CNIB Announces $1.46-Million Investment from the Government of Canada’s Age Well at Home Initiative to Support Seniors Living with Blindness

Federal funding will help more seniors who are blind stay independent by scaling up CNIB’s flagship Vision Mate program.

Toronto, ON, April 3, 2024 — CNIB is pleased to announce that the federal government is investing $1.46 million to support more seniors who are blind by scaling up CNIB’s flagship Vision Mate program.

This investment, made through the Scaling Up for Seniors stream of the Government of Canada’s Age Well at Home initiative, will double the number of seniors supported by CNIB’s Vision Mates across Canada over the next two years.

The CNIB Vision Mate program helps people who are blind or have low vision stay independent by matching them with sighted volunteers, who provide assistance with tasks such as opening and reading mail, running errands, going on walks, and more.

“The vast majority of seniors want to live at home for as long as they can, but for far too many seniors who are blind or have low vision, this simply isn’t an option without support for daily activities,” said John Rafferty, President & CEO of CNIB. “Every senior should have the opportunity to live their lives the way they choose, which is why scaling up the Vision Mate program is so crucial. We are grateful to the federal government for recognizing the urgency of this need and stepping forward to fill the gap for more seniors living with blindness.”

Currently serving 645 seniors in communities across Canada, CNIB’s Vision Mates program will expand to support 1,290 seniors by the end of 2025 with the federal government’s investment. More than 400 people and counting are currently waiting to be matched with a sighted Vision Mate volunteer, pointing to the urgent and growing need for community-based services that help people who are blind age well at home.

“People want to age at home – in health, in safety, and in dignity,” said Seamus O’Regan Jr., Federal Minister of Seniors. “There are organizations across the country who are bringing people together in their community to look after their seniors. We’re investing in those organizations, in those volunteers, who are making lives better and communities stronger.”

Seniors who have received support from Vision Mate overwhelmingly report that the program helps them live independently at home. As one program participant recently stated, “My volunteer helps me with things I cannot do on my own, including going grocery shopping, reading mail, and checking expired food.”

Another shared that the Vision Mate program helps her benefit from social connections and community engagement: “My partnership with my Vision Mate allows me to get out of my home, do activities together, and have more of a social life.”

CNIB extends its gratitude to the Government of Canada for its vital funding support.

About CNIB

Founded in 1918, CNIB is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work is powered by a network of volunteers, donors, and partners from coast to coast to coast. To learn more or get involved, visit cnib.ca.

About CNIB’s Vision Mate program

The Vision Mate program matches people who are blind or have low vision with sighted volunteers who provide companionship and one-on-one assistance with everyday tasks and errands. 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. Visits are typically one or two hours a week in the person’s home or another suitable place at a mutually convenient time.

For media inquiries or more information about CNIB, please contact:

Alison Byczok

VP, Marketing and Communications

CNIB

C: 416-272-0464

E: alison.byczok@cnib.ca