There are nearly a dozen Saint Johners who are blind or partially sighted and are looking for someone to provide help and friendship to them through what’s called the Vision Mate program.
The program is offered by the Canadian Institute for the Blind, and one of the people in Saint John on the waiting list is 57-year-old Patty King who lives in the north end and is blind.
King is looking for a Vision Mate to do things like go shopping with her, get coffee, and go for walks.
When it comes to what she’s looking for personality-wise in a Vision Mate.
“You know cheerful, one that is outgoing, likes to joke around,” she says. “Different things like that.”
King has had a Vision Mate before and she says she’s encouraged other people to join the program.
There are about 30 people province-wide on the waiting list for a Vision Mate, though the need is greatest in Saint John.
For more information about the CNIB’s Vision Mate program, including how to apply, click here.
