An illustration of a calendar on a yellow background outlined in a black paintbrush-style design with white accents. Text: CNIB Manitoba Programs – Winter 2025.

CNIB Manitoba – Winter Programs

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 program offerings available nationwide, explore our online calendar.

Advocacy Programs

  1. Community Engagement VolunteersLast Thursday of every month, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. 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 volunteers. With this program, we see increased knowledge in advocacy and legislation and an increase in self-esteem and confidence. For more information, contact Vivi Dabee at Vivi.Dabee@cnib.ca.
  2. Empowerment Through Self-Advocacy: Dates and times TBD. The "Empowerment Through Self- Advocacy" workshop is designed to equip individuals who are blind or partially sighted with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for themselves effectively in various situations. Through role-playing exercises, interactive discussions, and practical tips, participants will learn how to navigate challenges, assert their needs, and promote inclusivity and accessibility in their daily lives.
  3. Youth Empowerment Series: Dates and times TBD. Did you know that you are already a leader? Do you have an hour to spare to ensure others see you as a leader? Would you like to have automatic equal access to everything? If you answered yes, then you need to join us for a 6-part workshop series for young people to finesse and strengthen their advocacy and leadership skills. This series will be delivered by a facilitator who has lived experience and lots of tips and tricks to learn how you can clear the path for yourself and others.

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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 431-668-9270.

  1. Discovery Saturdays: Fourth Saturday of every month, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Each month we will explore different skill areas to expand horizons and connect with peers. We will explore areas like art, technology, and sports. Discovery Saturdays has two sessions, one in the morning for kids in Kindergarten to Grade 6, and one in the afternoon for youth in Grades 7 to 12. Registration for this program is required.  

  2. Family Fun Days:  Dates and times TBD. These days are for families to come together to have fun with other families that have children who are blind or partially sighted. The Family Fun Days are focused on just that: fun! Days may include activities like bowling, rock climbing, crafts, games and more.

  3. Parent and Tot Support Group:  Dates and times to be confirmed. This is a space for parents and children aged 0 to 6 that are blind or low vision to find support and resources from each other.

  4. Young Adult Social Club: Last Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg or another venue. This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for blind or partially sighted young adults ages 18 to 29 to connect. Programming will be guided by the interests 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 Adventure Club: Second Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg or another venue. 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.

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Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs

Unless otherwise noted, to register for Culture, Sport & Recreation programs or for more information, please contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or 204-230-1496.

  1. Book ClubSecond Tuesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg and via Zoom. Whether you enjoy classics, bestsellers, biographies, or fiction, come and 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 Lunch Club: Dates and times TBD. Brandon participants are starting a lunch club! Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants across Brandon for lunch.  To register, please contact Ainslee Lockhart at Ainslee.Lockhart@cnib.ca or 431-323-9725.  
  3. Brandon Yoga: Dates and times TBD. 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. To register, please contact Ainslee Lockhart at Ainslee.Lockhart@cnib.ca or 431-323-9725.
  4. Brunch Club (Formerly named Breakfast Club): First Monday of every month, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at various restaurants in Winnipeg. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants for brunch. 
  5. Portage La Prairie Dinner Club: Second Thursday of every month, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at various restaurants in Portage la Prairie. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants across Portage for dinner.  To register, please contact Ainslee Lockhart at Ainslee.Lockhart@cnib.ca or 431-323-9725.
  6. Portage La Prairie Walking Group: Dates and times 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 together.  
  7. Winnipeg Walking Group: Every Monday, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the Polo Park Shopping 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 together

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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. 

  1. Adjusting to Vision Loss: Every Tuesday in February, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This four-week program provides individuals with an inclusive support network, the opportunity to share practical support strategies, and to help to face the future with confidence, independence, happiness, and hope changing what it means to be blind. The purpose of the program is to provides adults who are blind or partially sighted with support during their adjustment to vision loss, and to improve their knowledge about their eye condition, living with vision loss, and CNIB and community supports and services. It will help develop their confidence and independence skills and provide opportunities for social participation and peer connection. To register, please contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or 204-230-1496.

  2. Bible Study:  Every Thursday, 1:30 p.m. - 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.  
  3. Brandon Connects: Last Tuesday of every month, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 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. To register, please contact Ainslee Lockhart at Ainslee.Lockhart@cnib.ca or 431-323-9725.
  4. Friday Morning Coffee GroupEvery Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 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. 
  5. Life Coaching: Third Thursday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Are you interested in personal development as a person with sight loss? We invite you to join our engaging and interactive Life Coaching series.
  6. Portage Connects: Fourth Thursday of every month, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Herman Prior Activity Centre (40 Royal Rd N., Portage la Prairie). Connect with others who are living with sight loss and in your community. This program is for people who want to engage and support others in a safe, friendly environment. To register, please contact Ainslee Lockhart at Ainslee.Lockhart@cnib.ca or 431-323-9725.
  7. Saskatchewan and Manitoba Indigenous Peer Support Group: First and third Wednesday of every month, 2:30 p.m. - 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. 
  8. Thompson Connects: Dates and times TBD. Are you a person experiencing sight loss? Do you live in the Thompson area? If the answer is yes, then join CNIB’S Thompson Connects.  This virtual group is open to participants with sight loss and their family and friends.
  9. 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. 

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CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs

  1. CNIB SmartLifeHome 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 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.

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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, contact Ben Neufeld at Ben.Neufeld@cnib.ca or 204-509-9658.

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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!

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. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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!

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Community Corner

Photography 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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