Ideal for   Individual, Student Placements, Youth

Time Details  Visits are usually two hours per week on days and times that are convenient for the client and the volunteer (including evenings and weekends).

Location  Community Locations across the province! CNIB has individuals waiting for a volunteer in all areas of our region.  We will work with you to find a match that is convenient for you.

Location Details  Community Location

Position Description

Vision Mates gives volunteers an opportunity to engage in friendly conversations with people who are blind or partially sighted and provides 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. You can schedule your chats on a set day and time every week, or you can schedule week-to-week, whatever works for both of you.

Benefit of position

  • Make a difference for people who are blind or partially sighted; provide sighted assistance and companionship to a person in your community who is blind or partially sighted.
  • Develop or use experience and skills in client service.
  • Be part of a dedicated and passionate staff and volunteer team working to further CNIB’s mission.
  • Reference or confirmation of hours upon request. We ask for a minimum 6 month commitment to the program, but there is no maximum time for a match to continue – ideally, it will continue for years to come.

Qualities, Skills and Training

Volunteers will be screened, and you'll have an opportunity to ask questions before you're connected with someone with sight loss. 

  • Trustworthy, patient, empathetic and friendly
  • Must be reliable, patient, responsible, friendly, organized and able to work with minimal supervision
  • Excellent communication skills
  • A thorough background check including a Clear Police Record Check and a Vulnerable Sector Check
  • Must be 18 or older
  • We ask for a six-month commitment to the program;
  • CNIB provides orientation about CNIB, the people we help, vision loss, and volunteering at CNIB, as well as training specific to the position.
  • Training specific to the position, including: working as a Vision Mate and what to do when problems arise.

The next step is for you and the person with sight loss to be introduced by phone or online. We will provide you with a handy conversation guide to help you get started.

Position Commitment

Long Term

Application and contact information

If you are interested in this position, you can apply to join our team today by using our online application form.  If you have any issues with the application form, please call us at 1-800-563-2642.