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CNIB

Try something new with the CNIB Foundation!

Whether it's career support, tech training, youth groups, cooking classes or book clubs – our virtual programs are guaranteed to keep you entertained and engaged. Programs are free and available to Canadians who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Visit our new COVID-19 resources page to learn more about our innovative programs and powerful advocacy.

Banner image with a woman with dark glasses and the text We need you NOW, together we can fight the effects of isolation during COVID-19

Your support is urgently needed

COVID-19 has intensified the isolation that many Canadians with sight loss regularly face, with potentially devastating consequences. We've developed 150 programs to keep people with sight loss connected during COVID-19. But the pandemic has had a huge impact on our ability to fund programs for those who need us.

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News

From left to right, John Rafferty, President and CEO of CNIB, Eyre Purkin Bien, Senior advisor, Philanthropy, three members of the Nanji Family, Garry Nenson Vice President of Philanthropy for CNIB, and Shane Silver, Vice President of Social Enterprises for CNIB. The group stands together in front of the new Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre.

CNIB unveils new, interactive retail experience: The Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre

TORONTO, September 16, 2020: The CNIB Foundation, Canada's largest non-profit serving people with sight loss, celebrated the grand opening of their state-of-the-art Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre in Toronto on September 15, 2020.

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Events

A group of five people sit in a circle and engage in lively conversation.

Parenting With Sight Loss Group

A support group for blind/partially sighted parents.  From infancy to adulthood - blind mothers and fathers can learn, explore, and share their triumphs, challenges, tips and stories among peers in a supportive environment. This group runs via Zoom web conference on September 26 from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Call in information will be given upon registration.

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Blogs

Cindy and her guide dog Barney, a black Labrador-Retriever, overlooking a lake with ducks swimming by.

Humans with CNIB Guide Dogs: Cindy & Barney

"I was very emotional the first time I met Barney. I remember saying to him, 'This is it. We’re going to start a new life together, the two of us.'" -Cindy

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An elderly woman holds a landline telephone to her ear.

Virtual Vision Mate Program

To combat the negative ramifications that isolation can have on Canadians with sight loss, the CNIB Foundation has adapted one of its core program offerings, the Vision Mate program, to engage volunteers to connect virtually with participants by phone or online at least once a week.

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Our Programs

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Guide Dogs
An example of the sighted guide technique. Two woman walk down a sidewalk together. A woman holds the guide's arm lightly above the elbow and allows the guide to walk one-half step ahead.

COVID-19 Resources

Visit our new COVID-19 Resources webpage to get the latest information on everything from new foundation programs to our physical distancing advocacy initiatives and interviews with program participants.

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Volunteer

Find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you!

Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Tech Mate

Make a difference for people who are blind or partially sighted by providing leisure companionship in your community to someone who is blind or partially sighted.

Volunteer for Tech Mate

Leisure Mate

Make a difference for people who are blind or partially sighted by providing leisure companionship in your community to someone who is blind or partially sighted.

Volunteer for Leisure Mate