Donation Options:

1. Access our printable mail/fax donation form
2. Access our secure on-line donation form
3. By calling: 1-800-567-6755, extension 258

In the life of every organization, particularly growing charities and non-profits, dedicated champions for the work it does often come to the forefront, helping it to grow and better serve the people it was set up to help.

The National Broadcast Reading Service Inc. (NBRS), a registered charity with a mission to Make Media Accessible, was blessed with such a champion in Charles MacColl, who passed away in late April. He was, according to those who knew, loved and respected him, a tower of a man, with great professional abilities, a terrific spirit and an unshakeable belief in the importance of helping others. A friend and NBRS's Director exclaimed, "Charles was a statesman, generous, and always there to contribute-and did so unconditionally". Adds NBRS Board Chair, "We're going to miss his insight, expertise - and especially his ability to cut to the core of an issue."

At NBRS, parent organization of VoicePrint (Canada's 24/7 audio newsstand for the more than 5 million of us who can't independently access printed materials such as current newspapers and magazines) and AudioVision (a pioneer in "describing" movies and TV shows for the 15 million people in North America with low or no vision), Charles served as corporate counsel in its early days. More recently, he joined the NBRS Board to help with a new national specialty digital-TV service called The Accessible Channel (TAC), which is expected to launch in the Fall and features programming that is both described and closed-captioned. The Board Chair of TAC states, "I very quickly developed a great deal of respect for his incredible mind, abilities and efforts. I have no doubt that, if time had permitted, he would have also made his mark upon TAC, including providing considerable guidance and assistance with the launch."
"Charles was a pillar of strength throughout the 1990s. We recognized his leadership and his support by inducting him into our Silver Palette Club... our hall of fame... and making him a life time member. Two years ago, when we decided to seek a specialty TV license, Charles again took time from his extremely busy legal and political schedule to again offer us his help. He rejoined the NBRS Board last year and also served on the TAC Board. On both he brought a clear vision to each corporate and governance question and never wavered from that position even when the discussion involved difficult and tough questions." - Bob Trimbee, NBRS President

To honour the memory of Charles MacColl and to salute his dedication to the cause of Making Media Accessible through his more than 17 years of volunteer work, a group of Charles' friends are asking for your support in assisting the committee with an internship prize program. We are confident that this initiative is a suitable way to commemorate Charles' devotion and endless contribution to NBRS.

Your interest and support in assisting the committee would be greatly appreciated.

Please contact:

Phil Green, Silvia Gualtieri, Susan Kennedy, Lauren Kerhoulas, Joanne Kerhoulas, Muriel Kowal, Ed Kowal, Anita Scholtz, Jim Stacy, Gerry Thompson, Effie Triantafilopoulos and Guilio Vitali

Phone: Lauren Kerhoulas; 416-422-4222 ext. 225
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thank you for your consideration.
Friends of Charles MacColl Committee

If you would like to help Make Media Accessible – in memory of and tribute to Charles MacColl – please mail or fax our special downloadable donation form to NBRS at the address given.

Or go immediately go to our online donation page and find the “Friends of Charles MacColl Memorial Fund” For NBRS option.

For more information about NBRS

For more information about VoicePrint

More Tributes To Charles MacColl, a great friend of NBRS

“We're going to miss his insight, expertise -- and especially his ability to cut to the core of an issue.” -- Gerald Weseen, NBRS Board chair

“Charles was a pillar of strength throughout the 1990s. We recognized his leadership and his support by inducting him into our Silver Palette Club … our hall of fame … and making him a lifetime member. Two years ago, when we decided to seek a specialty TV licence for The Accessible Channel [TAC], Charles again took time from his extremely busy legal and political schedule to again offer us his help.

“He rejoined our Board last year and also accepted a seat on the Board of The Accessible Channel. On both he brought a clear vision to each corporate and governance question and never wavered from that position even when the discussion involved difficult and tough questions. It will be difficult to replace the energy, determination, support, leadership and enthusiasm he brought to our purpose.” -- Bob Trimbee, NBRS President

“I am shocked and very saddened. I very quickly developed a great deal of respect for his incredible mind, abilities and efforts. I have no doubt that, if time had permitted, he would have also made his mark upon TAC, including providing considerable guidance and assistance with the launch.” -- Wayne Myles, Board chair, TAC

“Charles certainly had an impact and he will be greatly missed. I can see how instrumental he was in the early days of NBRS and it is sad that he will not be here to see TAC hit the airwaves.” -- Charlie Macdonald, NBRS Board member

“Charles was a statesman, generous, and always there to contribute – and did so unconditionally” -- Georgina Blanas, a long-time friend and NBRS’s director of marketing and fund development

“He was very friendly, charming, an extremely pleasant man.” -- Rennie Manickam, of NBRS, who has known Charles since 1989

Charles MacColl: a great champion for the cause of

Making Media Accessible. We will miss him greatly. Our

condolences to his friends and family.