Join us! Our free programs are available to people who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Below, you'll find a snapshot of programs offered across the province throughout the spring. Schedule may be subject to change. We kindly ask participants to register for programs at least one business day before the start date.
For program offerings available nationwide, explore our online calendar.
- Advocacy Programs
- Children & Youth Programs
- Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs
- Peer Support Programs
- CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs
- Vision Mate
- CNIB Mobile Hub
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Support CNIB
- Community Corner
Advocacy Programs
To register for Advocacy Programs, or for more information, contact Vivi Dabee at Vivi.Dabee@cnib.ca or (204) 396-9487.
Community Engagement Volunteers: Last Thursday of every month, 7 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Community Engagement Volunteers provide public education, speaking to government officials, educators, students, employers, healthcare professionals, and the public about issues that affect members of the sight loss community. This program is also dedicated to building the advocacy and communication skills of our Community Engagement Volunteers to empower them to become informed advocates and create change. Volunteers will gain a sense of confidence and experience greater self-esteem as active members of this team.
Next Generation (Children & Youth) Programs
To register for Next Generation Programs or for more information, contact Brendan Donahue at Brendan.Donahue@cnib.ca or 431-668-5279. Registration is required for all Next Generation programs.
Discovery Saturday: First and third Saturday of every month, 1 to 4 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This program aims to provide children, ages 7-12 (grades 1-6), with the opportunity to develop skills and interests that will help them with their independence. We will explore different activities and hobbies that will build confidence as well as community.
P.D Days: Friday April 10, May 1 & June 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This program will be for kids from grades 1 – 8. This is a 6-hour program running from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. offering families the opportunity to bring their kids experiencing sight loss into the office while we run activities ranging in education, recreation, arts, technology and more. For kids in high school grades 9-12, we will offer the opportunity for them to work alongside myself and other staff in a leadership and mentee role to develop their leadership and independence.
Young Adult Social Club: Fourth Wednesday of every month, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for blind or partially sighted young adults ages 18 to 29 to connect and find community. Programming will be guided by the interest of the participants, and activities may consist of movie nights, karaoke battles, dining out at restaurants and monthly excursions to local attractions. At each event, focus will be placed on fostering community and building connections.
Youth Adventure Club: First and third Wednesday of every month, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for blind or partially sighted youth ages 12 to 18 (Grades 6 to 12) to connect and find a sense of community with each other. Programming will be guided by the interest of the participants, and activities may consist of movie and game nights, guest speakers, and excursions to local attractions. At each event, focus will be placed on fostering self-esteem and enhancing socialization skills. Registration for this program is required.
Youth Fit: Second and fourth Thursday of every month, 6 to 7 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This drop-in program is catered to youth ages 12 to 29 with any degree of sight loss. We aim to work on many of the core components of fitness, specifically cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, muscular endurance, and muscle control. Come get active together as we walk this fitness journey as a community!
Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs
For information or to register for the Brandon Groups, contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or (204) 290-3294.
For all other Culture, Sport & Recreation programs, unless otherwise noted, contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or (204) 230-1496.
Brandon Dinner Club: Second Tuesday of every month, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at various restaurants in Brandon. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants throughout Brandon for dinner.
Brandon Walking Group: May until October, more details TBD. The Walking Group Program provides a chance for individuals who are blind or partially sighted to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills.
Brandon Yoga: Starting March 19 for eight weeks, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Divine Energy Massage Therapy. In this program, individuals will learn the basics of stretching and yoga. These sessions can improve an individual’s core strength, flexibility, and balance while providing relation techniques and increased self-confidence.
Brunch Club: First Monday of every month, 12 to 3 p.m. at various restaurants in Winnipeg. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants for brunch.
CNIB Drop-In: Every Monday, 12 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. CNIB has a drop in that is open for participants to come and connect with other peers.
L.!.T.E.: Dates, times, and venues to be announced. Do not miss the opportunity to be part of the L!TE group – Live! Theatre Entertainment. If you like Rainbow Stage, Prairie Theatre Exchange, and other live theatre venues, then this group will be for you! Enjoy live theater performances that are inclusive to people with sight loss by view services (live described theater). Register as soon as possible as seating is limited. Please call the info line for monthly updates on performances at 204-789-0961. Vocal Image Ensemble Winnipeg (VIEW) will be providing audio description services for the following performances. Participants do not have to register with LTE to attend these shows.
Outings: Outings provide blind or partially sighted individuals with the chance to visit new attractions in Manitoba and meet new people. These outings are year-round and inclusive to all. Important: All outings fill up fast!
To register please call Joanne Fabian at (204) 230-1496 or email Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca
Rainbow Stage: Thanks to The Rainbow Stage Community Support Program we will have two very exciting performances this year to choose from.
These performances will have live audio described services by VIEW.
The Undeniable Accusations of Red Cadmium Light.
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 7:30 PM
Where: Prairie Theatre Exchange.
In the Shadow Beyond the Pines.
When: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 7:30 PM
Where: Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (RMTC) Warehouse.
Tiny Beautiful Things
When: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 7:30 PM
Where: Prairie Theatre Exchange
To purchase tickets, visit pte.mb.ca or royalmtc.ca.
Red River Exhibition: Friday, June 12, departing CNIB at 3:30 p.m. sharp until 8:30 p.m. Remember getting your hands and face sticky, eating cotton candy and drinking a big frosty root beer? Well, let’s experience the Red River Exhibition again with this day trip. This is a great opportunity to get some steps in and feel the energy that only the ex can offer. Want to bring a companion? The more the merrier! CNIB will cover admission and transportation to and from the grounds. You are responsible for your food, rides, or other purchases.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Time: Matinee performance 2:00 p.m.
Legally Blonde
Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
Time: Matinee performance 2:00 p.m.
Winnipeg Walking Group: Every Monday, 10 to 11 a.m. at CNIB Winnipeg or CF Polo Park Mall. The Walking Group Program provides a chance for individuals who are blind or partially sighted to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills.
Peer Support Programs
Unless otherwise noted, to register for Peer Support programs or for more information, please contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or (204) 290-3294.
Adjusting to Vision Loss: Every Wednesday in May, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This four-week program offers a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals adjusting to vision loss. Participants will have the chance to share practical strategies, fostering confidence, independence, happiness, and hope while redefining the experience of sight loss. The program aims to assist adults who are blind or partially sighted by providing support during their transition, enhancing their understanding of eye conditions, navigating life with vision loss, and accessing CNIB and community resources. To register, contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or (204) 230-1496.
Bible Study: Every Thursday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Make new friends, or deepen existing friendships, find support from your peers, and develop more theological insight about biblical understanding.
Brandon Connects: Last Tuesday of every month, 1:30 to 3 p.m. at United Way of Brandon Boardroom. This peer group is for individuals in the Brandon area that would like to come together to learn from others who have sight loss. This program allows for individuals to support one another in a safe social environment.
Dauphin Peer Support Group: Last Wednesday of every month, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Dauphin Public Library. This group offers a safe, positive social network for those that are blind or partially sighted to rekindle old friendships, make new ones, meet new people, and have enjoyable conversations.
Friday Morning Coffee Group: Every Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Rekindle old friendships while making new ones, meeting new people, and having enjoyable conversations. This group offers a safe, positive social network for those that are blind or partially sighted.
Life Coaching: Third Thursday of every month, 1:30 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Are you interested in personal development and have sight loss? We invite you to join our engaging and interactive Life Coaching series. In this group, we will explore topics such as love, dating, relationships, confidence, and much more. To register, contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or (204) 230-1496.
Saskatchewan and Manitoba Indigenous Peer Support: First and Third Wednesday of every month, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. This program is designed for blind or partially blind indigenous individuals who want to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances in a safe and comfortable setting. This program will also provide an opportunity for participants to learn from various guest speakers.
Virtual Coffee Group: Every Friday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Make new connections and find friendships and enjoyable conversations. The focus is on a positive, inclusive, and safe support network for people who have experienced sight loss. Everyone is welcome.
CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs
CNIB SmartLife: Home to a myriad of accessible technologies and devices, CNIB SmartLife is an interactive retail and lifestyle experience like no other. CNIB SmartLife is committed to emboldening people with sight loss to lead independent, active lives and helping them gain access to life-changing technology. CNIB SmartLife is Canada’s largest retailer of assistive products for people with sight loss, serving over 20,000+ people a year. CNIB SmartLife offers services both online and in physical spaces, as well as a variety of accessible technology programs. All proceeds from CNIB SmartLife go to supporting CNIB’s life-changing programs for people with sight loss across Canada.
The CNIB SmartLife Tech @ Home program allows participants to test cutting-edge accessible devices from the comfort of their own homes and beyond. Through this program, Canadians with sight loss gain access to life-changing technology– no matter where they live.
Phone it Forward: This program is designed to equip clients with technology to increase independence. Phones are set up by CNIB Program Leads and training is provided by Vision Loss Rehabilitation (VLR) Specialists. We provide iPhone and a variety of Android phones. Phones have the following accessible apps: Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, BlindSquare Events. CNIB wants to ensure that anyone who is blind or partially sighted can benefit from safety, independence, and enablement that a smartphone, along with the proper training, can provide. If you have sight loss, live in Canada, and are registered with the CNIB Foundation, you are eligible for a free smartphone through Phone It Forward. When you register for Phone It Forward, the CNIB Foundation team in your province will receive your name and contact information. They will contact you in the months ahead to keep you posted on the program’s development and to let you know when a phone is available for you. If you are interested in learning more about the Phone It Forward Program, or to register, contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or (204) 290-3294. Donated smartphones are wiped to the highest data security standards, loaded with accessible apps, and provided to people with sight loss who need them, along with technical training, discounted maintenance, and data plan support. To donate your phone, or learn more about Phone it Forward, visit phoneitforward.ca or call 1-833-554-5020.
Vision Mate
The Vision Mate program matches people who are blind or partially sighted with sighted volunteers who provide companionship and one-on-one assistance with everyday tasks and errands. Activities you and your match do together are based on your needs and interests! 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. Matches are made with someone who lives close to your home, school, or work. Visits are typically one or two hours a week in the person’s home or another suitable place at a mutually convenient time. This program is also available virtually – with matches connecting by phone or online. For more information, contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or (204) 290-3294.
CNIB Mobile Hub
A new program delivery model where we visit your community to deliver in-person programming at no cost to you. At the CNIB Mobile Hub, you can participate in recreational and social activities, technology workshops, and more. Programs are designed to educate, entertain, and engage community members who are blind or partially sighted, as well as their families, friends, and caregivers. Plus, meet CNIB staff and learn more about CNIB programs and services. Lunch will be provided for all registrants. For more information and to register, contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or (204) 290-3294.
For confirmed locations and dates, please visit www.cnib.ca/mobilehub.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in volunteering with CNIB, please apply online or email manitoba@cnib.ca.
Driver Guide - Winnipeg & Brandon, MB:
- Provide community-based support by driving staff and/or volunteers who are blind or partially sighted, assisting them with their travel for CNIB-related business.
Mobile Hub Driver:
- Provide community-based support by driving staff and/or volunteers who are blind or partially sighted, assisting them with their travel for CNIB-related business.
- Drive and or travel with CNIB staff to and from various locations across Manitoba.
- Assist with the set up and take down of the space as required. Support with administrative duties as needed.
Next Generation – Children and Youth Programs and Summer Camps
- Provide on-site support for programs and or summer camps, on-site supervision of child and youth, day-to-day program responsibilities as required.
- Next Generation programs run at various times throughout the year, Summer Camps run through July and August 2026.
Vision Mate Volunteers:
- Vision Mates provides community-based support through one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship to a person who is blind or partially sighted.
- As a Vision Mate, you will be matched with someone with vision loss in your community to help them with everyday activities, like running errands, going for a walk and friendly visiting.
- This program is also available virtually, where you would meet with your match via telephone or online web conferencing.
Walking Group Sighted Guide - Winnipeg:
- Meeting at Polo Park Mall in the winter months, or CNIB in the summer months, the sighted guide attends our weekly Walking Group on Mondays to provide sighted assistance for participants with sight loss. Sighted Guide training is provided.
- Can’t commit to every week? We still want to hear from you! There is flexibility and we would be happy to have you volunteer on the Mondays that suit your availability.
Walking Group Sighted Guide - Brandon:
- As a Sighted Guide Volunteer, you will play an important role in supporting participants with sight loss. Whether we are meeting in the community in the summer months or at Brandon University in the winter, your involvement will help create a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone.
- Training is provided, and you will not only help others stay active and connected, but you will also experience the joy of making a positive impact through exercise and meaningful conversations.
- Volunteers should be comfortable with or willing to learn sighted guiding techniques and should be friendly, patient, and reliable.
- A commitment of one session per week throughout the summer is ideal. Cannot commit to every week? We still want to hear from you! There is flexibility and we would be happy to have you volunteer.
Support CNIB
If you would like to donate to support CNIB’s innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empowers people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Please visit cnib.ca/donate and give today!