Pat Chicquen understands how isolating losing vision can be, which is why she is helping those who face similar situations.
Chicquen is the president of the Comox Valley Chapter of the Canadian Council of the Blind and noted one her roles in advocating for the club is breaking down a lot of misconceptions.
That’s why on March 19 at the Berwick Comox Valley, she helped The White Cane Club organize an open house to let others who may be losing their vision or are hard of seeing know they aren’t alone.
“(The goal) was to get some information and allow people to feel better about themselves because they’re sure not alone. Our motto is: ‘a lack of sight is not a lack of vision,’ ” she explained.
The open house featured speakers, songs, information and other activities.
This year, explained Chicquen, is the 75th anniversary for the Canadian Council of the Blind in Canada, which began in 1944 by blinded war veterans in Ontario.
While the open house was the first one hosted by the club, Chicquen said she was encouraged by the turnout. Currently, the local chapter has 50 members but is always looking to expand.
The White Cane Club has been in existence in the Valley for more than 30 years and they meet on the first Tuesday of the month at Berwick Comox Valley.
“It’s great for people to get out and socialize and meet people. We have a guest speaker and we’ll do yoga or some sort of instruction.”
The club, she noted, also has a ‘Lunch Brunch’ to branch out in the community, and dine out monthly at different local restaurants.
Chicquen noted despite the name, “you don’t have to have a white cane to join.”
For more information or to join the club, contact Chicquen at 250-339-3904.
erin.haluschak@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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