Page 82 — Terrace Standard, Wednesday, January 22, 1992 Drawing. blind and sighted together “It was in 1946 that the Canadian council of the Blind established White Cane Week, and invited the Cana- dian National Institute for the Blind to take part,’’ says Geraldine Braak, national ‘president of the CCB. ‘Since then, the first week in February has been dedicated as White Cane week every year,” The first White Cane week grew out of the experiences of a small group of blind people who had discovered that the public generally did not understand the meaning of the white cane as a symbol of blindness. The ideal of a national education program to tell Canadians that the white cane means the carrier has a serious visual problem was quickly taken up by the CNIB and the two organiza- lions became co-sponsors. From the first White Cane week, with only a handful of blind people participating, the week has become a na- tional’ network of special events, hands-on demonstra- tions, open houses, tours, speakers, films and activities through more than 60 CNIB Centres and 95 CCB Clubs from coast to coast. Over the years, the pro- gram for White Cane week has evolved to reflect the changing situation of blind and visually impaired people. In its early years, the week was used to demonstrate the concern for good rehabilita- tion and blindness preven- tion. In more recent years, events have begun. to em- ” phasize: the ‘.capabililies: of]. Ty Bite aie ~visially. impaired” | °°" pedple themselves. “Access to information is still one of the most prevalent obstacles facing blind Canadians,’' says Braak. ‘People who are blind have the right to access the same information as their sighted neighbour.” The aim of White Cane week is to draw blind and sighted Canadians closer together through awareness in order that they may be able to support one another. “it is important that the public understands that ‘blindness and severe visual impairment is a unique sen- sory disability quite unlike other disabling conditions,” says Euclid Herie, CNIB President. ‘‘The loss of visual inpul represents a ma- jor deprivation of informa- tion about the environment that seriously affects many aspects of daily life including reading, home and personal care, and travel. However, there are specific alternatives to receiv- ing information such as braille, large print and audio cassette, but we need the understanding and involve- ment of the public and private sectors.'’ kaekkek * The Canadian Council of the Blind is this country’s on- ly national consumer organization of the blind. With its 95- member clubs and over 4,000 members, the CCB has earned. the reputa- tion as.‘‘the vaice of the blind." * The Canadian National In- stitute for the Blind is a private, voluntary organiza- tion established in 1918, The CNIB provides services to blind and visually impaired persons across Canada through a network of over 60 centre. kaekekk For more information on the Terrace White Cane Club, contact Sylvie (635-6422) or Elizabeth (638-1397). TOBACCO IS A DRUG Protect your children. gdppart ¥ Your Lung Association Smoke-free generation is the goal Research shows that if you can prevent a child from smok- ing until age 18, the likelihood of that child ever smoking drops dramatically. That’s the reason the Na- tional Non-Smoking. Week Committee has targeted its educational programs and ac- tivities at children, specifically those born in 1982. The Com- mittee hopes the Class of 2000, now in Grade 4, will be the first smoke-free generation. This year the National Non- Smoking Week Committee is asking parents and Lleachers to protect their children by setting a healthy example. ; Schools have always been acutely aware of the importance of providing positive role models for children. Many school districts in the province had declared themselves smoke- free, citing the importance of providing students with an ef- fective health education pro- gram, and with providing non- smoking role models to en- courage non-smoking behaviour in students. The Canadian - survey reported that almost half of all children (45%) first tried tobac- co when they were 10-12. years of age, That's when a parent’s influence is the strongest accor- ding to health educators. Mg PRINCE AUPERT @ TERRACE The survey also found almost half of the students preferred to discuss the effects of smoking on health with their parents than with any other source. Any adult in a child’s life can serve as a positive influence. Here are som. suggestions to help you become a better role model and ensure the Class of 2000 is smoke-free: * If you smoke, don't smoke in front of children. * When you see lobacco adver- tising or people smoking use this an an opportunity for discussion. Talk to children ina non-threatening way, about the health risks of smoking, * Talk to children about the benefits of being a non-smoker: the clean breath, the more at- tractive appearance; the better health; public acceptance (two thirds of Canadians are non- smokers) and the money save. * Please don’t send a child toa store to buy cigarettes. Not only is it egal, even if the child has a parental note, but it provides a child with easy access to pur- chase cigarettes later on. * If you are a smoke, never leave cigarettes in easy reach of children. * Support legislation that reduces public smoking and the promotion of tobacco products. | ® FORT Sf. JOHN @ DAWSON CREEK @ PRINCE GEORGE @ QUESNEL | Alta. ° WILLIAMS LAKE | BC VANCOUVER. RICHMOND, @ KAMLOOPS @ SALMON ARM SURREY, @ VERNON _—? MAPLE RIDGE, ER “NANAIMO * \ SF : f Ay COQUITLAM, CANGLEY @ BELLINGHAM @ KELOWNA -@ PENTICTON @ CHILLIWACK —e ABBOTSFORD GRANGROOK id GRESTON — ~~ ~ “EASTLEGAR @ vat ‘emt. VERNON /@ LYNNWOOD a / {@ seartie Wa, SiBNTACOMA es. TACOMA Bubblegum Blowing Contest Saturday, Jan 25 1:00 p.m. Register at any Skeena Mall merchant Prizes For Biggest Bubble! Wriggley supplying the gum - Hubba Bubba No Age Limit : ua Hoo Contest _ Saturday, Jan 25 | 1:00 p.m. Register at any Skeena Mall merchant No Age Limit PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES! Skeena Mall 4741 Lakelse Terrace Lo W Cosr WAREHOUSE OPERATION! NO COMMISSION SALES STAFF) NO MEMBERSHIP FEE! DIRECT FAcToRy PURCHASES) | . HUGE MANUFACTURERS: DISCOUNTS! vo LUME DEALER . WAREHOUSE PRICES! LARGE SELECTION OF BRAND NAMES! Terrace: ‘4730 Keith Ave. . 635-4111 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: MON. - WED. & SAT.: 10am-Gpm. THURSDAY & FRIDAY: 10 am - 9 pm. Closed Sunday. :