Vern Short (Image Credit: Curtis Goodrum / CFJC Today)

By Curtis Goodrum

WHITE CANE WEEK

White Cane Week brings vision problems into view for Kamloops residents

Feb 4, 2026 | 5:02 PM

KAMLOOPS – It’s White Cane Week and the Kamloops White Cane Club, which has been running for more than 30 years, commemorates the occasion by spreading awareness about vision impairment.

White Cane Week has been held during the first week of February since 1944, originally to help support soldiers who suffered vision injuries in the war. More than 80 years later, it’s still supported in the community.

“This year, the club wanted to focus on exposure within the community and, you know, just to talk about blindness and what the white cane represents, as a symbol of blindness, courage and independent spirit for the individual,” said Vern Short, vice-president of the Kamloops White Cane Club.

The club will hold its annual bowling match against city staff next Friday, February 13.

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“It’s a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about blindness and vision loss within the community. But it’s also an event to have fun. And it points out that, hey, the blind and visually impaired can participate in sporting events. We just happen to do things differently,” said Short.

On February 7, the White Cane Club will have an information desk set up at Northhills Mall.