Upcoming Events

This newsletter is for those interested in virtual or in person programs that are run specifically out of the Ontario West region.

Calling all aspiring young writers! The 2024 Braille Creative Writing Contest is now accepting entries. Write a short story, essay, or poem on any topic or re-purpose something you've written for school this year! Show off your creative writing talents for a chance to win cash prizes. 

Participants (ages 6-18) across BC are invited to join CNIB at BC Easter Seals summer camp in Squamish, with the costs covered by CNIB! The camp will take place July 15-19, 2024. 

Welcome to the "I Can…Hike" Challenge! This fun, family and community based program is designed to encourage participants to explore community trails, paths, parks, with family and friends.

Join us for coffee and great conversation. We will have guest speakers, and an opportunity to talk with others who are going through similar challenges in a confidential and non-judgmental setting. Third Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the CNIB Kingston Hub.

Join us for our weekly social meet up group. We’ll get to know each other, share some good news stories, and socialize. Every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. Mountain Time on Zoom.

This is a Kitchener/Waterloo region area group for those looking for conversation, support and good practices. Third Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Centreville-Chicopee Community Centre.

If your interested in learning how to play the guitar or or ukulele, or even just advance your skills, these lessons are here for you! Each lesson will be 30 minutes. You are welcome to bring your own guitar/ukulele, and one will be available if needed.

Calling all knitters – whether you’re a beginner or experienced knitter! Come out and enjoy some time with your peers and knit! If you don’t know how to knit, no problem we can teach you! Every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Hub. 

Make new friends, or deepen existing friendships, find support from your peers, and develop more theological insight about biblical understanding. The Bible Study group meets every Thursday (September to June) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Central 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. Join this supportive group of women who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss. First and third Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton. 

A monthly community-based peer support group to discuss issues relating to sight loss and to socialize with others. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. tThird Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Calgary

This is a support group for those living with vision loss. The topics of discussion are chosen by the group and dependent on the things that they are finding challenging or that they need more information on. The Swift Current Peer Support Group meets on the third Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Lions Club in Swift Current.

Everyone loves games. This games group meets to socialize playing 2 to 3 different lively word games for the hour. Sessions are led by our own professional game hosts (aka CNIB staff and volunteers). We embrace a safe fun time to exercise your mind. Every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Do you want a place where you can meet virtually and connect with other residents of Northern Ontario living with sight loss? Join us for Connecting and Improving The North Share! Share exciting places to visit that are accessible and friendly, places are less accessible to the sight loss community and what accessibility changes you'd like to see. Third Thursday of every month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. 

Do you enjoy music? Well, Name that Tune is the game for you! Name that tune is a fun game where people can join in to listen and try to name as many songs as they can. First and third Thursday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Keep fit, stretch your muscles and relax the mind with this in person Yoga class. This will be in person and facilitated by an instructor and assisted by volunteers. Brandon Yoga  meets every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Central Time. Location TBC. 

Adaptive Dance instructor, Tiffany Tjosvold, will be leading a Zoom-based, high energy, seated dance class for participants ages 19+. This class is suitable for all fitness levels. Every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

Join us to play games, chat, and make new friends. Please note that this program is for individuals between 10-14 years of age. Every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join us for some kitchen fun at the CNIB Ottawa Hub! We will create a new recipe each month and enjoy eating our baking and socializing with peers. Open to participants between the ages of 12-18 in the Ontario East region. Third Thursday of every month from 6:30 to  8 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.

If there is one thing we know how to do at CNIB Lake Joe, it is laughing! Join us for some hilarious drama fun as we play virtual improv games together. Join us on Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

A social group for those who want to keep connect after Seated Dance Fitness has ended. We invite participants to stay and socialize with each other. You can talk about the session, get to know one and other and socialize with the community across Canada.

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.

This is a safe and supportive place for guide dog handlers from across the country to get together and chat. Share the joys and challenges of being a guide dog handler as well as tips to keep our guide dogs happy and engaged. Biweekly on Friday from 1 to 2 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. 

A call-in social group. Each session will have a topic of discussion. This program is designed for participants 19+. Biweekly on Friday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

Music alone shall live. It is hard for us not to fall in love with music. It is soothing and it greatly touches our soul. This program intends to bring youth and adults with blindness and vision loss from across Vancouver Island to experience many benefits for the mind, body, and soul that community and singing can bring. We are thrilled to welcome Marcelina Stanton as the musical director. She is a Latin American musician who loves to perform popular and traditional songs and play guitar. No prior singing experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome and if you play an instrument, you are invited to bring it along. The Victoria Community Choir meets at CNIB Victoria every Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. 

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. Biweekly on Friday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

The Saturday Art Jam is a new safe space for CNIB youth (ages 14-21) to explore their creativity. Artists and non-artists are welcome. Participants will take part in structured accessible art and craft sessions with a focus on fun. The Saturday Art Jam is also a social space and we encourage attendees to build confidence and resilience in this supportive environment. Join us on the third Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB GTA Community Hub

This group meets at Wascana Park in Regina twice a month for the summer months to go for a walk around the lake. There are volunteers available to assist with sighted guide if needed. It would be a relaxing time to exercise, have a chat or just enjoy the sun during the summer. During the winter months, the group meets indoors  at Arcola East community Center.

March to the beat of your own drum and join us one Saturday a month for in-person bucket drumming and drumline workshops. No prior music experience or knowledge is required! Workshops will be run by professional instructors from Bandology, a non-profit dedicated to providing more music for more kids. Saturday Brampton Beats meets every on the third Saturday of every month from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB Brampton Community Hub.

Join us for a series of sessions beginning in April 2024 that emphasize educational and career-based skill-building for anyone between the ages of 15 and 30 years old.  Our advanced series will focus on topics such as crafting the perfect resume and cover letter, advocacy at all ages and stages, as well as sports and recreation with sight loss. Every other Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom. 

Join us April 20, 2024 for the CNIB Guide Dogs with Purpose Gala! A formal evening of fundraising in support of guide dogs being trained in Saskatchewan.

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 Beyond Sight Series feature monthly virtual presentations from various services, businesses and organizations in our community. Each month, we will offer a different topic and speaker will join us to discuss a variety of topics. Examples include: RDSP’s, wills, budgeting, nutrition and lots more. Fourth Monday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.

The Walking Group provides a chance for individuals who are blind or partially sighted to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills. Every Monday (Tuesday when there is a long weekend) from 10 to 11 a.m.

This amazing bike is available to all participants who wish to experience the sensations of cycling again; or for the very first time! The Trishaw features a spacious and comfortable carriage that can accommodate two passengers. Trishaw pilots are fully trained to ensure optimal safety for maximum fun! Trishaw is available by appointment only, when the weather allows (approximately April to September).

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 favorite 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.

Accessible yoga for most skill levels from the comfort of your home. Check out accessible yoga if you are looking for a classic yoga class with descriptive prompts. Designed for people with vision loss, the instructor will verbally walk you through all the poses and movements. Please bring a yoga mat, a bottle of water, and your breath! Accessible Yoga meets every Monday from  5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

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! Let's Talk Cooking meets on Zoom, every Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children and youth participants 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.

Alt Route is an accessible skateboarding program based in Calgary, Alberta that strives to create a safe, inclusive, and accessible skatepark experience for children and youth living with sight loss. Join CNIB and Alt Route for a season of skateboarding sessions at The Compound!

The Round Table is a Hamilton based group offering friendly conversation and encouragement. It is designed for individuals who are blind or low vision to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Meetings will tie in good practices, information, discussions, caring and support. The Round Table meets every Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Zoom with one in-person meeting every month. 

The informal coffee chat group is a chance to socialize and meet new people. It is a very warm and welcoming group of regulars and newcomers. 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. 

Are you craving that social interaction you normally get from going for coffee with friends ? We are here to keep the virtual conversation going post pandemic! Since we've gotten to know each other, lets stay connected and share some good news stories, discuss practical tips and successes with others living with vision loss. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

If you are in the Windsor area and are looking for conversation, support and good practices, please sign up for our waitlist. This group will meet in-person once a month at Lions Manor Apartments.

If you are in the Toronto area and are looking for conversation, support and good practices, please sign up for our waitlist. This peer social group will meet in-person at the CNIB GTA Community Hub.

Join us for an informative presentation about the CNIB’s Reconciliation Action Plan, Reconciliation – The Way Forward, and what CNIB is currently doing to work toward support and inclusion for those living with the intersectionality of sight loss and Identifying as Indigenous. Tuesday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the CNIB Sudbury Hub.