A CNIB volunteer and participant enjoying a walk in the sun

Roles and Opportunities

You have your own reasons for volunteering, so we want to match you with the right opportunity. You can browse our featured volunteer opportunities to get you thinking about the kinds of roles we need to fill at the moment, but if you have a unique skill or idea, we’d love to hear from youFill out an interest form today.

Can't commit a lot of time? No problem!
Although we have lots of ongoing volunteering roles that are best for people looking to make a substantial commitment of their time and talents, almost anyone can be a CNIB Foundation volunteer even if they aren't able to commit a lot of time. 

We also offer occasional volunteering opportunities – like event roles, for example – that might be just right for you if you have a busy or unpredictable schedule.  

Commonly needed roles 
Volunteering roles vary from region to region, but here are a few examples of the opportunities we need to fill on a regular basis:   

  • Vision Mates who provide friendship, support and assistance in the home to people with sight loss 
  • Group leaders who facilitate emotional support groups, or fun, hobby-based groups like yoga, knitting and sports groups
  • Advocates and ambassadors who increase public awareness about the CNIB Foundation and issues facing people with sight loss
  • Fundraisers and events workers who organize fun events and campaigns while helping to generate much-needed funding for our work
  • Administrative supporters who fill the vital role of answering phones; greeting visitors and participants; and helping to create and manage documents
  • Board and committee members who provide high-level guidance, leadership and expertise to our organization, which is crucial to keeping the CNIB Foundation going strong

Have more questions? Check out our frequently asked questions page.

A man with a white cane walks on the Dartmouth waterfront guided by a younger man

Vision Mate: Halifax Regional Municipality

Provide one-on-one sighted assistance and social engagement to a person with vision loss ; this could be done in-person (in their home or community), over the phone, or while delivering groceries. Here, we provide a list of people hoping for a match in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
A woman provides sighted guide to another woman holding a white cane

Vision Mate: Around Nova Scotia

Provide one-on-one sighted assistance and social engagement to a person with vision loss ; this could be done in-person (in their home or community), over the phone, or while delivering groceries. Here, we provide a list of people hoping for a match in communities throughout Nova Scotia.
Money appears on the screen of an iPhone with the side of a woman's face in the foreground

Tech Mate

Tech Mates provide one-on-one and group support to people with sight loss learning how to use their smart devices. Training will be provided to the volunteer by CNIB in terms of best practices for assisting someone with sight loss and on the use of some sight loss specific functions and apps; however much of what Tech Mates help with is relatively simple (setting up emails, basic computer skills, etc.)
A smiling woman sitting behind a reception desk looks up at a visitor.

Smart Life Assistant

Smart Life Assistants provide shop support for 3.5 hours a week including assisting people with sight loss as they try various products in CNIB’s shop. This may include providing hand-over-hand guidance, demonstrating and recommending devices, processing sales, and maintaining the shop.
A smiling man wearing a telephone headset takes notes on a clipboard.

Weekly Event Caller

Weekly Callers phone a list of 20 interested people with sight loss once a week to let them know about upcoming events. Over time, the volunteers get to know the people they’re calling and can tailor their calls to individuals (i.e. John never wants to attend a Trivia Night, etc.). At least 60% of our virtual event attendance comes from these calls.
A group of volunteers and people with vision loss sit around a wooden table

Virtual Event Assistant

Virtual Event Assistants login to CNIB Nova Scotia’s virtual events 20 minutes before they start and assist by using the Zoom platform to individually connect people into the event.
A man holds a door open for a woman holding a folded up cane

Driver

Volunteer Drivers assist by driving CNIB staff with sight loss to training sessions and meetings.
A man with a white cane talks with a younger man on a laptop

Vision Mate Coordinator Assistant

The Vision Mate Coordinator Assistant provides support to CNIB’s Manager of Programs to enhance our current recruitment, onboarding, and evaluation of Vision Mates.
Three women sit around a table knitting

In-person Event Assistant

In-person Event Assistants provide sighted assistance at in-person recreation and social events!