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 winter. Schedule may be subject to change. We kindly ask participants to register for programs at least one business day before the start date. For monthly updates, please call our info line: 204-789-0961.
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 – 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.
What Lies Beneath - Harnessing Your Emotions for Powerful Advocacy: Every Thursday in February, 6:30 – 8 p.m. via Zoom. There are many strong emotions that can get in the way of our self-advocacy goals. Join us for an interactive three part-series exploring the emotional journey of advocacy. Each session will focus on the feelings that can arise during self-advocacy. We'll discuss inaction, reaction, and empowerment and provide tips and resources to help you harness your emotions for powerful advocacy.
Children & Youth Programs
To register for Next Generation Programs or for more information, contact Brendan Donahue at Brendan.Donahue@cnib.ca.
Discovery Saturday - Children: Fourth Saturday of every month, except December 2025, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. The group will meet on December 20 instead. This program aims to provide children and youth 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. We offer this program at different times for 2 different age groups. In the morning, for children aged 7 to 12 years old, and in the afternoon, for youth ages 13 to 18.
Discovery Saturday - Youth: Fourth Saturday of every month, except December 2025, 1 – 4 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. The group will meet on December 20 instead. This program aims to provide children and youth 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. We offer this program at different times for 2 different age groups. In the morning, for children aged 7 to 12 years old, and in the afternoon, for youth ages 13 to 18.
Parent and Tot Support Group: First Monday of every month, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This is a space for parents of children that are blind or low vision ages 0 to 6 to come and find support and resources from each other.
Young Adult Social Club: Last Wednesday of every month, except December, 6:30 – 8 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. The club will December 17 will be in lieu. 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: Second Wednesday of every month, 6:30 – 8 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for blind or partially sighted youth ages 13 to 18 (Grades 8 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: First Thursday of every month starting February 5, 6 – 7 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This drop-in program is catered to those youth ages 13 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. We aim to start once a month as well as incorporate this program into some of our existing programs. Come get active!
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 – 7:30 p.m. at a different restaurant in Brandon every month. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants throughout Brandon for dinner.
Brandon Sharing Circle: Dates and times TBD. United Way of Brandon Boardroom (201-1011 Rosser Ave.) This is a group in which you have the opportunity to learn about a variety of community resources. A different presenter will be chosen each session.
Brandon Walking Group: Dates and times TBD at the Brandon University Walking Track. 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, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. a different restaurant in Winnipeg every month. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants for brunch.
CNIB Drop-In: Every Monday, 12 – 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. The CNIB has a drop in that is open for participants to come and connect with other peers. Coffee available for a fee.
L.!.T.E.: Dates and times TBD. Don’t 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. Through The Winnipeg Symphony Share the Music program the CNIB has received vouchers for specific performances. You have the opportunity to receive a voucher for one of the following performances:
Music of Studio Ghibli - Saturday, January 17th 2026 at 2 p.m.
Brawl at the hall - Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Jill Barber: Under Paris Skies - Friday, February 6th, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Murdoch Mysteries - Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Opening Doors: Last Monday of every second month, 1:30 – 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This is a group in which you have the opportunity to learn about a variety of community resources. A different presenter will be chosen each session. These community informational sessions will compliment our Drop-In.
Winnipeg Walking Group: Every Monday, 10 – 11 a.m. 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.
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 from January 28 to February 18, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. 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 - 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 - 3 p.m. at United Way of Brandon Boardroom (201-1011 Rosser Ave). 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 – 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. - 12 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Rekindle old friendships while 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 – 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 Group: First and third Wednesday of every month, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. This program is designed for Indigenous people who are blind or have low vision and are wanting to connect with others 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 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Make new connections and have enjoyable conversations. The focus of this group is on a positive, inclusive, and safe support network for people who have experienced sight loss. We will explore topics such as love, dating, relationships, confidence, and much more. 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 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 Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or 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.
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, contact Ben Neufeld at Ben.Neufeld@cnib.ca or 204-509-9658.
CNIB Mobile Hub
CNIB on the Road – the CNIB Mobile Hub is coming to a community near 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 Ben Neufeld at Ben.Neufeld@cnib.ca or 204-509-9658.
Selkirk:
Gaynor Family Regional Library, 806 Manitoba Avenue
February 5th, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Steinbach:
Pat Porter Active Living Centre,10 Chrysler Gate
March 5th, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For additional 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: Provide community-based support; drive clients, service staff and/or volunteers who are blind or partially sighted and are travelling on CNIB business.
Vision Mate Volunteers: Vision Mates provide 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: 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.
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!
Community Corner
Community Organizations – Partners & Resources
Manitoba Blind Sports Association
Resource Centre for Manitobans who are Deaf-Blind (RCMDB)
Vision Impaired Resource Network (VIRN)
Canadian Blind Hockey
Canadian Blind Hockey is thrilled to partner with True North Sports and Entertainment, NHL First Shift and Jumpstart to offer the first ever Para First Shift program in Manitoba.
The NHL’s First Shift is a program designed to ease kids and their families into hockey in a friendly and affordable environment, removing intimidation about equipment, rules and safety concerns. Canadian Blind Hockey will host the First Shift program in partnership with Hockey for All Centre. This exciting addition will provide children, youth, and adults who are blind or partially sighted with the opportunity to experience the fast, fun, and inclusive sport of Blind Hockey. The program is open to participants ages 6 to 25.
Canadian Blind Hockey programs are supported by our national partner CNIB Foundation. The Winnipeg First Shift Program is an exciting program in partnership with True North Sports + Entertainment, NHL First Shift, Canadian Tire Jumpstart, Canadian Blind Hockey and Manitoba Possible. This program is designed for children and youth of all abilities with a focus on supporting kids with disabilities both on and off the ice. This inclusive program introduces players to either sledge hockey or blind hockey through tailored on-ice experiences.
The Winnipeg First Shift Program will create a welcoming space for athletes to be introduced and develop their skills, build confidence, and be part of a growing community. We can’t wait to see this new program take off and bring the magic of Blind Hockey to Winnipeg!
To register, please complete these forms:
Para -First Shift Blind Hockey Registration Form
Canadian Blind Hockey Registration Form
For more information, please contact:
Manitoba Possible - Jaylene Irwin at jirwin@manitobapossible.ca
Canadian Blind Hockey - Luca DeMontis at lucademontis@blindicehockey.com
Winnipeg Blind Hockey - Scarlette Dorn - winnipegblindhockey@gmail.com