Join us! Our free programs are available to people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Below, you'll find a snapshot of programs offered across the province throughout the summer. 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
- Special Events
- Support CNIB
- Community Corner
Advocacy Programs
To register for Advocacy programs, or for more information, please contact Vivi Dabee at Vivi.Dabee@cnib.ca or 204-396-9487.
Canada Post Accommodations - Info Sessions: July 7 & 8 via Zoom. CNIB is partnering with Canada Post to provide two information sessions on their Delivery Accommodation Program, including the types of accommodations available and how individuals can request them. For more information, please contact Gabriella Rabaa, Lead, Public Affairs at gabriella.rabaa@cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642. To register, fill out the online forms.
Community Engagement Volunteers: Last Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. – 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 and empowers them to become informed advocates and create change. Volunteers will gain a sense of confidence and experience greater self-esteem as an active member of this team.
Next Generation (Children & Youth) Programs
To register for the Next Generation Programs or for more information, please contact Brendan Donahue at brendan.donahue@cnib.ca or 431-668-5279.
CNIB Manitoba Children's Camp 2026: August 18 to August 20, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg and Camp Manitou. At CNIB Children’s camp we will have two days together enjoying the outdoors at Camp Manitou and one day at and around the CNIB office. We are excited to offer a range of different activities from archery, low ropes, water activities, crafts, music therapy and more! Lunch and snacks will be provided. Open to participants between the ages of 7-12 years old.
CNIB Manitoba Complex Needs Camp 2026: August 12 & August 13, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg and The Leaf at Assiniboine Park. This year's complex needs camp will be hosted out of and near the CNIB office as well as at Assiniboine park’s The Leaf. We will have a range of activities from arts and crafts, outdoor walks to the park, music therapy and more! We require each camper to have a support person to help them with any of their needs throughout the day. This camp is for children ages 8 – 18 years old. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
CNIB Manitoba Youth Camp 2026: July 14 to July 16, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Camp Manitou. At CNIB Youth camp we are excited to offer our first local overnight camp! We will be partnering with Camp Manitou and spending 3 days and 2 nights at their campground. We will have the opportunity to experience all that Camp Manitou has to offer with their exciting outdoor activities as well as some CNIB led activities and campfires in the evenings. All meals provided. We have limited spots available to youth aged 12-18 years old.
Discovery Saturdays: Resuming on September 12 from 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.
Educators Lunch and Learn: Dates and times TBD. Join us for a chance to learn how we can work together! CNIB offers many different programs to youth with sight loss, and we would love to bring our educators out to learn more about who we are and what we have to offer! We invite all to attend so we can build a community of educators and program facilitators ready to support our children with sight loss in their journey through education and beyond. We will talk about the challenges our kids face in school and how CNIB is working towards solutions.
Parent Peer Support Group: Dates and times TBD. A support group for parents with school aged children who have sight loss. This program will progress into our Parent Advocacy Program, where we will look at and come up with action plans to tackle the issues children with sight loss face in education. There will be a combination of community engagement and events to promote and gain support for these issues.
PD Days: Resuming in September 2026, 8 a.m. to 4 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.
Youth Adventure Club: Resuming on September 16, 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.
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.
Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs
For information or to register for the Brandon and Dauphin Groups, please contact La-Toya Gibbons la-toya.gibbons@cnib.ca (431) 866-9376.
For all other Culture, Sport & Recreation programs, unless otherwise noted, please contact Joanne Fabian at joanne.fabian@cnib.ca or (204) 230-1496.
Adult Recreation Club: Fourth Monday of every second month, 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg and other locations as decided. A relaxed, welcoming social drop-in for adults aged 30 to 60 who are blind or partially sighted, including those newly adjusting to vision loss. Meetings will take place at CNIB and various locations across the city for friendly conversation and activities.
Brandon Dinner Club: Second Tuesday of every month, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at different 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: Every Wednesday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at various outdoor paths. The Walking Group Program provides a chance for individuals who are blind or partially sighted to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills.
Brunch Club: First Monday of every month, 12 to 3 p.m. at different restaurants in Winnipeg. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants for brunch.
Brandon Yoga: 8-week session in September, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Divine Energy Massage Therapy in Brandon. 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.
L.!.T.E.: Dates and times TBD. 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.
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 exciting performances this year to choose from.
These performances will have live audio described services by VIEW.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Time: Matinee performance at 2 p.m.
Legally Blonde
Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
Time: Matinee performance at 2 p.m.
Gimli Day Trip: Thursday, August 20, 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with transportation from CNIB Winnipeg. Do not miss the opportunity to experience a day trip to Gimli Manitoba! Take a walk on the boardwalk or feel the sand under your feet at the beach. Gimli has many shops and is known for its traditional pickerel dinners. Transportation is covered, but please bring your own spending money for lunch or other purchases.
Winnipeg Walk Together Group: Every Monday, 10 to 11 a.m. at The Leaf at Assiniboine Park. Join us for a Walk Together group specifically designed for members of the blind and low vision community. This social gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers, practice mobility skills, and enjoy the beauty of nature. The group will either be walking on the trails at the leaf, or The Assiniboine Zoo.
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: September 9 to September 30, 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: On break for July & August, resuming in September. 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.
Biblical Peer Support Group: July 9 & 23 and August 6 & 20, 1:30 to 3 p.m. via Zoom. A time for sharing, communion, prayer and praise; for participants to make new friends, deepen existing friendships, find support from their peers. is an extension of the Bible Study for summer.
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. For further details contact La-Toya Gibbons la-toya.gibbons@cnib.ca (431) 866-9376
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: On break for July & August, resuming in September. 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 or teleconference. 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 or teleconference. 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.
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.
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
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! For confirmed locations and dates, please visit www.cnib.ca/mobilehub. For more information and to register, contact La-Toya Gibbons la-toya.gibbons@cnib.ca (431) 866-9376
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in volunteering with CNIB, please apply online or email manitoba@cnib.ca.
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. This position is casual/on-call and based in Winnipeg or Brandon.
Mobile Hub Driver Guide/Volunteer: 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 Summer Camp Volunteer: 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 (Brandon): Meeting at Brandon University 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 (Winnipeg): Warmer months meeting at Assiniboine Park (either The Leaf or The Zoo entrance), Winter months TBD; The sighted guide attends our weekly Walking Group on Mondays to provide sighted directional assistance (as trail leads) for participants with sight loss; Sighted Guide training is provided; Cannot commit to every week? We still want to hear from you!
Special Events
Financial Literacy Presentation with Amy Pilloud from Financial: Friday, September 25, 10 to 11 a.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Financial confidence is an important part of well-being, join us for this upcoming presentation that will cover a wide range of topics including budgeting, taxes, education, savings, insurance and RDSP.
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!