Latest news with #CommunityLivingMonth
Hamilton Spectator
06-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Cooking with heart: Fort Erie students help honour Community Living volunteers
Community Living Fort Erie celebrated its volunteers recently with a special dinner cooked up by the students at Pomegranate Restaurant located inside Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS). Held April 30 as part of Community Living Month, the volunteer appreciation night honoured volunteers for their time, commitment and impact on local programs that support individuals with developmental disabilities. The three-course dinner was prepared and served by students under the guidance of culinary teacher, Afshin Keyvani. Community Living board of directors chair Betty Talbot, kicked off the event by thanking the many volunteers who fill roles ranging from e-gaming and administrative work, to leisure buddy programs and fundraising. 'What you do matters more than you know,' she said. 'You may not always see the full ripple effect of your efforts, but let me assure you, you make a big difference.' Margaret Fidler, manager of community development, also took time to honour the short-term and long-term volunteers at the event. 'This kind of teamwork is rare, and it's something I'll always treasure,' Fidler said. 'Your efforts have brought joy to countless families and made a lasting impact on this community, and on me personally.' The evening was planned to celebrate the work of Community Living's volunteers, but also marked the end of an era as the organization bid farewell to Fidler, who is retiring. To close the evening, office administrator Tiyanna Schooley, gave a heartfelt speech to honour Fidler's impact. 'I've been here five months, and what I learned is that this woman seriously, loves, cares and appreciates you guys all so much,' she said. 'She genuinely cares, and I've never seen someone who embodies their career and cares so much about the people she serves.' The dinner, sponsored by Bill Marr of Garrison Automotive Service, was one of many events planned for Community Living Month. On Tuesday, the organization raised its Community Living flag at Fort Erie Town Hall, with Mayor Wayne Redekop in attendance. 'They had a lot of people turn out, it was great,' said Talbot. As plates were cleared and dessert was served, applause filled the room not only for the volunteers, but also for the students that made the dinner possible. Student Harper James said the experience of being part of the culinary program has opened up opportunities she never imagined. 'There's (a lot) of different experiences that I would have never even thought of or known of until I took culinary arts and met a teacher like (Keyvani),' said James, who has participated in the program for three years. James is also involved in Skills Ontario competitions and has been a part of relaunching the school's in-house restaurant, the Pomegranate, which had been dormant since the COVID-19 pandemic. 'We started (the Pomegranate) again last year after getting back into everything after COVID,' she said. 'Last year was the first year bringing it back to GFESS.' Keyvani, who teaches culinary arts at the school, said the culinary students are often involved in events that serve the broader community, including local fundraisers, school functions, and special dinners like the Community Living dinner. For students like James and her peers, this event was more than just an after school project, it was a chance to contribute to the community and learn by doing. 'It's kind of cool knowing that there are so many different things I get to experience just because I have a teacher that is so involved,' she said.
CTV News
05-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Sudbury marks Community Living Month
Northern Ontario Watch Sudbury's water tower was lit up green and blue on Sudbury in honour of Community Living Month, which had been marked across Ontario for decades.
CTV News
03-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Sudbury water tower to light up geen and blue
Sudbury's water tower will be lit up green and blue this Sunday to mark Community Living Month. Other events will also take place throughout the city throughout May to make the occasion.
Cision Canada
01-05-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Community Living Toronto Launches #WeAllBelong Campaign to Celebrate Community Living Month
Fostering Inclusion, Equity and Belonging for All TORONTO, May 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Community Living Toronto is pleased to launch its campaign #WeAllBelong in celebration of Community Living Month, an initiative that takes place every May, to recognize and celebrate the contributions of people with intellectual disabilities. This year's campaign calls on everyone to champion inclusion, celebrate diversity, and take meaningful steps toward a more equitable society. The campaign is also a shoutout to our partners, supporters, and community members whose contributions drive meaningful change and help us create more inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. "Community Living Month reminds us that inclusion isn't just a goal, it's a commitment we live by every day," says Brad Saunders, CEO of Community Living Toronto. "When people with intellectual disabilities are truly seen, heard, and valued, our communities grow stronger. With #WeAllBelong we are celebrating the vibrant, diverse communities we continue to build together while ensuring no one is left out of the conversation." When barriers are removed and everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in community life, we create a more connected and equitable future. Chris Beesley, CEO of Community Living Ontario, adds, "As we celebrate inclusion and the progress made across the developmental services sector this Community Living Month, we are reminded that there is still work to be done. Thousands of people with developmental disabilities continue to wait for essential supports, and belonging should never come with a waitlist. While we celebrate the progress made, we continue to advocate together for change, to ensure that everyone can access the support and resources they deserve." "Community Living Month is a time for reflection and celebration and reminds us of the strength we have when we stand together as a sector. True belonging means having access to the resources and services for full participation in community life and to make this a reality, governments must prioritize sustainable funding. It's time to turn awareness into action and ensure that inclusion is woven into the fabric of our policies, not just our aspirations." shares Dr. Robert Walsh, CEO of OASIS. With the # WeAllBelong campaign, we are celebrating the moments that foster connection and belonging, whether it is through meaningful employment, lasting friendships, or living independently with choice and dignity. On May 15, 2025, take a moment to post on your social media channels about a memory, celebration, or work you are proud of and use the hashtag #WeAllBelong. Throughout the month, Community Living Toronto encourages everyone to share personal stories, photos, or simply a message to show how we all belong. "Belonging is important to me because we all belong to society, no matter our abilities or how others may see us. When we create inclusive spaces, we all have the chance to grow together. Community Living Month is a powerful reminder that true belonging is not just a dream, it is something we can all create one step at a time." says Nelson Raposo, CLTO Influencer. About the Campaign #WeAllBelong is a campaign that celebrates inclusion and belonging for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Belonging is built in small, everyday moments: acts of kindness, shared laughter, trusted relationships, and spaces where everyone feels like they are seen, heard and valued. With #WeAllBelong, we are celebrating the richness of these experiences and the many people who bring inclusion to life each day. For more information on the #WeAllBelong campaign and ways to get involved, visit or contact Community Living Toronto at [email protected]. About Community Living Toronto Community Living Toronto has long been a source of support for people with an intellectual disability and their families since 1948. Community Living Toronto offers a wide range of services including respite, person-directed planning, employment supports, supported living, and community-based activities. Community Living Toronto is proud to support over 4,000 people with an intellectual disability, and their families in more than 80 locations across Toronto. The "community living movement" began with families who wanted their children to live in the community, rather than institutions. Today, Community Living Toronto continues to advocate for inclusive communities and support the rights and choices of people with an intellectual disability. For more information, please contact: Petronilla Ndebele, Director, Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Relations [email protected] I 416-356-1532
CTV News
28-04-2025
- General
- CTV News
Sudbury water tower to glow blue and green for Community Living Month
Sudbury's iconic downtown 120-foot-tall water tower was fitted with custom lighting last year. On May 1, 2025, those lights will glow blue and green to celebrate the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities as part of Community Living Greater Sudbury's celebration of Community Living Month. The Sudbury water tower is shown in this undated promotional photo. (File photo/Supplied/SWSE Sports & Entertainment)
