Volunteer program helps vision-impaired

When Sylvain Morin had to complete volunteer hours top get his biomedical biology degree from Laurentian University, he didn't want to follow the typical route many of his peers had chosen.

“The standard thing for students in the health field is to go to the hospital and hold doors for people,” he said. “I didn't want to do that. I wanted something more focused on people.”

Morin learned about a program the Canadian National Institute for the Blind provides called Vision Mate, and decided it would be a good fit.

He signed up and was immediately partnered with Garson's Jeannine Maki, who had been diagnosed with macular degeneration and was losing some of her peripheral vision.

Through the program Morin visited Maki on a regular basis and helped her with a lot of daily tasks. While he can't do any physical work for her, Morin helps Maki read her mail, and navigate her phone and iPad. Beyond that, he just provides her with some good company.

“He just fit in,” Maki said. “He even looks like my grandchildren.”

Even after he graduated from Laurentian, Morin continued to visit Maki on a regular basis.

He is now starting his second year of pharmacy school at the University of Waterloo, but continues to visit Maki when he returns to Sudbury to see his family.

He said his experience with Maki has helped him become more patient and empathetic, two qualities that are important for anyone working in health care.
During the summer Morin works at a pharmacy, and said his volunteer experience with Maki helps him be better at that job.

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind is always looking for more local volunteers to participate in the Vision Mate program. To learn how to participate visit their website or phone 1-800-563-2642.