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Donor Recognition

Blind Beginnings is very grateful to all of the individuals, businesses and foundations that have shared its vision and invested in the implementation of its programs for the benefit of BC children with visual impairments and their families. Since our inception in 2008, we have grown tremendously because of the generosity of our donors and volunteers, without whom we could not provide the programs and services we offer to BC's children who are blind or visually impaired and their families.

Thank You Volunteers!

Outside of our dedicated Board members, Blind Beginnings is fortunate to have the support of many volunteers who donate hundreds of hours a year to making our organization the best it can be. 

Thank You Donors

We would like to particularly thank those donors that have made commitments over $1,000 as listed below:


$10,000+
    Ventana Construction
    Westminster Savings Credit Union

$5,000 - $9,999
    Chris Spencer Foundation
    Coast Capital Savings
    Toskan Casale Foundation

$2,500 - $4,999
    Lohn Foundation

 

Ventana Construction

Ventana Construction is considered a 'small town company with small town values'. They believe that who they are is defined by their actions which, as a founding patron of Blind Beginnings, describe a company that is committed to making a difference in their community.

Ventana Construction became one of Blind Beginnings first major supporters in the fall of 2009, with a $10,000 grant that was split between our Youth Leadership Network and the redesign of our website. The website is now able to manage workshop and camp registrations, donations and volunteer applications, in addition to providing youth, families, volunteers and supporters with a more user-friendly and accessible interface. The Youth Leadership Network was launched in May 2010 with the support of Ventana, Westminster Savings and Coast Capital Savings, providing thirteen youth who are blind or visually impaired with skills and experience-building opportunities to assist them in the transition from school to career.

Westminster Savings Credit Union

Westminster Savings Foundation is one of the largest credit union foundations in Canada, contributing over $1.7 million to community organizations since 1992. Westminster Savings is one of Blind Beginnings' founding patrons with a grant of $10,000 made in late summer 2009 toward our Youth Leadership Network. Coupled with grants from Ventana Construction and Coast Capital Savings, Westminster Savings' contribution made it possible for Blind Beginnings to launch the Youth Leadership Network in May 2010, providing thirteen youth who are blind or visually impaired with skills and experience-building opportunities to assist them in the transition from school to career.

"Westminster Savings is committed to supporting the communities we share with our neighbours. We are exceptionally pleased to partner with Blind Beginnings to help provide a range of opportunities and experiences to youth who are blind or visually impaired, in turn allowing them to reach their potential and set new goals."

Nicole Eich,
Foundation and Community Investment Manager Westminster Savings Foundation

Coast Capital Savings

One of Coast Capital Savings' key areas of interest is 'building leadership skills in youth'. They were a natural fit to partner with Westminster Savings and Ventana Construction to fund our Youth Leadership Network which was launched in May 2010, providing thirteen youth who are blind or visually impaired with skills and experience-building opportunities to assist them in the transition from school to career.

Chris Spencer Foundation

The Chris Spencer Foundation is committed to helping boys, girls, young men and young women become better citizens. They were the first foundation to approve a grant to Blind Beginnings in July 2009, contributing $5,000 toward our Parent to Parent Support Program, an initiative that links experienced parents with those who are new to raising a child with a visual impairment. Coupled with a grant of the same amount from Toskan Casale Foundation, this contribution will make it possible for Blind Beginnings to launch this program with a training workshop to mentor parents in the fall of 2010.

Toskan Casale Foundation

The recent winners of the Toskan Casale Foundation's Youth and Philanthropy Initiative Canada were the students of Burnaby Central High School, who chose Blind Beginnings to be the beneficiary of the award grant of $5,000. These funds were designated toward our Parent to Parent Support Program which, in conjunction with a grant from the Chris Spencer Foundation, will be launched with a training workshop for mentor parents in the fall of 2010.

Lohn Foundation

The Lohn Foundation is the first sponsor of Blind Beginnings' Flash Sonar/Echolocation Workshops, with their contribution of $2,500. As soon as the remaining funds are raised, this program will provide children and youth with a new method of self-orientation based on the concept of sonar, resulting in increased self-confidence and independence.