Upcoming Events

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.

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.

Step into a story that celebrates resilience, curiosity, and the power of listening. Join us for a guided reading of If You Could See What I Hear, Tom Sullivan’s unforgettable memoir of growing up blind - and living boldly on his own terms. Through rich soundscapes, honest reflection, and moments that will make you laugh, reflect, and feel inspired, this shared listening experience brings the book’s heart to life. Come relax, connect with others, and let a powerful voice remind us that seeing the world isn’t only about sight - it’s about courage, independence, and joy. The Spoken Story Series meets monthly with dates and times confirmed upon registering. 

The Healing Leash: Honouring Guide Dog Loss is a 4-week, volunteer-led peer support group for anyone who has experienced the loss of a guide dog—through passing, retirement, or rehoming. Participants will have the opportunity to share their stories, honour their bond, offer mutual support, and gain comfort through shared experiences and insights.

A fast and fun way to kick off a year of Braille Literacy! We’re looking for tactile, fun, and creative artworks that feature braille. Show us your craftiest creations! Create your name or a few of your favourite words in braille! Instead of fingertip-sized dots, think big and creative, maybe Timbit or basketball braille. Open to elementary and secondary students across Canada, English and French entries welcome. For students curious about braille and those who already use it! Submissions due January 31, 2027.

Braille Quest: a fun braille literacy adventure (with prizes!) Put your braille skills to the test, at home or school! Complete fun challenges for a chance to win a prize. Do a few Braille Quest activities, or do them all! Do as many activities as you like from January to March 2027.

Who's got talent? You do! Join us on alternating Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. Eastern Time to perform (if you wish) and/or enjoy the talents of fellow attendees.

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 who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss. Second Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the ABC Country Restaurant (2085 50 Ave., Red Deer).

The advocacy volunteers are people who are blind or partially sighted, their friends or family, or anyone who has a connection to the mission and wants to make a difference in their community. They are self-starters who can bring together community and drive local grassroots campaigns as well as support national advocacy issues in their region through collaborating with others. Second Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 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. Second Wednesday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. via teleconference.

Join us for a special day trip to Moncton on Thursday, October 15! We’ll leave Charlottetown from the Cineplex at Royalty Crossing Mall at 9:00 a.m., stopping at Ceretti’s in Borden at 9:45 a.m. to pick up our Summerside clients. We’ll then continue to Champlain Place in Moncton, arriving around 11:30 a.m. This trip will be a little different from our usual outings—we’ll be staying at the mall for the day.

This is a virtual group that gets together every Thursday morning for a general group conversation. There is no planned topic of conversation but it is kept positive and light! Every Thursday from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.

Join us every Thursday morning for our weekly walking group—a great way to get your steps in while connecting with new friends! Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Stratford indoor walking track (234 Shakespeare Dr, Stratford).

The CNIB Mobile Hub visits St. Catharines, Ontario on Thursday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre (425 Carlton Street, St. Catharines).

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 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Artillery Park Aquatic Centre (382 Bagot Street, Kingston).

A monthly technology group for Ottawa-area participants. Third Thursday every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub (425 Marché Way, Suite 104, Ottawa).

Get ready for a warm, hands on afternoon of creativity and community! Creative Thursdays at CNIB brings together the best of tradition and togetherness. Learn the art of creating beautiful traditional Newfoundland rug hooking, try your hand at a rotating craft, play a game of cards and enjoy the comforting joy of baking. Third Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB St. John's.

The CNIB Mobile Hub visits Weyburn, Saskatchewan on Thursday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wheatland Senior Centre (888 1 Ave NE, Weyburn).

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 11:30 a.m. Mountain Time on Zoom.

The CNIB Mobile Hub visits North Battleford, Saskatchewan on Thursday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Don Ross Community Centre (St Thomas Dr, North Battleford).

Join us at the CNIB Ottawa Hub, for a short course in Elevator Braille. No understanding of braille necessary. Let VLRC teach you the basics so that you can use any elevator independently. Thursday, October 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub (425 Marché Way, Suite 104, Ottawa).

The CNIB KnitWits are a group of people who meet biweekly to discuss and share knitting related topics. We share patterns, chat about life in general, and support each other with tips and tricks to enhance our knitting and life skills with vision loss. Biweekly on Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

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 1 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB National Office (1929 Bayview Ave., Toronto).

Join us at the Kelowna CNIB Hub for our monthly events designed to empower individuals with vision loss! Each welcoming session offers hands-on opportunities to explore assistive technology and build greater independence. Third Thursday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CNIB Kelowna (460 Doyle Ave., Unit 106, Kelowna).

Make new friends, or deepen existing friendships, find support from your peers, and develop more theological insight about biblical understanding. Every Thursday (September to June) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time on Zoom or telephone.

Are you interested in personal development? Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow and connect with others with CNIB Winnipeg's monthly interactive life coaching series. In this group, we will explore topics such as love, dating, relationships, confidence, and much more. Third Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. 

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

If you’re adjusting to sight loss, you’re not alone. This program is here to help you understand your eye condition, learn new ways to tackle everyday challenges, and connect with CNIB’s programs and services. It’s all about building your confidence, gaining independence, and discovering what more is possible. Every Thursday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Saskatoon. 

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. Starting in September, every other month on Thursdays (September, November, January, March, and May) from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. 

Join us for these ongoing events designed to enhance your assistive tech skills and independence! The Lower Mainland SmartLife Tech Cafe meets on the third Thursday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m. (except April, July, October & January​​​​​​​) at CNIB New Westminster (610 6th St Unit 201B, New Westminster). 

Join us to share tips on dog care, discuss guide dog access and awareness, enjoy occasional guest speakers, or just have a friendly chat. Whatever's on your mind, we're here for it! Third Thursday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom. 

Brandon Yoga is an opportunity for participants in the Brandon area to enjoy yoga in a therapeutic setting for 8 weekly sessions twice per year with session in spring and fall, with the next spring session beginning Thursday, March 19 and running until Thursday May , at The Divine Energy Massage Therapy (1011 Rosser Ave. Suite 402, Brandon).

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.

Lift your voice and connect with others through the joy of singing. Join our vibrant online choir community on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Looking for a fun and relaxed way to connect with others? Join Rick and his co-hosts 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.

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 .

The CNIB Mobile Hub visits Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan on Friday, October 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Meadow Lake Co-op Centre – Studio Room (506 3 Street E, Meadow Lake).

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.

The CNIB Mobile Hub visits Estevan, Saskatchewan on Friday, October 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Estevan Lions Club at the Nicholson Centre (701 Souris Ave., Estevan).

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.

Unwind at the end of the week as Stela shares an engaging story and time to connect with friends.

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.