Volunteer Engagement Opportunities

Our community of people with sight loss continue to face significant barriers in every part of their lives – from work to education to the accessibility of built environments to social inclusion and more. CNIB cannot tear down these barriers alone. We need your support to clear the way forward and create a completely barrier-free society. We are asking for passionate allies who are ready and willing to join us in this work.

Active at every level of our organization, our volunteers empower us to deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that enable Canadians impacted by vision loss to live the lives they choose.

Our new strategic plan for 2023-2028, The Way Forward, demands change, and you can help us get there. For more information about The Way Forward, please visit www.cnib.ca/en/way-forward.

Many of our volunteers have been working with us for years, or even decades. We work hard to ensure our volunteers feel supported and the work they do is rewarding to them. Last year, in 2023, our volunteer hours doubled thanks to the commitment of our dedicated volunteers.

Why Volunteer at CNIB?

Experience the rewards of making a meaningful difference in the lives of people with sight loss in your own community! Here are a few reasons to join our volunteer team:
•You’ll use your skills and talents – Each of our volunteers is unique, and each has something different to bring to the table. With our wide range of programs and participants from all walks of life at CNIB, we will ensure that you find an opportunity best suited to harness your individual skills and interests.
•You’ll make an impact – Our volunteers put their hearts into everything they do. Every single day, our volunteers are changing lives. By volunteering with CNIB, you are helping people with sight loss have the freedom to live their lives the way they choose.
•You’ll meet like-minded people – Many of our volunteers have built a community of lifelong friends here at CNIB, whether it’s making a connection with program participants or other volunteers.
•You’ll pay it forward – If you or a loved one has ever received support from CNIB, you know the valuable impact our volunteers have. Being a volunteer will allow you to pay it forward and help others who are working to overcome the challenges of sight loss.
•You’ll get real-world work experience – Volunteering can give you valuable work experience that can be both professionally and personally beneficial. This could include adding new skills and experiences to your resume, or learning something new about the vision loss community that changes your perspective.

“CNIB is a crucial resource for those with vision loss, and I am grateful that I play a part in this organization. As a volunteer, I have received at least as much as I’ve given. I have learned so much from the people who use our services – as well as from my fellow volunteers – and to me, this is invaluable.” – Lynn Kennedy, CNIB volunteer

Our Programs and Volunteer Opportunities:
Connecting the Dots Conference, CNIB Mobile Hub Events, Camp Lake Joe, Beeping Eggs Easter Egg Hunt, Tandem Bike Program, Holiday Community Gift Wrapping, Braille Board Games, Gala and Event Support, Vision Mate, Tech Mates, Group Leaders, CNIB Guide Dogs Puppy Raisers, CNIB Guide Dog Puppy Starters, Puppy Finishers, Guide Dogs Boarders.

Please note that screening processes vary depending on the volunteer role. Some volunteer opportunities require a Canadian criminal record check. CNIB has partnered with Canada’s leading background check provider, Sterling Backcheck, to fulfill this requirement and we will cover the cost of the background check on behalf of the volunteer.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us!

We want to ensure your experience as a CNIB volunteer is a positive and meaningful one. For more information about volunteering at CNIB, please visit our website. If you have further questions or would like support getting involved, please don't hesitate to contact Larissa McKnight (larissa.mcknight@cnib.ca).