An illustration of a calendar on a yellow background outlined in a black paintbrush-style design with white accents. Text: CNIB Manitoba Programs – Spring 2025.

CNIB Manitoba – Spring Programs 2025

Join us! Our free programs are available to people who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Below, you'll find a snapshot of programs offered across the province throughout the spring. Schedule may be subject to change. We kindly ask participants to register for programs at least one business day before the start date. 

For program offerings available nationwide, explore our online calendar.

Advocacy Programs

  1. Community Engagement Volunteers: Last Thursday of every month, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Zoom. Community Engagement Volunteers provide public education, speaking to government officials, educators, students, employers, healthcare professionals and the public about issues that affect members of the sight loss community. This program is also dedicated to building the advocacy and communication skills of our Community Engagement Volunteers and empowers them to become informed advocates and create change. Volunteers will gain a sense of confidence and experience greater self-esteem as an active member of this team. 
  2. Poetry in Bloom - Therapeutic Poetry Virtual Workshop: Every Tuesday in April, 5:30 p.m. on Zoom. Facilitator Dianne Grant, registered social worker and psychotherapist, presented this workshop last year. She is back again to facilitate Poetry in Spring. This workshop is geared to your experiencing the joys of poetry and its power to create change. Spring is known as the season of change or new beginnings.  Come and experience the transformative power of poetic words to evoke emotions and the true spirit that lies within each of you- Discover yourselves in creating new beginnings. If you have previously taken Poetry in Bloom, you are welcome to join us again for this workshop with a new theme and new content. Come, get involved in the process!  Sign up early as space is limited.

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Next Generation (Children & Youth) Programs

To register for the Next Generation Programs or for more information, please contact Jenna Farmer at Jenna.Farmer@cnib.ca or call 431-668-9270. 

  1. CNIB Summer Day Camp - Brandon Camp: August 19 & 20, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. in Brandon. This in person program allows children and youth who are blind or partially sighted to thrive and experience a wide variety of inclusive activities, building social skills amongst their peers and creating lasting relationships. 
  2. CNIB  Summer Day Camp - Complex Needs Camp: July 22 & 23, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. For ages 5 to 18. This in person program allows children and youth who are blind or partially sighted to thrive and experience a wide variety of inclusive activities, building social skills amongst their peers and creating lasting relationships. 
  3. CNIB Summer Day Camp - Kids Camp:  August 12 & 13, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This in person program allows children and youth who are blind or partially sighted to thrive and experience a wide variety of inclusive activities, building social skills amongst their peers and creating lasting relationships. 
  4. CNIB Summer Day Camp - Youth Camp:  July 15-17, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg.  For ages 12 to 18. This in person program allows children and youth who are blind or partially sighted to thrive and experience a wide variety of inclusive activities, building social skills amongst their peers and creating lasting relationships. 
  5. Discovery Saturdays: Fourth Saturday of every month, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (K-Grade 5), 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Grades 6-12) at CNIB Winnipeg. Each month we will explore different skill areas to expand our horizons and connect with peers. We will explore skill areas like art, technology, and sports. Discovery Saturdays has two sessions, mornings have activities for kids in kindergarten to grade 5 and afternoons for youth in grade 6 to 12. Registration for this program is required.
  6. Parent and Tot Support Group: Third Wednesday of every month, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Zoom. This is a space for parents of children that are blind or low vision ages 0-6 to come and find support and resources from each other.
  7. Youth Adventure Club: Second Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg or a select venue. This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for blind or partially sighted youth ages 13-18 (Grades 8-12) to connect and find a sense of community with each other. Programming will be guided by the interest of the participants, and activities may consist of movie and game nights, guest speakers, and excursions to local attractions. At each event, focus will be placed on fostering self-esteem and enhancing socialization skills. Registration for this program is required.
  8. Young Adult Social Club: Last Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg or other venues. This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for blind or partially sighted young adults ages 18 to 29 to connect and find community. Programming will be guided by the interest of the participants, and activities may consist of movie nights, karaoke battles, dining out at restaurants and monthly excursions to local attractions. At each event, focus will be placed on fostering community and building connections.

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Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs

Unless otherwise noted, to register for Culture, Sport & Recreation programs or for more information, please contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or (204) 230-1496.

  1. Book Club: Second Tuesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. hybrid program at CNIB Winnipeg or on Zoom. Whether you enjoy classics, bestsellers, biographies, or fiction, share your passion with other blind and partially sighted readers. A new book is chosen each month.
  2. Brandon Dinner Club: Dates and times TBD at a different restaurant in Brandon each month. Brandon participants are starting a lunch club! Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants across Brandon for lunch.  Please contact Brett at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca  or (204) 290-3294 to register or for more info.
  3. Brunch Club:  First Monday of every month, plus one Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at different restaurants in Winnipeg. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants for brunch. Due to its popular demand, this program will be offered two times a month. One on the first Monday unless notified and the second offering will be on a Saturday.
  4. CNIB Drop-In: Every Monday, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. The CNIB has a drop in area that is open for participants to come and connect with other peers. Coffee available for a fee. 
  5. CNIB Outings: Dates and times TBA. Outings provide blind or partially sighted individuals the chance to visit new attractions in Manitoba and meet new people. These outings are year-round and inclusive to all.
  6. L.!.T.E.: Dates and times TBA. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the L!TE group – Live! Theatre Entertainment. The focus of this group is for individuals who enjoy live theatre entertainment. If you like the Rainbow Stage, Prairie Theatre Exchange and other live theatre venues, then this group will be for you!
  7. Opening Doors: Last Monday of every second month beginning in April, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This is a group in which you have the opportunity to learn about a variety of community resources. A different presenter will be chosen each session. These community informational sessions will compliment our Drop-In. April 28th Session Presenter: CNIB Customer Care Specialist. Come out and learn about the diverse support the customer care specialists can provide. June 23rd Session Presenter: CNIB Participant Nick Donaldson. Come out and learn all about the new Winnipeg Transit system.
  8. Winnipeg Walking Group: Every Monday, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The Walking Group Program provides a chance for individuals who are blind or partially sighted to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills. This group meets at Polo Park Shopping Mall till weather permits then meeting at the CNIB and walking in the Wolseley area.

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Peer Support Programs

Unless otherwise noted, to register for Peer Support programs or for more information, please contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or (204) 290-3294. 

  1. Adjusting to Vision Loss: Every Tuesday from April 15 to May 6, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This four-week program provides individuals with an inclusive support network, the opportunity to share practical support strategies, and to help to face the future with confidence, independence, happiness, and hope changing what it means to be blind. The purpose of the program is to provides adults who are blind or partially sighted with support during their adjustment to vision loss; improve their knowledge about eye condition, living with vision loss, and CNIB and community supports and services; develop their confidence and independence skills; and provide opportunities for social participation and peer relatedness. To register, contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or (204) 230-1496. 
  2. Bible Study Group: Every Thursday, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Zoom. Make new friends, or deepen existing friendships, find support from your peers, and develop more theological insight about biblical understanding.  
  3. Brandon Connects: Last Tuesday of every month (excluding December), 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at United Way of Brandon Boardroom. This peer group is for individuals in the Brandon area that would like to come together to learn from others who have sight loss. This program allows for individuals to support one another in a safe social environment. 
  4. Friday Morning Coffee Group: Every Friday (except in July and August), 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. 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. 
  5. Life Coaching: Third Thursday of every month, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Are you interested in personal development and have sight loss? We invite you to join our engaging and interactive Life Coaching series. In this group, we will explore topics such as love, dating, relationships, confidence, and much more. To register, contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or (204) 230-1496.
  6. Saskatchewan and Manitoba Indigenous Peer Support Group: First and third Wednesday of every month, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. CDT on Zoom. This program is designed for blind or partially blind indigenous individuals who are wanting to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances in a safe and comfortable setting. This program will also provide an opportunity for participants to learn from various guest speakers. 
  7. Virtual Coffee Group: Every Friday, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Zoom. Make new connections and find friendships and enjoyable conversation. The focus is on a positive, inclusive, and safe support network for people who have experienced sight loss. Everyone is welcome.  

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CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs

  1. CNIB SmartLife: Home to a myriad of accessible technologies and devices, CNIB SmartLife is an interactive retail and lifestyle experience like no other. CNIB SmartLife is committed to emboldening people with sight loss to lead independent, active lives and helping them gain access to life-changing technology. CNIB SmartLife is Canada’s largest retailer of assistive products for people with sight loss, serving over 20,000+ people a year. CNIB SmartLife offers services both online and in physical spaces, as well as a variety of accessible technology programs. All proceeds from CNIB SmartLife go to supporting CNIB’s life-changing programs for people with sight loss across Canada.
  2. The CNIB SmartLife Tech @ Home program allows participants to test cutting-edge accessible devices from the comfort of their own homes and beyond. Through this program, Canadians with sight loss gain access to life-changing technology– no matter where they live.
  3. Phone it Forward: This program is designed to equip clients with technology to increase independence. Phones are set up by CNIB Program Leads and training is provided by Vision Loss Rehabilitation (VLR) Specialists. We provide iPhone and a variety of Android phones. Phones have the following accessible apps: Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, BlindSquare Events. CNIB wants to ensure that anyone who is blind or partially sighted can benefit from safety, independence, and enablement that a smartphone, along with the proper training, can provide. If you have sight loss, live in Canada, and are registered with the CNIB Foundation, you are eligible for a free smartphone through Phone It Forward. When you register for Phone It Forward, the CNIB Foundation team in your province will receive your name and contact information. They will contact you in the months ahead to keep you posted on the program’s development and to let you know when a phone is available for you. If you are interested in learning more about the Phone It Forward Program, or to register, contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or (204) 290-3294. Donated smartphones are wiped to the highest data security standards, loaded with accessible apps, and provided to people with sight loss who need them, along with technical training, discounted maintenance, and data plan support. To donate your phone, or learn more about Phone it Forward, visit phoneitforward.ca or call 1-833-554-5020.

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Vision Mate

The Vision Mate program matches people who are blind or partially sighted with sighted volunteers who provide companionship and one-on-one assistance with everyday tasks and errands. Activities you and your match do together are based on your needs and interests! Vision Mate volunteers can assist individuals with various activities, including errands, going for walks, labelling, and organizing household items, reading, or fun outings and recreational activities. Matches are made with someone who lives close to your home, school, or work. Visits are typically one or two hours a week in the person’s home or another suitable place at a mutually convenient time. This program is also available virtually – with matches connecting by phone or online. For more information, contact Ben Neufeld at Ben.Neufeld@cnib.ca or 204-509-9658.

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CNIB Mobile Hub

A new program delivery model where we visit your community to deliver in-person programming at no cost to you. At the CNIB Mobile Hub, you can participate in recreational and social activities, technology workshops, and more. Programs are designed to educate, entertain, and engage community members who are blind or partially sighted, as well as their families, friends, and caregivers. Plus, meet CNIB staff and learn more about CNIB programs and services. Lunch will be provided for all registrants. For more information and to register, contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or (204) 290-3294. 

For confirmed locations and dates, please visit www.cnib.ca/mobilehub.

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Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in volunteering with CNIB, please apply online or email manitoba@cnib.ca. 

  1. Vision Mate Volunteers: 
    Position Description: Vision Mates provides community-based support through one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship to a person who is blind or partially sighted. As a Vision Mate, you will be matched with someone with vision loss in your community to help them with everyday activities, like running errands, going for a walk and friendly visiting. This program is also available virtually, where you would meet with your match via telephone or online web conferencing. 
  2. Walking Group Sighted Guide: 
    Position Description: Meeting at Polo Park Mall in the winter months, or CNIB in the summer months, the sighted guide attends our weekly Walking Group on Mondays to provide sighted assistance for participants with sight loss. Sighted Guide training is provided. Can’t commit to every week? We still want to hear from you! There is flexibility and we would be happy to have you volunteer on the Mondays that suit your availability. 
  3. Driver Guide
    Position Description: Provide community-based support; drive clients, service staff and/or volunteers who are blind or partially sighted and are travelling on CNIB business.

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Support CNIB

If you would like to donate to support CNIB’s innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empowers people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Please visit cnib.ca/donate and give today!

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Community Corner

Community Organizations – Partners & Resources
  1. Manitoba Blind Sports Association
  2. Resource Centre for Manitobans who are Deaf-Blind (RCMDB)

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