{"id":7319,"date":"2025-05-07T14:05:45","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T14:05:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/?p=7319"},"modified":"2025-05-07T14:05:46","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T14:05:46","slug":"visions-may-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/visions-may-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Visions \u2013 May 2025","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From the President\u2019s Desk<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcome to Vision Health month! This year is particularly significant, as the National Eye Care Strategy (Bill 284) passed into law in October 2024. The CCB team along with our many vision partners have begun the process of working through the strategy to send a very comprehensive document to Health Canada. Thank you to our team for the progress up to date, as well as their commitment into the future, knowing the work has just begun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

May traditionally brings the Atlantic Sports and Recreation Weekend (ASRW), and this year being hosted by the amazing City of Moncton, New Brunswick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We thank the City of Moncton, and the organizing committee, and most importantly the participants from all Provinces in Atlantic Canada.  We wish all athletes the best in their participation, knowing this event brings many peers and friends together annually <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would be remiss if I did not wish all the moms a Very Happy Mothers Day (May 11), and a big thank you from the Council to All Mothers across Canada!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On behalf of the National Board, Staff, and many volunteers, we thank everyone for their continued support and integral role everyone plays in ensuring our Members across Canada are involved in our many events and programs we continue to offer.  Please remember, as we celebrate Vision Health month, take the time to get your eyes checked regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jim Tokos,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

National President<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Member Spotlight:<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Introducing Stella Walsh from the CCB Queensland Chapter in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stella Walsh has been a dedicated member of the CCB since 1976, marking nearly 50 years of involvement. As the President of the CCB Queensland Chapter, Stella has been instrumental in fostering a close-knit community, despite its small size. She finds joy in meeting with members during the monthly meetings and organizing social events like card games and bingo when possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of her CCB activities, Stella has embraced new challenges and hobbies. Last fall and winter, she learned to swim for the first time at a local pool with an instructor. Her love for water inspired her to take up swimming, proving that it’s never too late to learn something new. Through para sport, Stella participates in various activities, including tandem bicycling in the summer, joining a social walking club, and attending a balance class. She also keeps active by going to the gym once a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stella’s roots are in the western part of Prince Edward Island, specifically the Evangeline Region, known for its Acadian heritage. She is bilingual, with French being her first language. Stella has two children and three grandchildren, though her husband is deceased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to her leadership role in the CCB, Stella has helped fundraise for the Atlantic Sports Weekend, organizing bake sales and selling chocolate bars. She has also played goalball for many years, competing in national tournaments despite being vision impaired since the age of eight due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stella Walsh’s story is a testament to her resilience, community spirit, and unwavering commitment to staying active and engaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ANNOUNCEMENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Register Now: 2025 Vision Health Month Conference \u2013 In Person or Online<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Tuesday, May 27, 2025
10:00 am \u2013 2:00 pm (EDT)
Eastern Daylight Time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2025 Vision Health Month Conference will feature a powerful mix of personal stories, expert insights, and national perspectives\u2014all centered around this year\u2019s theme: Together We Thrive \u2013 Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will hear from speakers with lived experience, academic researchers, and key leaders in the vision loss community as they explore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n