Robert

Diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of four, Robert, now 15, became blind following his surgery. The tumor has returned three times yet Robert has persevered.

He started his own charity called "Tabs for Kids" when he was five years-old, collecting pop can tabs to raise money to purchase wheelchairs for children. Over the last three years alone, he has collected almost two tons of tabs.

As a Variety Village Ambassador, Robert supports the Charity’s fundraising activities. He conducts speaking engagements to create awareness within the community. Robert speaks about the important role Variety Village plays in the lives of young people with disabilities and their families.

In 2007, Robert was presented with the Unsung Hero Award at the International Day of People with Disabilities conference held at Variety Village.

Robert is an active competitive swimmer with the Variety Village Flames team and he has competed in the Paralympic Winter games, and won a gold medal in the 50 metre backstroke. He is also a downhill skier and tandem biker.

Adversity and the will to overcome define Robert. He is determined to use the strength and understanding gained from his own personal experience to advocate for others with disabilities. He believes that being blind does not mean being boring.

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