Upcoming Events

Are you currently serving on an accessibility advisory committee in your community, workplace or with an organization? CNIB is creating a new national network to connect, support, and strengthen the work of accessibility advocates across the country, and we’d love for you to be a part of it!

We are looking for Youth Leaders (14-21) in Calgary, Edmonton, or surrounding areas interested in getting involved with planning activities for their peers! 

The Vision Mate program is CNIB's flagship initiative for one-on-one support. Vision Mate volunteers are matched up with a person who is blind or partially sighted to provide one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship.

The Vision Mate program is CNIB's flagship initiative for one-on-one support. Vision Mate volunteers are matched up with a person who is blind or partially sighted to provide one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship.

The Vision Mate program is CNIB's flagship initiative for one-on-one support. Vision Mate volunteers are matched up with a person who is blind or partially sighted to provide one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship.

The Vision Mate program is CNIB's flagship initiative for one-on-one support. Vision Mate volunteers are matched up with a person who is blind or partially sighted to provide one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship.

This newsletter is for those interested in virtual or in person programs that are run specifically out of the Ontario West region. Please register and you will be added to the distribution list for when this comes out at the end of the month.

Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can’t, you are right! Join the club that believes the word “Can’t" is not allowed! The I Can Club is focused on building the attitudes and skills that lead us to think about all that is possible. Are you a child or youth (age 29 and under) who is interested in exploring the world around you and finding ways to look at all the things that are possible, instead of only the obstacle in front of you?  In the I Can Club, you'll meet a group of individuals who challenge the word "Can't" with a “Yes, I can do that,“ or “How can I do that?" attitude. 

OPVIC (formally VIEWS) is a volunteer organization of parents of visually impaired children/youth focused on empowering families and advocating for our kids in Ontario. OPVIC is a friendly and supportive organization of parents, family members and guardians of children with any amount of vision loss. This group is created to connect families share reliable resources and support one another.

 Visit new attractions in Manitoba and meet new people. These outings are year-round and inclusive to all. Events and dates vary.

Ever want to take on the challenge of a 5k run or walk? If you're a youth in the Windsor and Essex region who wants to work towards this great accomplishment, CNIB has a limited number of FREE entries a community event hosted by the Running Factory in Windsor.

This program is designed to provide support for Indigenous people who are blind or partially sighted through traditional teachings and empowerment in a safe, welcoming environment. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in accessible land-based learning, engage with facilitators from a variety of backgrounds, and build meaningful relationships within their community. The program will meet in person once a month, creating ongoing opportunities to connect through Indigenous ways of knowing.

 Visit new attractions in Manitoba and meet new people. These outings are year-round and inclusive to all. Events and dates vary.

 Visit new attractions in Manitoba and meet new people. These outings are year-round and inclusive to all. Events and dates vary.

Sports without limits! Exciting news for all lawn bowling enthusiasts – Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club in Victoria has generously opened their greens for our participants, offering free access to this enjoyable sport. Put on your safe shoes and get ready to roll! Whether you're a seasoned player or brand new to the game, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved, stay active, and enjoy some great company. The CNIB Lawn Bowling Club meets every month at the Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club (720 Belleville Street, Victoria). Dates and times TBC.

If you like being read to or listening to audiobooks, then this program is for you! Each week, we will be listening to multiple chapters of a community-selected, family-friendly audiobook and chat about it! Join us Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

Looking for a fun and relaxed way to connect with others? Join Heidi and Rick every Friday morning  for our virtual Coffee & Chat on Zoom! This is a great opportunity to have a chat about anything you like, meet people from around the island, and enjoy a lighthearted hour of conversation. Every Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.

Sit back and relax in our virtual reading room and let the CNIB Lake Joe team share articles and stories of interest. Reading Room meets on the first Friday of every month from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

The in-person Friday Coffee Group is back! Rekindle old friendships while making new ones, meet new people and have enjoyable conversations. This group offers a safe, positive social network for those that are blind or partially sighted. This group meets in-person at CNIB Winnipeg every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time. Every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time at CNIB Winnipeg .

Designed for knitters/advanced knitters to work on projects, learn from peers, and enjoy knitting fellowship. Every Friday from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join us every Friday for a virtual meet up in the prairies with a friendly bunch of people looking to connect with others across the country! Make new connections and find friendships and enjoyable conversation. The focus is on a positive, inclusive, and safe support network of people who have experienced sight loss. Everyone is welcome. Virtual Coffee Group meets every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time on Zoom. 

Music has a unique way of touching the heart and bringing people together. Its rhythms and melodies can be soothing, uplifting, and deeply nourishing for the soul! The CNIB Harmony Choir Program invites youth and adults who are blind or partially sighted from across Vancouver Island to experience the joy, connection, and personal expression that singing in community can offer. Every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Victoria.

Come join us on alternating Fridays for our Song Bingo Game Night! All you need to participate is access to phone or Zoom and a bingo card at home or online! Feel free to play as a family or house! There will be prizes for the first 3 bingo winners of each game and those who correctly name the most tunes! This program is open to participants of all ages. Song Bingo Game Night meets on Zoom on alternating Friday's from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

The Toronto Ornithological Club (T.O.C.) is leading two outings for people who are blind or have low vision to learn birding by ear. Saturday, April 25 and June 6 at High Park in Toronto.

Mark your calendars for CNIB Nova Scotia’s White Cane and Guide Dog Awareness walk happening as part of Access Awareness Week Nova Scotia. The walk will start and end at the Public Gardens. All are welcome including those who use white canes, guide dogs, or neither. Sighted guides will be available or feel free to bring your own! Saturday, June 6 at Halifax Public Gardens (Spring Garden Rd. & Summer Street, Halifax).

Come out to the Kingston Archery Club to give it a try on Saturday, June 6. No experience needed. All instruction and equipment will be supplied by the club at no cost. Registration is required by June 1.

Introducing CNIB Discovery Saturdays! Each month we will explore different skill areas to expand our horizons and connect with peers. Skills we will explore include art, technology, sports and more! This program is for younger children in grades 1 to 5. We will have a combination of days in the office as well as outings. Discovery Saturdays will now be offered 2 times monthly, typically on the first and third Saturday of the month (dependent on holidays) at CNIB Winnipeg.

A community-based support group for Abbotsford area residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to vision loss support. First Saturday of every month from 11am to 2 p.m. at the Seven Oaks Mall (32900 South Fraser Way #201, Abbotsford).

Join host Kelly MacDonald as he shares a blast from the past! Listen to all the old radio shows that made the genre so popular. Everything from mystery, comedy, westerns and holiday specific shows. Sit back and enjoy! First and third Sunday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

The TD Summer Reading Club is a free, accessible reading program designed to keep kids engaged in reading all summer long through activities, rewards, and celebrations of their achievements. Co-created and delivered by more than 2,200 public libraries across Canada and online, the club highlights Canadian authors and illustrators while encouraging children to discover the joy of reading. Kids and families can explore books from the recommended reads list, track their reading progress, and participate in fun activities offered both online and in-person.

This social gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers, practice mobility skills, and enjoy the beauty of nature in a supportive environment. Every Monday at 10 a.m. at The Leaf at Assiniboine Park (145 The Leaf Way, Winnipeg).

The walking group provides a chance for community members who are blind or have low vision to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills. This group meets every Monday (Tuesday when there is a long weekend) from 10 to 11 a.m.

If you have a green thumb (or you'd like to have one), then this gardening discussion group is for you! We swap success stories, talk about our favourite plants, and generally 'dish the dirt' on all things horticultural. For all levels of garden enthusiasts. Whether you patio or container garden, or have lots of gardening space, the time in this group will just buzz by. Every Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

If you're struggling to overcome the emotional challenges of sight loss and wish you had someone to help you work through these feelings, you’re not alone. We're here for you. This peer support group is for community members in the Camrose area. Second Monday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at Church of God.

We’re excited to offer two amazing yoga classes, each designed to suit different needs and abilities. Whether you're new to yoga or seeking a gentle, mindful practice, we have something for you! All classes are held via Zoom, making it easy to join from the comfort of your home.

Love cooking or would love to know more about cooking? Join this group to share ideas, tips, tricks and the joy of cooking and baking! Every Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children across the country. These interactive sessions are filled with songs, stories, and more! Get ready to make some music! This group runs on Zoom, every Monday from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

If you enjoy attending live theatre performances such as Prairie Theatre Exchange, Rainbow Stage, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and more, this group will be of interest for you. We will be attending various venues to enjoy live theatre productions that have audio-described services.

The Calgary Music Group is open to individuals over the age of 18 who are interested in participating and learning in a musical group setting. The main focus of the group is to work together on various songs with the goals of increasing knowledge, participation and enjoyment of music. All instruments (including voice!) are welcome, but all participants must bring their own instruments to the group. Second and fourth Monday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. 

This informal coffee chat group is a chance to socialize virtually and meet new people. It’s a relaxed and inclusive group where everyone is welcome. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.

Join us for conversation, laughter, and a chance to reminisce about your favourite CNIB Lake Joe memories. Pour yourself a coffee, tea, or beverage of choice, login and connect with your friends from Lake Joe. Coffee Break meets every Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

Missing those coffee meetups with friends and the social connection they bring? We’re here to keep the conversation going! Now that we’ve connected, let’s stay in touch, share inspiring stories, and exchange practical tips and successes with others navigating life with sight loss. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join our CNIB walking group and experience the city in a whole new way. Together, we will explore different neighbourhoods and destinations, moving confidently through our community with our white canes visible and our voices heard. Tuesday, June 9 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Location details to be confirmed upon registering.

Hosted by volunteer Michelle, this monthly social is hosted in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Join us each month for a chance to relax, build friendships, and exchange practical wisdom with others navigating sight loss. This month, Constable Gary Fraser of the Cape Breton Regional Police will join the group to discuss strategies for staying safe in the community and at home. Tuesday, June 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the T.W. Curry Community Centre (400 George Street, Sydney).

Join us at Point Pleasant Park for a friendly group walk designed to be welcoming for all. Volunteers are available to provide sighted guide support, so everyone can take part with ease. It’s a simple way to get outside, meet others, and enjoy the park together. After the walk, relax at the picnic tables with some light refreshments. Every Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Point Pleasant Park (5530 Point Pleasant Drive, Halifax).

Are you new to assistive technology? Want to get more out of your smart device or computer? This Zoom workshop is a 2 for 1! The first hour is devoted to structured learning – focusing on basics and beginner topics. Later on, we'll have a volunteer-led, tech-focused Q&A discussion group dealing with a wide range of questions. Come prepared to swap tips and tricks, share about your favorite apps, help one another and strengthen your own skills in the process. Join us while we figure it out – together! Second Tuesday of every month from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

This peer support group is for seniors who are experiencing vision loss. The topics discussed are relevant and chosen by the group to make sure that participants are getting the information that they require to live a full life. The Regina Peer Support Group on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Regina. 

A community-based support group for Prince George residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support. This peer support group meets every two weeks. The location alternates between in-person meetings at the Prince George & District Senior Citizens Activity Centre Society and online meetings on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Pacific Time. 

Whether you're a novice embarking on your knitting journey or a seasoned knitter rediscovering the joy of the craft, this group welcomes you. Explore a spectrum of yarns and various needles at your disposal, with sighted volunteers ready to lend a helping hand if you need assistance! Second Tuesday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Halifax.

Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children across the country. These interactive sessions are filled with songs, stories, and more! Get ready to make some music!  This group runs on Zoom, every Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Pacific Time.