Doug Grove
By Steven Schnider, CNIB volunteer
Helping those with vision loss adjust to life can be a vigorous task. Thankfully, CNIB has been able to draw on the tireless efforts of volunteers like Doug Grove. Living with vision loss of his own, Doug’s contributions to CNIB have been exemplary.
A volunteer for 25 years Doug has helped many people with vision loss access CNIB services and come to terms with their disability. One of his principal contributions has been his ongoing assistance to those in the Guelph area at the local CNIB Lions Low Vision Clinic.
Since working with CNIB Doug has introduced individuals adjusting to recent vision loss to CNIB services. He also takes the time to orient them to a new life of coping with vision loss. Doug also helps existing CNIB clients to better understand and utilize CNIB services. Through his efforts, people with vision loss have improved their quality of life. And he has been able to see the fruits of his labour. “You could see that they were understanding that they can function,” says Doug of his efforts at the CNIB Lions Low Vision Clinic.
Doug’s hobbies include amateur radio and much of his free time is spent helping out a variety of organizations in volunteer roles. His dedication to helping others and volunteer work has made him the recent recipient of a volunteer award from the Mayor of Guelph.
In addition to official accolades, Doug has earned many personal rewards from volunteering. “I just enjoy it,” states Doug. “It is very rewarding.” Doug adds that volunteering for CNIB keeps him positive and active.
Speaking of his future volunteering plans, Doug simply states, “I doubt that it will be any less, it will probably be more.”