CNIB is very saddened to hear of the loss of Walter Gretzky. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gretzky family. Walter was an incredible CNIB supporter and avid advocate for youth with sight loss. In 1996, the Walter & Wayne Gretzky Scholarship for Blind Youth in Canada was established. Those scholarships were funded through a series of golf tournaments across Canada. For years, Walter would travel to numerous cities to connect with our supporters. He would always regale them with stories of the Great One. Still, in the end, it was always about raising as much money as possible to support youth with sight loss. He was always interested in hearing how the scholarship awards helped them achieve their educational goals. Walter was a remarkable icon and an amazing friend of CNIB who will be greatly missed by many.
Today, 23 new partnerships, including 15 guide dogs, seven buddy dogs, and one ambassador dog, formally graduated as part of the CNIB Guide Dogs Class of 2024.
As part of the celebration, viewing parties of the graduation ceremony were held in communities across Canada. For many graduates, these events signified not only the end of months of anticipation and formal training – but also a tribute to all the individuals who supported each dog in their journey, making these partnerships possible.
April 17, 2024 – Yesterday, the Government of Canada released Budget 2024 and announced that the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit will start in July 2025, pending a regulatory design process. The benefit will be funded with $6.1 billion over the next six years.
This investment equates to a proposed maximum of $200 per month for eligible recipients who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Further, Budget 2024 does not invest in a strategy or programs that enable people who are blind or have low vision to join the workforce.
While the passage of the Canada Disability Benefit Act was an important first step, CNIB joins the growing list of organizations and advocates calling on the government to commit to more support to lift people with disabilities out of poverty.
Sail into summer with a taste of the Caribbean! CNIB is proud to present Sailing on the 6ix – A Night of Senses boat cruise event aboard the Obsession 3. Let’s bring the Caribbean experience to life with the tastes, sounds, and excitement of Toronto’s renowned Caribbean Carnival. Thursday, May 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.