Canadian National Institute for the Blind CNIB

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.

What is offered: 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.

Who: Matches are made with someone who lives close to your home, school, or work. All volunteers have their criminal records checked & must submit two references.

Where: Visits are typically one or two hours monthly 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.

Where are services offered: Across Saskatchewan including rural communities.

Why Volunteer: To enrich the lives of participants who are blind or have vision loss. You can assist in directly improving the life of a participant who has wisdom to share & a unique perspective on life than yourself. Learn together & potentially make a lasting friendship through this program.

What is the Goal: The goal of the program is to improve quality of life for participants through regular check-ins, assistance with tasks by a sighted volunteer & relationship building between volunteers & participants