Million Dollar Legacy Gift Results in New Name for CNIB Centre

WINNIPEG, June 25 /CNW/ - Thanks to the generosity of Manitoba Doctors Daya and Chander Gupta, CNIB has the funds to continue to grow important services for Manitobans who are blind and partially sighted. In recognition of their significant gift, the CNIB building in Winnipeg is being named "The Drs. Daya and Chander Gupta Centre." Their gift of $1 million will support the low vision program, which provides assistive technology and devices to people who are partially sighted, allowing them to pursue education, careers and the pleasure of reading.

Recognizing the importance of post-secondary education, and knowing it can be financially challenging for anyone, but particularly for students who are blind or partially sighted, the Guptas have designated funds for two annual scholarships to be awarded to Manitobans who are CNIB clients.

One of the first recipients, Stony Mountain resident Karen Iwaszewski, has already committed to post secondary education in Native and Political Studies. She plans to use her scholarship to pursue a Masters Degree in Public Administration at the University of Manitoba this Fall. Iwaszewski, who is legally blind, hopes to eventually work for a non-profit or government agency. She says the scholarship will relieve some of the financial pressure she faces in returning to school. "It's a real honor and a great help. The Guptas giving this scholarship is going to help my education and get me on track to pursue an accessible career in the next couple of years," said Iwaszewski.

An event to unveil the new sign and demonstrate CNIB programs will take place from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 26 at the CNIB Centre, 1080 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg. Along with the Guptas, CNIB President and CEO, John M. Rafferty will be in attendance, with scholarship recipients and CNIB staff and clients.

A gala dinner to honor the Guptas and their contribution will be held at 6:30 p.m. that evening at The Winnipeg Convention Centre.

ABOUT CNIB

CNIB provides community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. To find out more, visit www.cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642.

For further information: Malinda Lee, Event Coordinator, [email protected], 204-228-7892 (cell); Elaine McKay, Manager Communications, [email protected], 604-431-2162, 604-813-5701 (cell)