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.

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.

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.

The Braille Institute's Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind in North America for students who are blind or partially sighted. Contestants compete in regional preliminary Braille Challenge events from January through March, and the top 50 students (10 in each category) with the highest scores are then invited to compete in the finals. Test your braille skills in the Ontario Regional Braille Challenge! Registration deadline: January 9, 2027.

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 .

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.

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.

Friday nights are fun...and easy! We're hosting a special monthly get-together for adults ages 20+ who simply want to hangout and chat.  Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

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.

Join us for coffee, snacks, and live music at the CNIB Calgary office! The Calgary Cafe Night meets on the last Friday of May, September, November, January and March from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. 

FriendSquad is a fun youth program that brings together blind and low-vision youth with high school student volunteers. Together, you’ll build real friendships, share experiences, and hang out while taking part in exciting activities and volunteers can earn community service hours too! FriendSquad meets on the last weekend of every month, giving everyone something fun to look forward to. Events are relaxed, social, and all about connection, laughter, and having a great time. Last weekend of every month in Toronto. 

Canadian Blind Hockey is thrilled to announce the return of the Ottawa 67’s Youth Blind Hockey Team for another incredible season in the nation’s capital! Each year this program keeps getting bigger and better, with more enthusiastic players and amazing volunteers joining the fun. Every Saturday (October 17, 2026 to March 20, 2027) at the McNabb Community Centre (180 Percy Street, Ottawa).

The Ottawa Adult Blind Hockey Team is hitting the ice again! Open to adults who are blind or partially sighted in Ottawa and the surrounding region, this program is the perfect chance to learn, play, and connect through Canada’s favourite sport. Every Saturday (October 17, 2026 to March 20, 2027) at the McNabb Community Centre (180 Percy Street, Ottawa).

CNIB is offering hands-on classroom sessions to teach practical tools and techniques for enhanced independence in daily living such as reading medication labels and using a smartphone with ease. Sessions are available in Punjabi and Hindi, free to attend and all ages welcome. Snacks provided. Saturday, October 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Surrey Public Library – Room 418 (10350 University Drive, Surrey). 

Alt Route is proud to present the second year of our brand-new, fully structured Accessible Skateboarding Camp. This multi-session camp has been carefully designed based on participant feedback. It features skilled, certified coaches and aims to help participants develop new skills or build on existing ones in a supportive, fun, and inclusive environment. This program is crafted to challenge and empower you in a safe, supportive environment.

Ready to create, design, and innovate? Join our 3D STEM Innovation Program, where youth with sight loss will explore 3D printing, accessible design, and hands-on technology. Participants will learn how to design and print their own creations while developing problem-solving, creativity, and STEM skills. We encourage you to join if you already have a knowledge of 3D Printing or if you are just interested to learn! Biweekly on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton.

Join host Kelly MacDonald as he shares a blast from the past! Listen to all the old radio shows that made the genre so popular. Everything from mystery, comedy, westerns and holiday specific shows. Sit back and enjoy! First and third Sunday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

The 30 Club is an advocacy-focused support group designed to empower people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision to feel more comfortable when applying to jobs. We'll cover topics around disclosure, accommodation, navigation, communication and disability. First Sunday of every month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Central Standard Time on Zoom.

The walking group provides a chance for community members who are blind or have low vision to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills. This group meets every Monday (Tuesday when there is a long weekend) from 10 to 11 a.m.

This social gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers, practice mobility skills, and enjoy the beauty of nature in a supportive environment. Every Monday at 10 a.m. at The Leaf at Assiniboine Park (145 The Leaf Way, Winnipeg).

Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants for brunch. A different restaurant will be chosen each month.

If you have a green thumb (or you'd like to have one), then this gardening discussion group is for you! We swap success stories, talk about our favourite plants, and generally 'dish the dirt' on all things horticultural. For all levels of garden enthusiasts. Whether you patio or container garden, or have lots of gardening space, the time in this group will just buzz by. Every Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

This seven-week program offers a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals adjusting to sight loss. Led by trained CNIB volunteers, this virtual group meets via Zoom or by phone, making it accessible from the comfort of your home. Once you register you will receive an email that will confirm you are on our waitlist. We will connect with you as soon as we are able to offer you a space in one of our fall sessions.

This seven-week program offers a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals adjusting to sight loss. Led by trained CNIB volunteers, this virtual group meets via Zoom or by phone, making it accessible from the comfort of your home. Once you register you will receive an email that will confirm you are on our waitlist. We will connect with you as soon as we are able to offer you a space in one of our fall sessions.

If you are between the ages of 18-35 and would like to meet up with others this group is for you. The Edmonton 18-35 Peer Group meets every other month for a couple of hours to support each other and have fun!

The FIRST Lego League is a fun an exciting way to learn about Science, Technology, engineering, and Math (STEM). This program will challenge young minds to develop a Lego Spike Prime robot to complete various tasks in a competitive game. This program fosters a love of learning and promotes teamwork and having fun. First Lego League Kids STEM Program meets at CNIB Edmonton. Register for confirmed dates. 

We’re excited to offer two amazing yoga classes, each designed to suit different needs and abilities. Whether you're new to yoga or seeking a gentle, mindful practice, we have something for you! All classes are held via Zoom, making it easy to join from the comfort of your home.

Curl up with a cozy drink and let your heart be warmed! Join us for a relaxing evening of uplifting stories from the beloved Chicken Soup book series. Our wonderful volunteer, Vanessa, will read short, inspiring tales that are perfect for unwinding, smiling, and feeling connected - all from the comfort of home. Good stories! Good vibes! Great company! First Monday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.

Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children across the country. These interactive sessions are filled with songs, stories, and more! Get ready to make some music! This group runs on Zoom, every Monday from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

If you enjoy attending live theatre performances such as Prairie Theatre Exchange, Rainbow Stage, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and more, this group will be of interest for you. We will be attending various venues to enjoy live theatre productions that have audio-described services.

This 7-week structured peer support program designed for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Led by trained CNIB volunteers, this virtual group meets via Zoom or by phone—making it accessible from the comfort of your home. Build connections, gain insights, and feel supported in a respectful, welcoming environment. Once you register you will receive an email that will confirm you are on our waitlist. We will connect with you as soon as we are able to offer you a space in one of our winter sessions.

Love cooking or would love to know more about cooking? Join this group to share ideas, tips, tricks and the joy of cooking and baking! Every Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Keep curious and engaged with lifelong learning. In this monthly session we will be inviting special guests and experts to inform and inspire us on a variety of interesting topics! Join us the first Monday of the month from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

This informal coffee chat group is a chance to socialize virtually and meet new people. It’s a relaxed and inclusive group where everyone is welcome. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.

Join us for conversation, laughter, and a chance to reminisce about your favourite CNIB Lake Joe memories. Pour yourself a coffee, tea, or beverage of choice, login and connect with your friends from Lake Joe. Coffee Break meets every Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

Missing those coffee meetups with friends and the social connection they bring? We’re here to keep the conversation going! Now that we’ve connected, let’s stay in touch, share inspiring stories, and exchange practical tips and successes with others navigating life with sight loss. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

This group gets together monthly to discuss books they are reading and recommendations. First Tuesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mountain Time on Zoom.

Join Amber for weekly Braille Practice Sessions! These supportive and interactive sessions are designed to help participants build confidence, strengthen their braille reading and writing skills, and connect with others on a similar learning journey. Whether you are new to braille or looking to improve your skills, all are welcome. Every Tuesday from 2 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Halifax.

Having trouble with your technology or curious about exploring something new? Join our discussion group for individuals with sight loss, where we come together to ask for help, swap tips and tricks, share favorite apps, and support one another. Whether you're contributing or simply listening in, you'll strengthen your skills in the process. First and third Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.