By: Oceanne Comtois
When young people are given the opportunity to lead, incredible things happen.
CNIB Ottawa's Youth Leadership Crew recently demonstrated this beautifully by hosting a dynamic community event that celebrated youth-driven creativity.
The CNIB Ottawa Youth Leadership Crew empowers teenagers in the Ottawa region, including both sighted youth and youth who are blind or low vision, to plan and organize activities for CNIB's Next Generation.
This unique program cultivates essential leadership, teamwork, and collaborative skills while providing a platform for youth to influence future CNIB Next Generation initiatives and earn valuable volunteer hours.
Guided by Becky Dyck, Ontario East Program Lead for CNIB Next Generation, this dedicated team of young volunteers successfully launched their inaugural event: the CNIB Ottawa Youth Art Showcase.
The showcase captivated attendees with performances from over 10 talented young individuals, who shared their passion through music, singing, poetry, and comedy. An art gallery featuring the work of more than a dozen young artists further highlighted the creative potential nurtured by CNIB's programs and beyond.
These remarkable young volunteers managed every aspect of the evening, from welcoming guests, to preparing and serving refreshments, and even enthusiastically taking on the role of MCs. Their exceptional leadership and collaborative spirit were the cornerstones of the event.
This successful showcase underscores the invaluable contribution of young volunteers to our community. Looking forward, the Ottawa Youth Leadership Crew aims to organize a Youth Gala for their next exciting endeavour.
Ready to make a difference?
Our volunteers make an incredible difference in their communities and in the lives of Canadians living with sight loss. Explore our volunteer opportunities page to discover how you can get involved in your local area.