THUNDER BAY -- The local chapter of the Canadian Institute for the Blind is bringing back a popular fundraiser in the hopes of making it an annual event.
Three years ago the CNIB held Dining in the Dark, an evening where guests where blindfolds to simulate the experience a person with vision loss has on a regular basis.
On March 5 the organization is bringing the event back at the Italian Cultural Centre.
“I’ve seen firsthand what the CNIB can do for the local residents who are blind and partially sighted and this event is a fun way to get people intrigued and we can give them the added information to what services and supports the CNIB staff and programs offer to the local residents,” said Carly Ross, a volunteer with the CNIB and Dining in the Dark host.
The event will include a three-course meal, silent auction and live sensory auction. Guests will be guided to their seats by a volunteer and staff will explain where their meal is located on the table.
“As if what family members and support staff would do to aid those who are blind,” said Ross.
More than 1,400 people access the CNIB’s services in Northwestern Ontario and board member Ken Boshcoff said there is a general need from people for post-operative or post-diagnostic assistance.
“There is a real need to address on a national level in particular the role of the CNIB to ensure it keeps functioning and providing the services to the people that are ever increasingly requiring it,” said Boshcoff, adding Dining in the Dark is another way to let people know what the organization does.
All the proceeds from the fundraiser stay in the region to support local programs.
Tickets are $75 and available on Facebook or at the local CNIB office, Harbourview Optometry Centre and Michael’s Hair Design and Day Spa.
