Funds raised to invest in sight-saving
breakthroughs by the largest charitable funder
of vision loss research in Canada
TORONTO, June 27,
2024 /CNW/ - Hundreds of Canadians—across multiple
provinces, representing over 50 cities and towns—helped
propel sight-saving research by participating in the
first-ever MOVE FOR SIGHT fundraiser on
Sunday, June 23, 2024, in support
of Fighting Blindness Canada, now in its 50th year.
From swim strokes to pedal strokes, to hockey-puck-handling and
hot pilates, Canadians MOVED to their favourite activity to engage
in MOVE FOR SIGHT. Major cities like Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg, and smaller towns such as
Avondale (NL), Cap-Chat (QC), Chestermere (AB), Kingston (NS) and Nipawin (SK) saw active participants, building
awareness for the cause, and expanding the sightline of interest
about vision loss. Together, they raised critical funds for
Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) to MOVE vision research
forward.
The organization—Canada's largest charitable funder of vision
loss research—is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and
thanks to the generosity of supporters, continues the breakthrough
work that helps advance vision loss research, education and
advocacy.
1.2 million Canadians live with vision loss, while an additional
eight million in Canada currently
have an eye disease that could lead to blindness. Over FBC's
half-century of work, there have been more than 850 scientific
discoveries as a result of the research projects the organization
has funded.
"As we're on the cusp of exciting breakthroughs in vision loss
research, and simultaneously growing our education and advocacy
efforts, it is incredibly important for Canadians to come together
in support of Fighting Blindness Canada," said Jennifer Jones, President and CEO,
Fighting Blindness Canada. "Move For Sight was a collective
rally in multiple places at once across Canada—an opportunity for
people to move together, in their own authentic way, to make a
meaningful contribution to advance our work. We are thrilled with
the participation level for our first national move challenge, as
we celebrate FBC's 50th anniversary year."
Jones kicked off MOVE FOR SIGHT early on Friday, June 21, when she swam a one-kilometre
stretch at Cherry Beach in Toronto. Using blacked-out goggles, and
swimming without visual cues while tethered to a friend, Jones
brought herself closer to the work she does, while raising
awareness for vision loss research.
In Ottawa last Sunday,
Conrad Eder, a national team player
in the 2024 Canadian Blind Hockey tournament, hosted a
learn-to-skate and a blind hockey instructional session at Minto
Sports Complex, as his MOVE FOR SIGHT initiative. The
27-year-old was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in his early
20s, and is active in bringing attention to those living with
vision loss, as a Young Leader with
Fighting Blindness Canada.
Meanwhile in Toronto, another
FBC Young Leader, Stuart
Matan-Lithwick, Ph.D., brought attention to the cause as he
crossed the distance of the Bloor-Danforth subway line—riding,
walking and running from Kennedy
through Kipling stations—stopping
to talk with the public about living with vision loss, and the
importance of advancing sight-saving research.
The first annual MOVE FOR SIGHT challenge was
further lifted by corporate supporters—Bayer, as the National
"Let's Move" Motivational Partner; and Roche Canada, as the
National Champion Partner.
Beyond individual and team efforts Canada-wide, several movement studios in
Ontario, jumped on board with
dedicated "MOVE FOR SIGHT" classes, including: Maison
Pilates, Sekond Skin Society, Seven Hot Yoga & HIIT Pilates,
Spokehaüs, The Studio PEC, Totum Life Science.
To support MOVING research forward, donations can be made at
MOVEFORSIGHT.CA, through July 29,
2024.
More about Fighting Blindness Canada
By raising funds, Fighting Blindness Canada is helping drive
forward research that supports their goal of understanding why
vision loss occurs, how it can be slowed, and how sight can be
restored.
They also offer resources for individuals and families impacted
by blindness, providing accurate eye health information through
their website and educational events, as well as engaging with
government and other stakeholders to advance better vision health
policies.
Visit fightingblindness.ca. Follow @fightingblindnessca on
Instagram.
SOURCE Fighting Blindness Canada