Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough Chapter

🌍Vision care is more than healthcare—it’s a matter of access, equity, and rights.

A recent update from the World Blind Union highlights the ongoing global conversation around blindness and low vision—not just as medical conditions, but as critical issues tied to inclusion, education, and participation in everyday life.

From access to eye exams and timely treatment, to rehabilitation services, assistive technology, and employment opportunities—these are all part of a system that should support people fully and fairly.

Globally, organizations like the World Blind Union continue to advocate for breaking down barriers and ensuring full participation for people who are blind or partially sighted.

This is a conversation happening worldwide—and one that matters right here at home.

At Canadian Council of the Blind Peterborough, we’re proud to be part of a broader movement that continues to raise awareness, share resources, and support our community.

If you’re interested in learning more, you can read the full update here:

🔗 [https://mailchi.mp/wbu/email-content-en-18102398?e=fb3fc1b94f](https://mailchi.mp/wbu/email-content-en-18102398?e=fb3fc1b94f)

Image Description:
A blue graphic featuring the World Blind Union and Canadian Council of the Blind logos at the top.

Large text reads: “Blindness, accessibility, and inclusion are ‘rights,’ not privileges,” with “rights” highlighted in yellow. Below, smaller text says: “CCB Peterborough is part of that global conversation—with YOU.”

On the right, a diverse group of illustrated people stands together, including a person with a white cane, representing visual impairment and inclusion.

🐾 Sorry for the delay in announcing the winner of our guide dog guessing game… we were waiting for Barb to sign off on the results—and she has very high standards. 🐾

The wait is over…

Meet Barb! 🐕‍🦺

Barb is a 17-month-old female black Golden Retriever cross, weighing 46 pounds and standing 20 inches at the shoulder. While she’s a cross, you’d never guess it—she’s entirely black and absolutely beautiful.

Most importantly, Barb and Christel are doing wonderfully together, already building that incredible partnership that makes guide dogs so special. 💙

Thank you to everyone who took part in our guessing game—we loved seeing all your guesses and sharing in the excitement.

And congratulations to CCB member Debora, who won a Tim Hortons gift card for the closest guess… which, in hindsight, was no small feat—we asked for breed, gender and the first letter of her name 😉

Please join us in welcoming Barb! 🐾

🐾 A New Guide Dog Is Coming to CCB Peterborough!

Our chapter chair, Christel Galachiuk, is currently away being partnered with her new guide dog — and we can’t wait to meet this very special new teammate.

To celebrate, we’re hosting a little Guide Dog Guessing Game at our next meeting!

When you arrive, you can submit your guess for:

🐶 The breed
🐶 Boy or girl
🐶 The first letter of the dog’s name

Then we’ll hear the big reveal from Christel and see who guessed closest.

The winner will receive:

☕ A Tim Hortons gift card
🏆 And eternal bragging rights

📍 Peterborough Lions Centre
⏰ 10:30 AM
📅 Thursday

We can’t wait to welcome Christel’s new guide dog and celebrate this exciting new partnership! 🐕‍🦺

Photo Description:
Christel Galachiuk is seated outdoors in a wicker patio chair, smiling warmly. She is wearing a bright turquoise hoodie and blue jeans. The background shows a softly blurred brick wall and patio furniture. Beside her, where a guide dog might sit, there is a large outline of a dog created from colourful question marks. Inside the outline are more question marks in different colours, suggesting the dog’s identity is still a mystery. Christel’s arm rests gently along the back of the chair near the dog outline, as if she is sitting beside her future guide dog. At the top of the image is the Canadian Council of the Blind logo.

At CCB Peterborough, we are lucky to have the talented Lynda Todd as a member. Lynda generously lends us her tactile art pieces, allowing everyone who visits our site the opportunity to experience art through touch.

This is especially meaningful as our Lending Library is located here, and many people who are visually impaired visit the office in search of appropriate visual aids to assist with day-to-day activities. Providing accessible ways to engage with art helps make our space welcoming and inclusive for all.

If you would like to learn more about Lynda’s artwork, please visit her website: www.lyndatodd.com

This is a photo of Lynda, who has lent us a new piece titled Ivory Whispers.

Thank you Lynda Todd, Artist

Photo Description: Lynda gestures toward a large painting of an elephant that now hangs at CCB Peterborough.

Thank you to the Peterborough Examiner for coming out on Friday to chat and take some photos. What a great way to wrap up White Cane Week. We appreciate the opportunity to share information, raise awareness, and continue important conversations about accessibility and inclusion in our community.

Come say hi! We are here until 4:00 PM!

🦯 February 2–9 is White Cane Week. To mark this important week, CCB Peterborough will be at the Peterborough Public Library, sharing information on blindness awareness and the role of the white cane in safe, independent travel.

📚 Peterborough Public Library
345 Aylmer Street North, Peterborough, ON

🗓 Tuesday, Feb 3 | 10 AM – 1 PM
🗓 Friday, Feb 6 | 1 PM – 4 PM

We’d love to chat, answer questions, and share resources. 💙
Please come say hi! 👋