Comic Vision brings hope by Hiba Kesabi Special to the Beaver 17 | Friday, April 26, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Laughter can do wonders, say the co-founders of Comic Vision, a fundraiser in support of the Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB). The event was first held in 2001 after Morrison's son, Gavin, was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease. It has blossomed from one organized by Morrison's friends and family to an annual national happening, held in five cities across Canada -- Oakville, Toronto, London, Calgary and Vancouver. "The day Gavin was diagnosed was life altering for the family," explained Morrison. "I didn't know what it meant for the future." But after attending an educational session hosted by the FFB, Morrison walked out determined to raise money for research. This year's Oakville event, featuring comedians Jen Grant, Graham Clark and Scott Faulconbridge, was held Wednesday (April 24) at Le Dome Banquet Hall and raised more than $150,000. The national event is one of the FFB's primary fundraising initiatives. Morrison says she owes much of Comic Vision's success to the local organizing committees who plan the event. "It used to be if you were a blood relative or friend of Ann Morrison, you were involved with Comic Vision in one way shape or form," Morrison explained. The day Gavin was diagnosed was life altering for the family. I didn't know what it meant for the future. Comic Vision co-founder Ann Morrison, "The proudest moment for me now is when I walk to a city like London and I see committees that have no association with me organize the event." Aside from bringing laughter, Comic Vision brings hope for a brighter future to those affected by degenerative eye disease. In 2012, Comic Vision shared the laughter with more than 2,500 people and brought in more than $900,000 for vision research projects through the FFB. To date it has raised more than $4 million for the foundation. The FFB has funded dozens of research discoveries to identify the causes of genetic forms of blindness. Today, these discoveries have helped bring scientists closer to finding treatments to restore sight. For more information, visit www.ffb.ca. 2013 Comic Vision Chair Julie Thompson poses on the main stage Wednesday evening at Le Dome Banquet Hall during the fundraiser, which supports The Foundation Fighting Blindness. photo by Steven Der-Garabedian special to the Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) WOOD N' FLOOR "Refinish Your Wood Floor, Stairs and Railings Like New" We are licensed, insured serving Oakville residents since 1990 4.125" x 2.4837 " We install all kinds of wood and laminate floors W Call KAZ 905-338-1881 | www.woodnfloor.ca We will beat every written quote! 4 Months 4 Months (Student) $199.00 $149.00 These Memberships include all classes! THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO DESIGN YOUR DREAM AYA KITCHEN AYA KITCHENS OF OAKVILLE 1195 North Service Road West AyAoakville.com · 905.847.1522 Specialized Personal Training Package 3 - 1 Hour sessions only $145.00 WITH MEMBERSHIP Winner of 19 prestigious awards including: · Best Fitness Facility in Oakville · Best Personal Training in Oakville ** Service Provider of the Year** Please visit our website: www.bodyshapingstudio.com 183 Lakeshore Rd. West, Oakville ON L6K 1E7 · 905-849-1919