A Wolverhampton charity is organising a two-day sponsored blindfold to raise funds and awareness – which it says will also help counter recent coverage of the disability on Big Brother.
Beacon Centre for the Blind is preparing plans for the innovative and ambitious event – to be held in January at the city’s Novotel - where it wants to give local employers the chance to experience life without sight for 24 hours.
It comes after the success of a sponsored ‘blind drive’ event at RAF Cosford which raised £3,500 earlier this month. Sighted and visually impaired drivers donned blindfolds to boost Beacon’s £3 million Second Site Appeal, to help fund a £18 million project for a new day centre and specialist accommodation.
Capital Appeal Officer Barry Butt said the event would be a well-coordinated and serious exercise in helping sighted people understand what it’s like to not see for 24 hours and to get to grips with the challenges presented. Barry has been blind from birth.
During the event, those taking part will be divided into couples with one wearing a blindfold and the other guiding them.
The itinerary will include guests staying overnight at the Novotel and facing a number of challenges including venturing out into Wolverhampton.
Final details of those challenges, plus news of guest speakers are still to be decided. But Barry said it was imperative that this was a serious event designed to promote better understanding of the issues faced by blind people.
He said: “I have been very disappointed by the approach to Mikey, the blind housemate on Big Brother and the blindfolded task they did there.
“This was an opportunity to make a real difference, but unfortunately, I think it descended into farce.
“Mikey is not being encouraged to be as independent as possible, that is what blind people want and deserve and what we at Beacon Centre aim to promote.
“Our sponsored blindfold will be a fun initiative but with a serious message and nothing like the goings on in the Big Brother House!”
Novotel General Manager Matt Ward is working with the team from Beacon Centre to organise and publicise the event, with a particular interest in how the hotel trade can benefit from lessons learned during the two days.
Matt said: “We have to make sure that all goes ahead as safely as possible. That said, we are determined to make this as challenging and worthwhile event as it can be and we are very much looking forward to ensuring it’s as big a success as possible.
“It’s not every day our guests get the chance to experience something like this– from checking in to eating dinner as a blind person - and I hope people will show Beacon Centre their support by taking part.”
The event is to be held on Friday January 9 and Saturday January 10 next year and Beacon Centre is asking participants to collect sponsorship of at least £300 per couple. There is no extra charge to those taking part for their accommodation at the Novotel.
Anyone interested in taking part should contact:
Barry Butt on 01902 880111 or e-mail him on bbutt@beacon4blind.co.uk
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