As part of our commitment to giving back to our community, we have partnered with other charitable organizations. Our doctors feel strongly about making a difference in the community, both locally and globally, as well as making a positive difference in the lives of our patients.
Habitat for Humanity
This non-profit organization is working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. In her spare time, Dr. Kwasnick has worked on a local Orleans build, as well as a renovation project (convincing a group of friends to join her).
Moroccan Mission
In 2008, Dr. Bender volunteered in a vision screening mission in Morocco. Along with fellow optometry students, optometrists, opticians and other volunteers, she provided eye exams, glasses and vision care to thousands in need. It was an experience of a lifetime!
Coaching
For over 10 years, Dr Bender coached numerous teams and ran a Saturday morning skills development camp with the Cumberland United Soccer Club. During that time, she also held positions as convenor, secretary for the snakebite tournament and put in countless hours volunteering annually with registration and equipment.
Children at Risk
This Ottawa non-profit organization works with children on the Autism spectrum. Dr. Kwasnick has supported Children at Risk for over a decade and has now stepped up as a member of the board of directors. Her first duty was to collect a donation from Moksha Yoga. She also worked at the silent auction that was part of the spring fundraising Fun Walk.
Be My Eyes
Dr Bender recently started volunteering with Be My Eyes, an organization that allows you to lend your eyes to the blind or visually impaired. To learn more about the program, or if you want to either help the visually impaired or if you're visually impaired yourself and could use an extra set of eyes for day to day tasks, visit their site at https://www.bemyeyes.com/
Ecology Ottawa – Tree Planting Beauclaire Park
Dr. Kwasnick was joined by MP Andrew Leslie and MPP Marie-France Lalonde to help Ecology Ottawa plant 800 trees in Beauclaire Park in Orleans. The June 11th planting weather that year was great for trees, but a little wet for people. The trees are well on their way to provide shade for future generations and a home for wild life near the Ottawa River.
Lions Club
Lions clubs are a global leader in community service. Dr. Kwasnick has sponsored many local events and fundraising campaigns. She was recently recognized for her Gold Level sponsorship of the Gloucester North Lions Club Magical Village that was displayed at Place d’Orleans.
Orleans-Cumberland Community Resource Center – Community Caring Connection
Optometry Giving Sight
This is Optometry’s international charity, which helps to transform lives through the gift of vision. Sight can make the difference between a life of poverty and a life of opportunity. We do not charge for adjustments or minor frame repairs, but invite our patients to drop some spare change into the collection box instead. We were honored to receive the Silver Award for our efforts. This is our eighth year supporting the charity in the office. For more information, visit our Optometry Giving Sight page.
CNIB – Canadian National Institute for the Blind
“Seeing beyond vision loss” sums up their mission. Advancing technologies have helped many people with vision impairment, but there is often a high cost involved. Our office has participated in raising awareness and funds for this important cause.