Volunteer opportunities

Since 1997, CNIB has organized a Canada-wide Braille Creative Writing Contest for children and youth. This important competition celebrates braille literacy and encourages young people to flex their creative muscles while practicing their braille skills. 

The contest is looking for volunteer judge(s)! This is an opportunity for you to learn more about how CNIB supports braille literacy, while fostering creativity in young minds. Publishers, library staff and children's authors are welcome to apply. 

Responsibilities

May – June:

Depending on your familiarity with braille, you may be invited to attend one or more of the following:

• In-person or virtual introduction to braille and CNIB braille literacy programs.
• Tour of CNIB Hub or invitation to local CNIB program for children, youth, families.
• Tour of Beyond Print braille production facilities (Toronto)

July - August: 

•  You will receive text versions of all entries. Entries may be in English or French, and will include poetry, stories and essays. Entries will be of various lengths, from both primary and secondary students. Each entry you receive will have been assigned a score for Braille Proficiency. You will be adding a Creativity score for each entry and the combined scores will determine the winners (equal weighting is given to braille proficiency and creativity). 
• Number of entries may vary, but you should anticipate reviewing approx. 50 entries.  
• Creativity Scores for each entry will be due by early September 

Transition Boarders are dedicated to caring for pups during an important transition phase in their training while they are on their journey to becoming Guide Dogs. 

Boarders provide temporary care for future CNIB Guide Dogs. This role is best suited to people interested in bringing a dog into their home on a temporary basis.

This role is best suited to those who may not be able to commit to those earlier stages of a puppy’s life but would still like to help raise a puppy with purpose. As a Puppy Finisher, you’ll receive a 6-month-old puppy that is likely already toilet trained with most of their routine vaccinations completed. The puppy will have already spent the last 3 – 4 months building positive associations with the world around them, will have a basic understanding of their training, and may be able to settle quietly for up to an hour. 

This role is best suited to those who enjoy the early stages of a puppy's life. As a Puppy Starter, you’ll help potty train a puppy, build a foundation for obedience training and good manners, and most importantly, start your puppy off on the right “paw” with their socialization. Future Guide Dog puppies will need to attend several veterinary appointments. Their socialization schedule and training will keep you busy as they learn to cope with and navigate various environments, including their first few exposures riding on public transit.

As a puppy raiser, you’ll help build a foundation for obedience training and good manners, and most importantly, start your puppy off on the right “paw” with their socialization. Future Guide Dog puppies will need to attend several veterinary appointments. Their socialization schedule and training will keep you busy as they learn to cope with and navigate various environments, including their first few exposures riding on public transit.

Join Our Team as a CNIB Volunteer Receptionist! 

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity that allows you to contribute your skills and time to a great cause? CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) invites you to become a Volunteer Receptionist and be the welcoming face of our organization. 

As a CNIB Volunteer Receptionist, you will be crucial in helping our organization provide a warm and professional welcome to our clients and visitors. Your friendly demeanor and helpful attitude will be the first impression they receive when they walk through our doors. 

Make a Meaningful Impact with the CNIB Foundation 

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Join CNIB Foundation as a Volunteer Driver Guide and provide invaluable support to our staff with vision loss. Your role will ensure they can reach our clients and offer personalized assistance, contributing to our mission of creating a more inclusive world. 

Make a Meaningful Impact with the CNIB Foundation 

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Join CNIB Foundation as a Volunteer Essential Shopper and provide invaluable support to our participants. Your role will ensure they can reach our clients and offer personalized assistance, contributing to our mission of creating a more inclusive world. 

Vision Mates provide regular, one-to-one assistance and companionship for a person who is blind or partially sighted. Matches are made with someone who lives close to your home, school or work. You visit once a week for a couple of hours to assist with tasks like reading, errands (like groceries and shopping), going for walks, and socializing.