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
Former Contributors
Al Roadburg Foundation
BC Masonic Foundation/Vancouver Masonic Lodge #68
FairTradeWorks
F.K. Morrow Foundation
New Westminster School Board
Telus Community Board
Ventana Construction
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. Since 2010, the Foundation has contributed $40,050 to Blind Beginnings programs.
2010 Became one of the founding patrons of our Youth Leadership Network
2012 Contributed toward our Junior Explorers Program through funding of the New Westminster Junior Explorers Club
2014 Helped to fund our Family Community Discovery Program, enabling families to participate in our annual Family Adventure Camp and in our monthly Community Discovery Outings
“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‘. Thus, they were a natural fit to help launch our Youth Leadership Network in 2010. They continue to be one of our most consistent supporters, contributing $26,000 to date.
2010 Collaboration with Westminster Savings and Ventana Construction to launch the Youth Leadership Network
2012 Support for the Family Community Discovery Program
2014 Funding for the Leadership Training weekend – Youth Leadership Network
2015 Contribution to the Youth Leadership Network
Telus Community Board
With a focus on helping youth reach their potential through socially innovative programs and new applications for using technology, Telus has provided two grants to Blind Beginnings totalling $22,000.
2011 Telus Community Board of Vancouver became a sponsor of the Youth Leadership Network
2014 Contribution to the 2015 Youth Leadership Network
Vancity Savings Credit Union
Vancity, which seeks “to empower individuals in the community with the skills and abilities to build their self-reliance”, is a proud supporter of our Youth Leadership Network, contributing a total of $19,500 to date.
2012 Through a Community Project Grant, made a contribution to the Youth Leadership Network
2013 Support from the New Westminster Branch for the What Happens After Grad Workshop and for a family to attend the 2013 Gala Dinner and Auction.
2013/14 Funding for Leadership in Action – Youth Leadership Network
“The work that you are doing with the Youth Leadership Network and the What Happens After Grad workshop is amazing. Your programs are so valuable to the development of important skills that will help these youth as they enter the work force and start a new and exciting stage in their life.”
Sheryl Ries, Branch Manager
New Westminster Community Branch
Vancity Savings Credit Union
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 and have contributed a total of almost $13,000 to date.
2009 Contribution toward the Parent to Parent Support Program
2012 Support for the Junior Explorers Program
2013 Funding for the Family Adventure Camp – Family Community Discovery Program
CKNW Orphans’ Fund
Total contributions to date = $10,500
2011 First contribution to the Family Adventure Camp
2012 Sponsor of 2012 Family Adventure Camp
2013 Sponsor of 2013 Family Adventure Camp
2014 Sponsor of 2014 Family Adventure Camp
Vancouver Sun Children’s Fund
Total contributions to date = $9,000
2012 First contribution toward the Family Community Discovery Program with sponsorship of 2012 Family Adventure Camp
2014 Sponsor of 2014 Family Adventure Camp
Mountain Equipment Co-op
Total contributions to date = $8,500
2012 Support for the Family Community Discovery Program with a contribution of camping equipment and supplies for the Family Adventure Camp.
2013 Funding for the Family Adventure Camp
Lohn Foundation
The Lohn Foundation was the first sponsor of our Echolocation Workshop in 2009. The Foundation has granted a total of $7,500 to Blind Beginnings to date.
2009 Contribution toward the Echolocation Workshop
2010 Contribution toward the Echolocation Workshop
2013 Contribution toward the Echolocation Workshop
Edith Lando Foundation
Total contributions to date = $6,500
2010 Contribution toward establishing Blind Beginnings’ first Junior Explorers Club in New Westminster
2013 Support for the Echolocation Workshop
2014 Contribution to the Junior Explorers Club
Phyliss and Irving Snider Foundation
Total contributions to date = $6,500
2011 Contribution toward the New Westminster Junior Explorers Club
2013 Support for the Echolocation Workshop
Vancouver Foundation
Total contributions to date = $6,000
2013 Contribution toward the Parent to Parent Support Program, which enabled us to launch a pilot project series of educational workshops for new parents. The grant was made possible by partial funding from the Seaview Fund, Cody’s Fund and Phyllis Griffin Memorial Fund.
RBC Foundation
2012 Sponsor of the 2012 annual Gala Dinner & Auction
2013 Sponsorship of eight Blind Beginnings member families to attend the 2013 Gala
The Province of British Columbia
We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia since 2013.
2013 Made a Community Gaming Grant to Junior Explorers Program, Youth Leadership Network and Family Community Discovery Program
2014 Made a Community Gaming Grant to Junior Explorers Program, Youth Leadership Network andFamily Community Discovery Program