Brampton, ON: In early 2022, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) received a $150,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that has helped it to reimagine its volunteer program in Ontario. This funding has been critical as CNIB rebuilds its in-person and volunteer-led programs and continues to offer virtual programs with volunteer support.
“For more than 100 years, CNIB has been helping improve the lives of Canadians who are visually impaired,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, MPP for Brampton South and President of the Treasury Board. “This OTF grant has enabled an army of volunteers to open their hearts and share their care across Ontario, and I’m encouraged that CNIB is now better positioned to continue their work of empowering the blind to live their full potential.”
With more than 2,000 volunteers nationwide, CNIB has made significant strides in revitalizing its volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition strategies thanks to OTF’s support. This grant enables CNIB to enhance training procedures for volunteers, strengthen volunteer-led programming, meaningfully engage with volunteers to gather feedback for further growth, and host recognition events for volunteers in different regions.
“CNIB’s volunteers are at the centre of everything we do and are active across every level of the organization,” said John M. Rafferty, President and CEO of CNIB. “Whether it’s delivering programming, supporting advocacy campaigns, or serving on our Board of Directors, our volunteers engage our participants and drive our mission forward every single day.”
To celebrate both the successful conclusion of OTF’s $150,000 grant and the start of National Volunteer Week, CNIB’s Brampton Community Hub held a special event at its 400a 770 Hurontario Street, Brampton location and for those who weren’t able to attend, the event was also available to view online. The event was a great opportunity to honour the volunteers who serve as the lifeblood of CNIB.
“Our volunteers are central to our mission and I want to thank the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting our critical volunteer reengagement strategy,” said Rafferty.
Celebrating 100 years in 2018, CNIB is a charitable organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work is powered by a network of volunteers, donors, and partners from coast to coast to coast. Visit cnib.ca to learn more.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $110M was invested into 1,022 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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