CNIB Guide Dogs needs volunteer puppy raisers in Calgary, Halifax, Toronto (GTA) and Winnipeg!
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We are looking for people who can care for one of our pups in their first year of training to start them on their journey to becoming guide dogs. Previous experience with dogs is not required. If you’re eager to learn, CNIB Guide Dogs will provide you with support and training so you can feel confident in your volunteer role.
Puppy raising and boarding is a rewarding volunteer opportunity filled with unconditional love that changes many lives – including yours! Volunteers are a critical part of our guide dog program, and we’re always in need of volunteer puppy raisers and boarders. With support from CNIB Guide Dogs staff, you would play a pivotal role in raising a puppy to become a guide dog and help change the life of someone who is blind or partially sighted.
If you’re located in Calgary, Halifax, Toronto (GTA) or Winnipeg and want to learn more about this rewarding volunteer opportunity, visit www.cnib.ca/puppyraising and apply!
In October, CNIB introduced “Get on Board!” – a new advocacy campaign centred on accessible transit as part of our strategic commitment to Safe and Accessible Journeys. The “Get on Board!” campaign examined the accessibility of buses, light rail, and ferries operated by 13 transit authorities and shed light on the obstacles encountered by individuals with sight loss when navigating publicly funded fixed-route transit services in various municipalities across Canada. It also provided opportunities for CNIB to develop and strengthen relationships with government and transit officials in each participating community. While the fall launch laid the foundation for our ongoing advocacy work, we’re excited to introduce the next phase of the "Get on Board!" transit campaign.
As part of our efforts to ensure safe and accessible journeys for all Canadians who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision, CNIB appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transportation (TRAN) on April 18, 2024, to provide testimony for its study on accessible air transportation for persons with disabilities. CNIB also submitted a written briefing note encompassing our testimony and recommendations for the government, regulators, airlines, and other air transportation service providers.
Today, 23 new partnerships, including 15 guide dogs, seven buddy dogs, and one ambassador dog, formally graduated as part of the CNIB Guide Dogs Class of 2024.
As part of the celebration, viewing parties of the graduation ceremony were held in communities across Canada. For many graduates, these events signified not only the end of months of anticipation and formal training – but also a tribute to all the individuals who supported each dog in their journey, making these partnerships possible.
April 17, 2024 – Yesterday, the Government of Canada released Budget 2024 and announced that the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit will start in July 2025, pending a regulatory design process. The benefit will be funded with $6.1 billion over the next six years.
This investment equates to a proposed maximum of $200 per month for eligible recipients who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Further, Budget 2024 does not invest in a strategy or programs that enable people who are blind or have low vision to join the workforce.
While the passage of the Canada Disability Benefit Act was an important first step, CNIB joins the growing list of organizations and advocates calling on the government to commit to more support to lift people with disabilities out of poverty.