A fund in memory of an advocate who embraced life aims to help others facing vision loss move forward.
The Lori Sheppard Memorial Fund, created in December of 2006 and held in trust by the Vancouver Foundation, honours the woman who was active in campaigns for the United Way, CNIB, and the 20/20 Foundation.
Founder and executive director of PAWS International, who worked tirelessly to establish the biannual guide dog conference, Sheppard died in November 2005 from complications of diabetes and heart disease.
Diagnosed with juvenile diabetes as a child, Sheppard became totally blind at 27.
Each year, the Lower Mainland woman is remembered with bursaries to support those with vision loss.
The fund was created by her friends, family and community members to both commemorate her spirit and support individuals who possess great passion yet face significant barriers. It offers two $3,000 bursaries each year that can be used to cover tuition fees, professional fees, purchase of adaptive equipment, or to support costs linked with the creation of a home business.
Applicants must be B.C. residents, meet criteria for legal blindness or have a medical condition that could result in progressive vision loss, and be at least 16 years old.
The deadline to apply is May 31.
Find the applications online at blindbeginnings.ca/awards-and-bursaries.
