A century of change for the CNIB
Organization recognizes contributions by awarding medals
Hitting its 100-year anniversary was a motivational milestone for the CNIB.
The organization celebrated by awarding medals to donors, community partners, volunteers and people with sight loss who have been involved with the CNIB.
Actress and comedian Mary Walsh was one of 20 recipients of the Century of Change Award medal.
Walsh lives with macular degeneration, a condition that results in loss of vision from the centre of the eye.
The CNIB’S work is a comfort to her, Walsh said.
“I know that the CNIB is there and if I need the help, I have somewhere to go. I’m not alone,” she said.
Being a spokesperson for the
CNIB is a no-brainer, she said.
“It’s quite selfish, because I have macular degeneration and the CNIB is the organization
that does the most to help people who have vision problems.”
It’s a generous award, she said.
“I’m really proud to have gotten this award from the CNIB today,” she said.
Lt.-gov. Frank Fagan and Patricia Fagan were hosts of the event and presented the medals on Thursday at Government House.
Kim Thistle-murphy, vicechair of the CNIBNL advisory board, was on the other side today as a fellow recipient.
Simply put, it’s pretty awesome to get this award, Thistlemurphy said.
“I’ve been involved with the CNIB for several years now, and to be recognized for something that I have a passion for is pretty neat,” she said.
Thistle-murphy said she lives with usher’s syndrome, which affects her vision and her hearing. The condition resulted in her not being able to work, she said.
“Getting involved with the CNIB helped me find my purpose. Feeling that you can give and still be involved with others, that’s what the CNIB did for me.
“I realize it’s just a part of who I am, it’s not all of who I am. There is more to me. They helped me with that,” she said.
Jim Maher, a member of the CNIB’S national board of directors, said being awarded with the medal is very special.
“I’ve been involved with the CNIB in some capacity, particularly as a client, for 40 years, so my involvement is very personal to me,” Maher said.
He was delighted to get the phone call with the good news, he said.
“This is a cause that touches me every day and I’ve been happy to contribute,” he said.