Henriette Bratton is a volunteer for Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Vision Mate. Henriette was born in Zenon Park, Saskatchewan, the oldest daughter in a family of nine children. She moved to Prince George in 1949 where she met her husband Walter and raised three children and now enjoys six grandchildren.
She joined CNIB Vision Mate in October 2006 after watching an advertisement on T.V. Henriette enjoys making herself available to those who are visually impaired and less fortunate than she is. She feels by volunteering for this program, she is helping to make life more manageable for her clients.
The mission of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind is to be the leader in promoting vision health and enhancing independence for people with vision loss. The organization is the primary source of support, information and most importantly, hope, for all Canadians affected by vision loss.
Since 1918, it has provided vital programs and services, innovative consumer products, research and peer support. The focus is on protection and prevention as well as treatments and cures.
The organization’s offices are located at 490 Quebec Street in Prince George. Please call (250) 563-1702 for more information on programs and volunteer opportunities.
The goal of CNIB Vision Mate is to help clients with vision loss through social and recreational activities which encourage independence in their home and stimulate interaction in the community. The volunteers take clients shopping, take them to appointments, read mail aloud, organize clients’ home environment; attend social visits and social functions that may need a companion. There are about 300 clients, of which about 50 per cent are seniors.
Upcoming events include a fund raiser golf tournament on August 22 at Alder Hills golf course and a dinner in the fall for the many volunteers who help out with CNIB.
You can get involved with CNIB by calling the office and setting up an appointment, or by visiting their website at www.cnib.ca. CNIB Vision Mates is always looking for volunteers to help with occasional walks and to make social visits. Hours are flexible and training is provided.
