Inspired by students and Kevin Frost

Cumberland City Councillor Stephen Blais was proud to present a cheque for $1,000 to Kevin Frost, an Orléans resident who is deaf and blind and competes worldwide as a speed skater.

“Kevin Frost is truly an inspiration to all us and I am proud to help offset any costs of his competition,” said Councillor Blais. “I am also in awe of Team Frosty – the six grade seven students who inspired me to donate. They are all role models themselves.”

Caroline Lemaire, Karina Nemec, Trinity Castilloux, Alexia Leblanc, Isabelle Boileau and Emilie Lemaire held a fundraiser, December 4, 2013, at Boston Pizza. The fundraiser by these students raised $1,382.

“The support by Councillor Blais and Team Frosty is truly heartwarming”, said Kevin Frost. “It is very encouraging to live in such a wonderful community where altruism is shared by students and politicians alike.”

Kevin Frost suffers from Usher’s Syndrome type 2. The syndrome takes hearing early and eventually vision. Currently Frost has 15% hearing (90 decibels) and 8% tunneled vision. Kevin’s ultimate goal is to be the first deaf/blind speed skater to achieve a winning medal at the Olympics.

“Investing in local amateur athletes is an essential component to help ensure Orléans is well represented at sporting events of all types,” added Councillor Blais. “As a community conscientious elected official, I want to do my part to help groups with private rather than public donations.”

The funding was raised by private donors through the annual Stephen Blais Golf Classic and donated on behalf of Action Orléans – a not-for-profit club that has been helping sports and other groups throughout Ottawa.

Photo caption: Councillor Stephen Blais presents the cheque to Kevin Frost and is joined by Isabelle Boileau, Alexia Leblanc, Trinity Castilloux, Emilie Lemaire, Karina Nemec, Caroline Lemaire and Lewis (Kevin’s guide dog).