Upcoming Events

We are looking for Youth Leaders (14-21) in Calgary, Edmonton, or surrounding areas interested in getting involved with planning activities for their peers! 

The Vision Mate program is CNIB's flagship initiative for one-on-one support. Vision Mate volunteers are matched up with a person who is blind or partially sighted to provide one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship.

The Vision Mate program is CNIB's flagship initiative for one-on-one support. Vision Mate volunteers are matched up with a person who is blind or partially sighted to provide one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship.

The Vision Mate program is CNIB's flagship initiative for one-on-one support. Vision Mate volunteers are matched up with a person who is blind or partially sighted to provide one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship.

This newsletter is for those interested in virtual or in person programs that are run specifically out of the Ontario West region. Please register and you will be added to the distribution list for when this comes out at the end of the month.

Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can’t, you are right! Join the club that believes the word “Can’t" is not allowed! The I Can Club is focused on building the attitudes and skills that lead us to think about all that is possible. Are you a child or youth (age 29 and under) who is interested in exploring the world around you and finding ways to look at all the things that are possible, instead of only the obstacle in front of you?  In the I Can Club, you'll meet a group of individuals who challenge the word "Can't" with a “Yes, I can do that,“ or “How can I do that?" attitude. 

OPVIC (formally VIEWS) is a volunteer organization of parents of visually impaired children/youth focused on empowering families and advocating for our kids in Ontario. OPVIC is a friendly and supportive organization of parents, family members and guardians of children with any amount of vision loss. This group is created to connect families share reliable resources and support one another.

This program is designed to provide support for Indigenous people who are blind or partially sighted through traditional teachings and empowerment in a safe, welcoming environment. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in accessible land-based learning, engage with facilitators from a variety of backgrounds, and build meaningful relationships within their community. The program will meet in person once a month, creating ongoing opportunities to connect through Indigenous ways of knowing.

Sports without limits! Exciting news for all lawn bowling enthusiasts – Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club in Victoria has generously opened their greens for our participants, offering free access to this enjoyable sport. Put on your safe shoes and get ready to roll! Whether you're a seasoned player or brand new to the game, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved, stay active, and enjoy some great company. The CNIB Lawn Bowling Club meets every month at the Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club (720 Belleville Street, Victoria). Dates and times TBC.

Step into a story that celebrates resilience, curiosity, and the power of listening. Join us for a guided reading of If You Could See What I Hear, Tom Sullivan’s unforgettable memoir of growing up blind - and living boldly on his own terms. Through rich soundscapes, honest reflection, and moments that will make you laugh, reflect, and feel inspired, this shared listening experience brings the book’s heart to life. Come relax, connect with others, and let a powerful voice remind us that seeing the world isn’t only about sight - it’s about courage, independence, and joy. The Spoken Story Series meets monthly with dates and times confirmed upon registering. 

The CNIB Youth Tech Mate Program is an opportunity for youth to develop leadership, communication, and technology skills while making a meaningful impact in their communities.

The Healing Leash: Honouring Guide Dog Loss is a 4-week, volunteer-led peer support group for anyone who has experienced the loss of a guide dog—through passing, retirement, or rehoming. Participants will have the opportunity to share their stories, honour their bond, offer mutual support, and gain comfort through shared experiences and insights.

This is a virtual group that gets together every Thursday morning for a general group conversation. There is no planned topic of conversation but it is kept positive and light! Every Thursday from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.

Join us every Thursday morning for our weekly walking group—a great way to get your steps in while connecting with new friends! Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Stratford indoor walking track (234 Shakespeare Dr, Stratford).

Join us to learn more about Ontario’s Blind Persons’ Rights Act and how it protects the rights of guide dog handlers. We’ll explore where the Act applies, what it means for guide dog access, and how handlers can use the legislation to advocate for themselves when they encounter an access denial. The session will also walk through practical steps you can take following an access denial, including documenting what happened, reporting the incident, and understanding the enforcement process. Thursday, September 24 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join us for our weekly social meet up group. We’ll get to know each other, share some good news stories, and socialize. Every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Mountain Time on Zoom.

Whether you're a novice embarking on your knitting journey or a seasoned knitter rediscovering the joy of the craft, this group welcomes you. Explore a spectrum of yarns and various needles at your disposal, with sighted volunteers ready to lend a helping hand if you need assistance! Fourth Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Halifax.

Calling all knitters – whether you’re a beginner or experienced knitter! Come out and enjoy some time with your peers and knit! If you don’t know how to knit, no problem we can teach you! Every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB National Office (1929 Bayview Ave., Toronto).

Make new friends, or deepen existing friendships, find support from your peers, and develop more theological insight about biblical understanding. Every Thursday (September to June) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time on Zoom or telephone.

In Let's Tech About It, participants are invited to bring their questions, challenges, and curiosity about everyday devices—smartphones, tablets, computers, and more. It’s a space where we learn together, share tips, and help each other navigate the ever-evolving world of technology. From troubleshooting common issues to discovering new tools and gadgets, this group offers a supportive environment for everyone. Let's Tech About It meets on the fourth Thursday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary.

The St. Albert Peer Group is a welcoming space for people who are blind or partially sighted to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Through monthly gatherings, members can build friendships, exchange practical tips for living with vision loss, and enjoy meaningful conversations in a supportive environment. Fourth Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Mountain Time at the St. Albert Legion (6 Tache Street, St. Albert).

Everyone loves games. This games group meets to socialize playing 2 to 3 different lively word games for the hour. Sessions are led by our own professional game hosts (aka CNIB staff and volunteers). We embrace a safe fun time to exercise your mind. Starting in September, every other month on Thursdays (September, November, January, March, and May) from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. 

Do you enjoy music? Well, Name that Tune is the game for you! Name that tune is a fun game where people can join in to listen and try to name as many songs as they can. Last Thursday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Brandon Yoga is an opportunity for participants in the Brandon area to enjoy yoga in a therapeutic setting for 8 weekly sessions twice per year with session in spring and fall, with the next spring session beginning Thursday, March 19 and running until Thursday May , at The Divine Energy Massage Therapy (1011 Rosser Ave. Suite 402, Brandon).

Join us at the CNIB Ottawa Hub for a monthly games group! Play games with peers and chat. We will offer a variety of games including board games, indoor axe throwing and trivia style games. This program is offered to children and youth (ages 5+) in the  Ottawa area. Fourth Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.

The program will be delivered by BC Blind Sports facilitators abd offers a variety of inclusive and adaptive fitness programs designed specifically for individuals who are blind, partially sighted, or Deafblind. The program is designed to support physical activity, confidence, and social connection in a safe, welcoming environment. Sessions use clear verbal instruction and adapted movement options, making them accessible to participants of all fitness levels, including older adults and those seeking low impact exercise. Second and fourth Thursday of every month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

Join us to play games, chat, and make new friends. Please note that this program is for individuals between 10-14 years of age. Every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Lift your voice and connect with others through the joy of singing. Join our vibrant online choir community on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

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! Youth Fit meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg (1080 Portage Ave., Winnipeg) and other venues. 

CNIB has partnered with the Remai Modern Art Gallery to bring an opportunity to create and to enjoy a descriptive tour. Please join us for a described tour of art exhibits followed by a tactile art project. All materials and instruction will be provided. If you need an ASL interpreter, please let us know a minimum of five days in advance. Remai Modern once a month, tentatively on the fourth Thursday of every month, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Remai Modern in Saskatoon. 

Looking for a fun and relaxed way to connect with others? Join Rick and his co-hosts every Friday morning for our virtual Coffee & Chat on Zoom! This is a great opportunity to have a chat about anything you like, meet people from around the island, and enjoy a lighthearted hour of conversation. Every Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.

The in-person Friday Coffee Group is back! 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. This group meets in-person at CNIB Winnipeg every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time. Every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time at CNIB Winnipeg .

Hosted by volunteers Ian and Julia, this monthly social is for VIPs (Visually Impaired People/Very Important People). Join us each month to connect with others living with sight loss, trade practical insights, and experience the joy of being among people who truly understand. Friday, September 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Pictou Library (99 Water Street, Pictou).

Designed for knitters/advanced knitters to work on projects, learn from peers, and enjoy knitting fellowship. Every Friday from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

The CNIB Mobile Hub visits Sylvan Lake, Alberta on Friday, September 25 from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library (4715 50 Avenue, Sylvan Lake).

Join us every Friday for a virtual meet up in the prairies with a friendly bunch of people looking to connect with others across the country! Make new connections and find friendships and enjoyable conversation. The focus is on a positive, inclusive, and safe support network of people who have experienced sight loss. Everyone is welcome. Virtual Coffee Group meets every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time on Zoom. 

Music has a unique way of touching the heart and bringing people together. Its rhythms and melodies can be soothing, uplifting, and deeply nourishing for the soul! The CNIB Harmony Choir Program invites youth and adults who are blind or partially sighted from across Vancouver Island to experience the joy, connection, and personal expression that singing in community can offer. Every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Victoria.

Unwind at the end of the week as Stela shares an engaging story and time to connect with friends.

Friday nights are fun...and easy! We're hosting a special monthly get-together for adults ages 20+ who simply want to hangout and chat.  Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

Come join us on alternating Fridays for our Song Bingo Game Night! All you need to participate is access to phone or Zoom and a bingo card at home or online! Feel free to play as a family or house! There will be prizes for the first 3 bingo winners of each game and those who correctly name the most tunes! This program is open to participants of all ages. Song Bingo Game Night meets on Zoom on alternating Friday's from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

Join us for coffee, snacks, and live music at the CNIB Calgary office! The Calgary Cafe Night meets on the last Friday of May, September, November, January and March from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. 

We’re looking forward to connecting with you and your family at our fall carnival! This is an opportunity to connect with our community partners, along with a day of accessible mini golf, arts and crafts, face painting, and so much more! Lunch will be provided along with a selection of healthy (nut free) snacks and drinks. Saturday, September 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CNIB Victoria (102-1675 Douglas Street, Victoria).

The walking group provides a chance for community members who are blind or have low vision to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills. This group meets every Monday (Tuesday when there is a long weekend) from 10 to 11 a.m.

This social gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers, practice mobility skills, and enjoy the beauty of nature in a supportive environment. Every Monday at 10 a.m. at The Leaf at Assiniboine Park (145 The Leaf Way, Winnipeg).

If you have a green thumb (or you'd like to have one), then this gardening discussion group is for you! We swap success stories, talk about our favourite plants, and generally 'dish the dirt' on all things horticultural. For all levels of garden enthusiasts. Whether you patio or container garden, or have lots of gardening space, the time in this group will just buzz by. Every Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

This seven-week program offers a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals adjusting to sight loss. Led by trained CNIB volunteers, this virtual group meets via Zoom or by phone, making it accessible from the comfort of your home. Once you register you will receive an email that will confirm you are on our waitlist. We will connect with you as soon as we are able to offer you a space in one of our fall sessions.

This seven-week program offers a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals adjusting to sight loss. Led by trained CNIB volunteers, this virtual group meets via Zoom or by phone, making it accessible from the comfort of your home. Once you register you will receive an email that will confirm you are on our waitlist. We will connect with you as soon as we are able to offer you a space in one of our fall sessions.

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. Fourth Monday of every month, bimonthly. Time and location to be confirmed upon registering.

We’re excited to offer two amazing yoga classes, each designed to suit different needs and abilities. Whether you're new to yoga or seeking a gentle, mindful practice, we have something for you! All classes are held via Zoom, making it easy to join from the comfort of your home.

Love cooking or would love to know more about cooking? Join this group to share ideas, tips, tricks and the joy of cooking and baking! Every Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.