An illustration of a calendar on a yellow background outlined in a black paintbrush-style design with white accents. Text: CNIB Manitoba Programs – Spring 2024.

CNIB Manitoba – Spring Programs

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

  1. Community Engagement Volunteers: Last Thursday of every month, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Zoom or telephone. Community Engagement Volunteers provide public education, presenting topics to government officials, educators, students, employers, health professionals and more. Much of this program is also dedicated to building the advocacy and communication skills of our Community Engagement Volunteers. With this program, we see increased knowledge in advocacy and legislation and an increase in self-esteem and confidence among our volunteers. 
  2. Poetry in Bloom: Spring 2024 (details TBC) on Zoom. We can use poetry in many ways to help express our emotions, share our experiences, and empower ourselves. Join CNIB for a four-week Poetry Series with facilitator Dianne Grant. applying poetry in different contexts, Ms. Grant will assist us to unearth and identify the realities of our lived experiences to help us feel a sense of renewal, express ourselves more fully, and create and help us experience a sense of awe. These sessions are designed to be informative, reflective, and exuberant. Previous writing experience or knowledge of writing poetry is not required. Sessions will be intimate in nature, therefore space for this program will be limited.

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Children & Youth Programs

To register for the Children & Youth Programs or for more information, please contact Jenna Farmer at jenna.farmer@cnib.ca or call 431-668-9270.

  1. Braille Creative Writing Contest: Calling all aspiring young writers! The 2024 Braille Creative Writing Contest is now accepting entries. Since 1997, CNIB has organized a Canada-wide Braille Creative Writing Contest for children and youth. This important competition celebrates braille literacy and encourages young people to flex their creative muscles while practicing their braille skills. Write a short story, essay, or poem on any topic or re-purpose something you've written for school this year! Show off your creative writing talents for a chance to win cash prizes. The contest is open to primary and secondary students (grades K-12) who are blind or partially sighted and live in Canada. 
  2. Family Fun Days: Spring 2024 (details TBC). Families coming together to have fun and socialize with other families that have children who are blind or partially sighted. The Family Fun Days are focused on just that: FUN! They can include things like bowling, rock climbing, crafts, games and more. 
  3. Youth Adventure Club: Second Thursday of every month, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg or other venues in Winnipeg. This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for blind or partially sighted youth ages 13-18 (Grades 8-12) 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, karaoke battles, dining out at restaurants and monthly excursions to local attractions. At each event, focus will be placed on fostering self-esteem and enhancing socialization skills. 
  4. Young Adult Social Club: April-June 2024, dates and times will vary, at various venues in 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. 
  5. Youth Leadership/Mentor: Launching April 2024. This program is a chance for young adults to mentor some of the younger participants at CNIB. Younger participants will be paired with an older mentor and have the chance to learn from someone who has a similar life experience. 

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Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs

To register for Culture, Sport & Recreation programs or for more information, please contact Joanne Fabian at joanne.fabian@cnib.ca or call 204-230-139

  1. Book Club: Second Tuesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. hybrid program at CNIB Winnipeg or virtually via Zoom/ phone.. Whether you enjoy classics, bestsellers, biographies, or fiction, share your passion with other blind and partially sighted readers. A new book is chosen each month, and each participant will be registered for library services. 
  2. Brandon Yoga: Thursdays; 7-week session (beginning March 2024) 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. 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. 
  3. On a Prairie Wind: Third Wednesday of every month, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Zoom or telephone. Each 60-minute weekly episode will explore a new theme, referring to novels, poetry, articles, song lyrics, quotations, recipes, and more. From clotheslines to libraries, musical instruments, art and the landmarks of Winnipeg and Manitoba – come along on this journey of curiosities. 
  4. Winnipeg Breakfast Club: First Monday of every month (unless notified), 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at a predetermined restaurant in Winnipeg. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants for brunch. A different restaurant in Winnipeg will be chosen each month. 
  5. Winnipeg Trishaw: Appointment only, April-September 2024. Meet at CNIB Winnipeg. This amazing bike is available to all participants who wish to experience the sensations of cycling again; or for the very first time! The Trishaw features a spacious and comfortable carriage that can accommodate two passengers. Trishaw pilots are fully trained to ensure optimal safety for maximum fun! 
  6. Winnipeg Walking Group: Every Monday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Meet at 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. 

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Peer Support Programs

To register for Peer Support programs or for more information, please contact Brett Cleghorn at brett.cleghorn@cnib.ca or call 204-290-3294.

  1. Adjusting to Vision Loss: Five-week program beginning April 23, every Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Adjusting to vision loss provides adults who are blind or partially sighted with support during their adjustment to vision loss; improve their knowledge about eye condition, living with vision loss, and CNIB and community supports and services; develop their confidence and independence skills; and provide opportunities for social participation and peer relatedness. 
  2. Bible Study Group: Every Thursday (until June), 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Zoom or telephone. Make new friends, or deepen existing friendships, find support from your peers, and develop more theological insight about biblical understanding. 
  3. Brandon Connects: Last Tuesday of every month, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., location TBC. 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. 
  4. Friday Morning Coffee Group: Every Friday (until June), 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. 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. 
  5. Saskatchewan and Manitoba Indigenous Peer Support Group: First and Third Wednesday of every month, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Zoom or telephone. This program is designed for blind or partially blind indigenous individuals who are wanting 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. 
  6. Virtual Coffee Group: Every Friday, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Zoom or telephone. Make new connections and find friendships and enjoyable conversation. The focus is on a positive, inclusive, and safe support network for people who have experienced sight loss. Everyone is welcome. 

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CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 CNIB, you are eligible for a free smartphone through Phone It Forward. When you register for Phone It Forward, a CNIB team lead 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 Kayla DeBaets at kayla.debaets@cnib.ca or call 204-789-0962. 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 www.phoneitforward.ca or call 1-833-554-5020.

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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. To register or for more information, email brett.cleghorn@cnib.ca or call 204-290-3294.

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Special Events

CNIB Scholarships

Unlock Your Future: Apply for a CNIB Scholarship Today! Ready to chase your dreams? CNIB scholarships are here to support your personal and professional aspirations. Whether you're just starting out in a cool apprenticeship, diving into skilled trades, or leveling up with continuing education, there are multiple scholarships, bursaries, and other educational awards available to people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. It doesn't matter where you are on your journey – from youth to adults – a scholarship or bursary is waiting just for you. If you are pursuing a diploma or degree, skilled trades certificate, apprenticeship, continuing education program, or post-graduate degree, we encourage you to apply for a CNIB scholarship. Let's make your aspirations a reality, together!

CNIB Scholarships Information Session: Thursday, May 9, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Zoom. Have questions about applying for a CNIB scholarship or need some help understanding how to complete the application? Join us on Thursday, May 9 for a virtual information session where we’ll outline available scholarships, eligibility criteria, review the application process and deadlines, and answer any burning questions that you may have.

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CNIB Mobile Hub

CNIB on the Road – the CNIB Mobile Hub is coming to a community near you.  Drop in to meet CNIB staff and learn more about free programs and resources for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. Enjoy a day of recreational and social activities, technology workshops, and much more. Experience the latest breakthroughs in assistive tech from CNIB SmartLife and connect with other members of the sight loss community. We’d love for you to join us when we visit your community!

  • Portage La Prairie: Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.at the Herman Prior Activity Centre (40 Royal Road N, Portage la Prairie)
  • Morden: Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Time/Location TBC.
  • Brandon: Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Time/Location TBC.

For additional confirmed locations and dates, please visit www.cnib.ca/mobilehub,

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Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in volunteering with CNIB, please apply online or email manitoba@cnib.ca. 

  1. Customer Service Representative: Provide customer service support to ensure all visitors to the building have the information they require. As the Customer Service Representative, you will welcome and greet visitors to the building; sanitize reception area regularly; direct all in-person inquiries and deliveries to the appropriate person, department, or tenant; prepare outgoing mail and book local couriers on behalf of staff; provide visitors with information as required, if no other staff person is available; and, receive and track attendee responses for events as required.  
  2. Driver Guide: Provide community-based support; drive clients, service staff and/or volunteers who are blind or partially sighted and are travelling on CNIB business.
  3. Friday Morning Coffee Group Support: The Friday Morning Coffee Group is a social peer support group that meets at CNIB on Fridays between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. Your role will be providing sighted guide and other assistance to participants, and support with set up and clean up.
  4. Next Generation Program Volunteer: Assist Program Lead in providing programs for children and youth. These groups are an integral part of CNIB’s mission to ensure that our next generation has the confidence, skills, and opportunity to fully participate in life.
  5. Summer Day Camp Volunteer: Assist Next Generation Program Lead in providing a fun, inclusive, safe, and accessible camp experience for blind and low vision children and youth. Must commit to both days of either camp session (8:20am-4:30pm). Youth Camp (ages 13-18) July 30 & 31. Kids Camp (ages 5-12) August 13 & 14.
  6. Trishaw Pilot: Trishaw Pilots provide a joyful bike riding experience for people who are blind or partially sighted.
  7. 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. 
  8. Walking Group Sighted Guide: 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. 

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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!

CNIB Manitoba Chase the Ace

Support CNIB Manitoba programs by participating in our Chase the Ace Raffle. The progressive jackpot grows weekly! Tickets can be purchased online at www.cnibmanitoba-chasetheace.ca. Just remember to purchase by 9 p.m. every Tuesday for your chance to win the weekly and progressive prizes! Tickets are 3 for $5, 25 for $10, or 100 for $20. Lottery license # LGCA 1439-RF-36230.

Catch the Ace logo.

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Community Corner

Photograph Portrait Project

Daniel Gerson is a visually impaired award-winning filmmaker and photographer looking for visually impaired individuals interested in participating in a photography-based portrait project. The portraits are meant to show our community in a vibrant, active, and positive light.  Daniel would like to capture photographs of passions or interests, whether it is activities like sports, art, or individuals simply posing with pets or objects that have meaning to them.  The photographs will be used to help acquire funding for a larger Canada wide project with an end goal of having various art gallery showings of the portraits. Please feel free to email Daniel at danielgersonwpg@gmail.com for more information.

Community Organizations – Partners & Resources
  1. Manitoba Blind Sports Association
  2. Resource Centre for Manitobans who are Deaf-Blind (RCMDB)
  3. Vision Impaired Resource Network (VIRN)

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