If you’re interested in volunteering, and maybe making a friend in the process, the Vision Mate program might be exactly what you’re looking for.
A Vision Mate is someone who has their sight and helps out someone who’s blind or otherwise visually impaired do daily activities including running errands, reading or even just going for a stroll together.
The program is offered by the Canadian Institute for the Blind and there are about 30 people in New Brunswick now on the CNIB’s waiting list with the majority of those in Saint John.
“It doesn’t include things like mopping or cleaning their house or providing personal care – but its the basic friendship and companionship and assistance that they can offer,” says Christine Kennedy Babineau of the CNIB.
“There’s a lady who would just like a friend to go for a walk and go shopping, and go to a movie together. We even have somebody right now who’s looking for someone who would go swimming with them regularly.”
Anyone over the age of 18 can apply and the two hours are very flexible. Click here for more information on the program, including the application form and contact information if you have any questions.
There are over 10,000 people in New Brunswick who have vision loss.
