September 15, 2010

VICTORIA – Coast Capital Credit Union is partnering with the Canadian Federation of the Blind (CFB), a nonprofit organization that promotes the independence and empowerment of blind people, to expand the Federation’s Blind Youth Leadership and Mentoring Project.

“We want to send the message that there are steps we can all take to ensure blind youth in the community are getting what they need to become independent, and that they have the same opportunities as other young people to live happy, fulfilling and productive lives,” said Maureen Young, Manager, Community Partnerships & Investment, Coast Capital Savings.

“Blind people are capable of so many things, and it is our duty as blind adults to mentor our youth and show them what they can accomplish with training, skills and a good attitude about themselves and about blindness,” said Elizabeth Lalonde, President of the Canadian Federation of the Blind. I am blind and blindness hasn’t stopped me from doing what I want to do, such as working, being a mother and contributing to my community.”

The CFB project coordinator will match blind youth between the ages of 14 and 30 with competent blind role models for one-on-one mentoring; run a series of six teleconference seminars on blindness topics such as life beyond school, jobs, and the importance of good cane and Braille skills; and host gatherings where young blind people will meet to have fun, socialize and share experiences.

The project will provide opportunities for blind youth to:
• Meet other blind youth in a positive atmosphere;
• Interact with accomplished blind adult role models who will encourage and inspire them to achieve their potential;
• Build leadership skills, which they can use to make a difference in the community and in the lives of other blind people.

“We are excited to work with Coast Capital and are honoured to be awarded such a generous grant. Their support makes so many opportunities possible for our organization and for blind youth in the community,” said Lalonde.

About Coast Capital:
Coast Capital Savings is Canada’s second largest credit union with total assets under administration of $12.9 billion, more than 425,000 members and 50 branches in the Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, and Vancouver Island regions of British Columbia. Product innovations include Canada’s first free chequing account from a full-service financial institution and a high-interest, no-fee savings account. Named as one of Canada’s 50 Best Employers and 50 Best Managed Companies, Coast Capital Savings is designated a Caring Company by Imagine Canada. To learn more, visit www.coastcapitalsavings.com.

About the Canadian Federation of the Blind:
The Canadian Federation of the Blind is an organization of blind people committed to the equality and empowerment of blind Canadians. Through advocacy, public education and mentoring, members work for change, promote a positive perspective on blindness and together gain confidence and skills. The organization, along with its sister organization in the United States, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), is truly changing what it means to be blind.

For more information, please contact us at 250-598-7154, 1-800-619-8789, info@cfb.ca or visit our Website at www.cfb.ca