David Throssell, Executive Consultant at IG Private Wealth Management – Throssell Group, has a long-time history with CNIB and played a special role as the presenting sponsor of CNIB Lake Joe’s 2023 Cookout With Cuddy fundraising event. Thrilled that David will be our presenting sponsor again for the 2024 Cookout With Cuddy encore event, we wanted you to learn more about him and why he couldn’t resist the chance to support CNIB Lake Joe.
CNIB Lake Joe: What inspired you to start supporting CNIB Lake Joe and its mission?
David: I’m legally blind myself. For many years, I’ve supported CNIB and its mission, specifically in Sudbury where I live. Monique Pilkington, Executive Director of CNIB Lake Joe also lives in Sudbury and we met somewhere along my journey. I happened to be travelling to Muskoka one weekend and she invited me and my wife to visit camp. We jumped at the chance!
Monique gave us a tour of the camp and I had the chance to meet many incredible people, including those who worked at the camp and had vision loss, as well as campers themselves. I witnessed firsthand the profound impact CNIB Lake Joe has on people with vision loss. Seeing how they interacted with each other and learned functional skills from one another's lived experiences was truly inspiring.
Growing up with vision loss myself, I never knew anyone who was blind or partially sighted. Visiting CNIB Lake Joe made me realize the incredible impact that camp has on the entire community.
CNIB Lake Joe: What was your favourite part of the Cookout With Cuddy event last year?
David: As the presenting sponsor, I was pleased to see such a large gathering of people coming together to support the event. And for someone like myself who is legally blind, being able to stand in front of that group supporting such a good cause made me feel proud. I stood up there with my white cane knowing that as a sponsor of the event, the proceeds were going towards helping a community that is very near and dear to my heart. My wife is also a huge fan of Blue Rodeo, so that was definitely an added bonus.
CNIB Lake Joe: In what ways do you hope your support will inspire others to get involved with Lake Joe and their mission?
David: Around Lake Joseph there are many individuals who have seen financial success, some of whom may own cottages nearby. By getting on the ground level and experiencing what the camp does firsthand, I hope it moves people as it did me. I hope that after a successful event like the one last summer, people can circle back and realize the great things CNIB Lake Joe does and see the impact the same way I did.
CNIB Lake Joe: As someone who is deeply involved with philanthropy, what advice would you give to those looking to leave a lasting impact at organizations like CNIB Lake Joe?
David: I believe we all have different ways of giving back. Some people donate their time, others give back with knowledge, and some are fortunate enough to give back financially. I think the key is to contribute in any way you can.
For more information about this year’s Cookout With Cuddy – The Encore event, visit www.cnib.ca/CookoutWithCuddy or contact Steve Smyth, Senior Manager, Philanthropy and Campaign Lead (CNIB Lake Joe) at steven.smyth@cnib.ca.