, My White Cane Song, was written by the students of the Blennz Music School (Blind and Low Vision Education in New Zealand). Those who would like to listen to the song, the YouTube version is online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_7gxrwwFt4.
In other updates, Oct. 16 marks the start of new Sunday hours at the Cedar Crest Thrift Store at 410 Cedar Ave. It is now open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Thrift Shop has been open on Sundays and staffed by White Cane Club members since October 2015, with all proceeds from Sunday sales donated to the White Cane Club and Blind Curling, she explains.
"The blind curling team welcomes other vision impaired and sighted individuals to join them."
For more information, call Jim Vinson at 250-609-3088.
Fry also notes that Ice Halo, a Canadian-owned manufacturer of innovative head protection for sports or pleasure (including curling), now has some new styles, including Halo Hats.
Check them out online at www.icehalo.com.