Thornhill, Ontario
William Mayne is a former Hong Kong Prisoner of War (POW) who is blind as a result of avitaminosis caused by malnutrition. Upon returning to civilian life after the war, Mr. Mayne became an active member of the Executive of the Sir Arthur Pearson Association of War Blinded (SAPA). Since 1945, his principal efforts have been directed at improving the welfare of other war blinded Veterans, both through the CNIB and SAPA associations. A former Chairman of the National Council of Veteran Associations, Mr. Mayne has been a strong advocate for Veterans' rights and pension benefits for many years. His efforts have largely revolved around improving the quality of life of those who are blind or vision-impaired. He has also been working to enhance Veterans' benefits. Mr. Mayne is a founding President of the FJL Woodcock/Sir Arthur Pearson Association of War Blinded Scholarship Foundation. Established in 1959, the Foundation provides assistance and encourages blind and visually impaired students to continue their studies. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded scholarships to more than 1200 students, and will continue its annual scholarship program in perpetuity. Mr. Mayne is currently engaged in writing a history of the Sir Arthur Pearson Association.