(HALIFAX, NS – Dec. 1, 2011) On December 6, 1917, one of the most catastrophic events in Canadian history struck the shores of Nova Scotia. But few Canadians realize that the Halifax Explosion was also a catalyst for the formation of one of Canada’s oldest and most trusted charities, CNIB.
When the SS Mont Blanc accidentally collided with the SS Imo in Halifax Harbour on that fateful December morning, hundreds gathered along the shorelines, while others watched from their windows, to witness the fiery aftermath.
What they didn’t realize was that the Mont Blanc was fully loaded with wartime explosives, and it was ready to blow.
Twenty-four minutes later, the wreckage exploded – causing a tsunami in the harbour and a massive flash that leveled buildings for kilometres around. It was the largest manmade accidental explosion the world had ever seen.
Two thousand people were killed, and a further 9,000 injured – more than 1,000 of whom sustained serious eye injuries from flying glass and debris, which left them blind or with significant vision loss.
Coupled with the onslaught of veterans returning home blind after World War I, the explosion meant there were suddenly more Canadians living with blindness or partial sight than ever before.
“Hundreds faced a life of social isolation, poverty and dependency that was traditionally associated with being blind or partially sighted at that time,” says Peter Parsons, CNIB’s manager of programs and services in Nova Scotia.
CNIB, then just a small crew of volunteers, set to work helping the survivors improve living and social conditions by teaching skills, such as knitting, reading braille, using washing machines, bread mixers and other domestic products to make life with vision loss easier.
Relief volunteers and social workers visited people with eye injuries in the hospital and later escorted them to medical appointments – as recent blindness made people afraid to leave their homes.
Little by little, things started to change – not just for those blinded in the explosion, but for all people who were blind or living with a serious loss of sight. People started to think differently about what it means to be blind.
Following the disaster, various local women’s groups realized the great need for social inclusion by arranging outings, including picnics, boat rides and musical evenings for individuals in the community who were recently blinded, and their families.
CNIB and community volunteers also hosted classes and social gatherings, where survivors with vision loss could discuss challenges, overcome fears and celebrate achievements.
“Back then, CNIB and community volunteers helped survivors of the explosion adjust to life with vision loss, learn skills and regain some of their independence,” said Parsons. “Ninety-four years later, we are continuing our commitment to helping Nova Scotians deal with the emotional and social side of vision loss, while building the skills to do everyday tasks with confidence.”
Today, CNIB is still the only provider of vision rehabilitation in Nova Scotia, delivering services right where clients need them – over the phone, online, or in clients’ own homes, communities and CNIB centres in Halifax and Sydney.
In 2011, Nova Scotia is home to more than 34,000 people who are blind or partially sighted – and this figure is expected to double over the next 20 years.
“CNIB is truly grateful for the generosity of our volunteers, donors and supporters,” says Parsons. “About 20 per cent of our total funding comes from government sources, so we rely on public donations to help us be there for all those who need our services.”
About CNIB
CNIB is a registered charity, passionately providing 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 learn more, visit cnib.ca or call the toll-free CNIB Helpline at 1-800-563-2642.
For more information on the
Halifax Explosion:
or
Museum.gov.ns.ca
