CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) (Vision Mate – Lower Mainland)

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Training or orientation required

Interested in volunteering in a one-on-one setting? CNIB’s Vision Mate program might be the right for you!

Once a week for two hours, Vision Mate volunteers are “matched” to an individual who is blind or partially sighted in their community, and provide them with sighted assistance and companionship. Activities may include reading, computer assistance, shopping, organizing, community access, going for walks and friendly visiting. Vision Mates make a difference in their own neighbourhood and set their own schedule (evenings and weekends are fine).

Volunteers are not expected to drive. Preferably, all outings would be on foot, by public transportation, taxi or other assisted transportation; paid for by the client. However, exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Coordinator.

Watch this short clip on how one of our Vision Mate volunteers is making a big difference for a client in Victoria.

To apply, please go to http://www.cnib.ca/volunteer, or contact Melisa Tang Choy, Program Coordinator of Vision Mates and Ambassadors at melisa.tangchoy@cnib.ca