CNIB Lake Joe is beginning a new chapter with the appointment of Eugene Chong as Executive Director of CNIB Lake Joe and National Camp Programs.
Eugene joined Lake Joe in 2017 and brings extensive experience in camp leadership and inclusive recreation to his expanded role. His appointment
follows the retirement of Monique Pilkington, whose 37-year career with CNIB included 10 years at Lake Joe.
We caught up with Eugene to hear about his vision and the camp connections that continue to inspire him.
1. What does this appointment mean to you personally?
Having been part of the Lake Joe community since 2017, this place means a lot to me, both professionally and personally.
I am truly honoured to lead Lake Joe through this period of growth and transformation. With the Hogarth Hall project underway, we will soon be able to welcome participants year-round, creating more opportunities for connection, learning, and community.
I’ve seen firsthand the life-changing impact that camp can have on people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision, as well as their families. This role allows me to build on that impact while helping to shape the future of camp and recreation programs across Canada.
2. What is a moment with a camper that has stayed with you?
One that immediately comes to mind is a youth participant I met early in my time at Lake Joe. They arrived excited but a little uncertain. Over the session, I watched their anxiety melt away and their confidence grow. By the end of camp, they were courageously standing in front of their peers sharing their personal story.
Today, they are a disability advocate, motivational speaker, and peer leader in their community. They found their voice at camp.
Experiences like that remind me why this work matters. Camp is more than the activities. It helps people discover strengths they may not have realized they had.
3. What have you learned from Monique, and what do you hope to carry forward?
Monique has been an extraordinary leader, mentor, and advocate. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from her is the power of leading with purpose while never losing sight of the people we serve.
She has helped shape Lake Joe into a place where people feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. I hope to build on that foundation and carry forward her commitment to strong relationships, innovation, and excellence.
4. What will your national responsibilities involve, and how could they improve access to camp?
I will support camp and recreation programs across the country while continuing to work closely with the Lake Joe team. This includes strengthening participant experiences, sharing best practices, and building partnerships.
Transportation, cost, awareness, and access to supports can still prevent people from participating. Working with schools, health care providers, community organizations, and families can help more people find programs that meet their needs. Expanding year-round and flexible programming will also create more ways to participate.
5. What would success look like over the next few years?
I would like to expand access for more Canadians while strengthening Lake Joe’s position as a leader in accessible and inclusive recreation.
For me, success is not measured by numbers alone. It’s seeing participants leave with greater confidence, stronger social connections, new skills, and a deeper sense of belonging. It means families feeling supported and seeing their loved ones thrive.
If more people are empowered to participate fully in their communities and pursue opportunities they may never have imagined possible, we will know we have made a meaningful difference.