News and Updates for December 2022 |
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Welcome to the December edition of the Community Care newsletter! In this issue we announce the launch of our brand new website, share details about some generous holiday donations we've received, and much more!
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Our New Website is Live!
We are pleased to announce that our new Community Care website has gone live! Head over to www.ccckl.ca and take a look at our new site. We are also excited to announce that in January we are launching an online ordering system where you can order frozen meals from our Meals on Wheels program right on our website! Stay tuned for more information on when our ordering system will go live.
Have question about any of our programs or services? Give us a call at 705-324-7323 or fill out the contact form on our website. |
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We Are Community Care Video Series
For this month’s release in our We Are Community Care video series, we are pleased to introduce our Community Care Foundation video.
While many of Community Care's programs receive some government funding, it's up to the Community Care Foundation and generous donations from our friends and neighbours to keep us going. Help us help those most vulnerable in our community.
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You can also make a difference by making a donation to our annual holiday appeal. As the holidays approach, the Community Care Foundation is once again reaching out to our community to ask for your generous support. To learn more about our Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.ccckl.ca/foundation
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Bobcaygeon Lions & Trentside Church Donates Gift Cards to Families in Need
We would like to thank the Bobcaygeon Lions & Trentside Church for their donation of 11 gift cards to help families in need in our community. David and Ellen Roberts (President and Service Chair) visited our office this month to make the donation on behalf of Bobcaygeon Lions & Trentside Church.
CCCKL will help identify families who would benefit from a little extra help this holiday season and distribute these gift cards. From all of us at Community Care, we would like to thank the Bobcaygeon Lions & Trentside Church for their generosity and thoughtfulness during this holiday season.
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Generous Donation from Crayola Brightens the Holidays at the CCCKL Adult Day Program
CCCKL extends sincere appreciation to Crayola Canada for the thoughtful gifts of beautiful greeting cards, Christmas tree ornaments and gift bags.
The gifts were delivered by Amanda Pascoe, Administrative Services Coordinator at Crayola Canada earlier this month. They will be distributed and greatly enjoyed by the seniors who attend CCCKL’s Adult Day Program. CCCKL extends grateful thanks and appreciation to Amanda and Crayola Canada for their kindness and generosity at this special time of year.
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Hospice Annual Memorial Service
On November 23rd our community joined together to remember our loved ones at the Annual CCCKL Hospice Memorial Service. The event was meaningful for the 90 participants in attendance. The service was led by the staff and friends of Hospice Services and music was presented by Bill Dickinson. His original composition, ‘Letting Go’ was sung after the reading of the names of our loved ones, a powerful part of Annual Memorial Service.
As an act of remembrance, everyone was invited to write the name of their loved one on a bronze, silver or gold paper leaf and hang it on one of the two birch branches at the front of the room. After the service, one branch was relocated to Hospice where visitors can find all of the leaves bearing the memorial names hanging on a birch branch in the front foyer.
Once the service concluded, refreshments were served and memories shared. We would like to thank the many community members and families who generously support our services. Sincere thanks to Mackey’s Funeral Home for the use of the lovely facilities at Mackey’s Celebrations.
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Visit Us at Our Volunteer Fair!
Community Care will be hosting two Volunteer Fairs in January and February, and all are welcome to attend. Come learn about some of the many volunteer positions we have and how to get involved! Volunteering is a rewarding way to learn new skills, meet new people, and above all, give back to your community. There is a volunteering opportunity for everyone! Come drop by and learn more.
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January 18th, 2023
189 Kent Street West, Main Lobby, Lindsay
10:00am – 12:00pm
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February 15th, 2023
189 Kent Street West, Main Lobby, Lindsay
4:00 – 6:00pm
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We currently have an urgent need for volunteers to help with packing and delivering boxes for our Good Food Box program. Visit www.ccckl.ca/volunteer or call us at 705-324-7323 ext. 466 to learn more about volunteering with Community Care. |
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Caring for Yourself During the Holidays
By: Sharon Yeo, Hospice Service Manager
Holidays are usually times filled with memories, and you may feel especially tender and vulnerable. Consider making time for yourself and your memories as a part of new holiday traditions. Caring for yourself can be another way of honouring the person who died.
Many times, the more we need to take care of ourselves, the less we do it. You may notice that you have been ignoring your own health or don’t care very much about yourself; or you may believe that you don’t deserve self-care. If you have a physical problem brought on by stress or an emotional reaction, try to pay attention to it.
Grief at any time is tiring and challenging. When special days and holidays approach, you may need to pay more attention to yourself and ask, “What do I most need now?”
Here are some helpful tips from other bereaved people:
- Rest. Slow down or stop. Grieving requires a lot of energy.
- Balance time alone and time with others.
- Eat foods and drink fluids that are healthy.
- Trust yourself. Be guided by your own instincts.
- Spend time in nature or take a walk around the block.
- Connect with a new or old friend for lunch, a movie or a walk.
- Simplify daily life and responsibilities whenever and wherever you can.
- Be gentle, patient and tolerant with yourself. Take it one step at a time.
Expect your feelings to change, perhaps without much warning. There may be times when you feel sad, angry or frustrated. You may feel loneliness or longing for the person who has died. At other times, you may experience joy and laughter or enjoy yourself for a few moments – and then feel guilty. Remind yourself that this is part of the healing process. Try to make room for your feelings, whatever they may be.
Tips on Dealing with the Holiday Blues
Do something symbolic: find a unique way to remember your loved one, hang a stocking, make a charitable donation, hang an ornament, put a wreath on the grave or light a special candle not in memory of the death, but in celebration of the life and love shared.
Be patient: know that hardly anyone is as happy as we think they are. We all have hurts to bear even though in our “busyness” it may not seem so. There are lots of lonely people and charitable organizations that could use your love, care and help.
Examine expectations: it is unrealistic to expect the holidays to be as memorable as those were in the past after any major life change. Families are encouraged to talk, agree and plan together on whether holiday traditions should be continued or altered after the death of a love one. Everything has already changed, so do not be afraid to change some traditions. You choose which ones.
Think, speak and act positively: Try to stop the negative thoughts as they begin and replace them with, “in spite of my loss, I will try to enjoy this season”. Affirmative thoughts open the door to a season of hope and pleasure, not despair and pain.
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CEO Column:
A Season of Extra Caring and Kindness
By: CEO Barb Mildon
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Each month, CCCKL circulates a multicultural calendar marking all of the special days commemorated around the world. December’s calendar features many celebrations of light and historic events—from Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, to Navidades in Mexico and Puerto Rico, and Hogmanay in Scotland. Gatherings, shared meals and the exchange of gifts are common elements across almost all of the celebrations and those abiding traditions have been evident once again this year.
I have seen many examples of extra caring and kindness this holiday season. For example, CCCKL has been the recipient of thoughtful gifts from Crayola and from the Bobcaygeon Lions and Trentside Church—gifts that have enabled us to brighten the season for many individuals and families.
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Food hampers packed and ready to go at the Salvation Army |
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I am also grateful to CCCKL team members who packed food hampers at the Salvation Army Church and took personal time to deliver food and clothing to a family who had recently become homeless; ensured that a lonely, isolated senior was safe, warm and had meals on hand; and hosted special holiday gatherings for our groups, clients and caregivers filled with warmth, welcome and cheer.
While these acts of kindness and caring seem to shine more brightly in December, I know from first hand experience that they continue throughout the year. Thank you to all who work for and with CCCKL to put the “heart” into our community. I extend warmest wishes for happiness, health and fulfillment in 2023.
Warmly,
Barb Mildon
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Community Care Foundation Update
Welcome to this update from the Community Care Foundation. Our Mission is to help to build healthy communities across Kawartha Lakes by raising funds to support Community Care's range of services.
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Community Care's Foundation Holiday Appeal is Out Now! |
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Be sure to keep an eye on your mailbox as our Holiday Appeal is now being circulated! This year, our annual Holiday Appeal highlights our incredible kind-hearted, and dedicated volunteers and the Community Care programs they bring to life.
Volunteers are the essential ingredient in helping CCCKL ensure that no one gets left behind and that everyone has access to care and services that improve their health and independence. Your donation will ensure members of our community can stay connected to the volunteer-led services they need most, whether through a hot meal delivery, a friendly visit or a ride to an important appointment. Help our Community Care Volunteers give the gift of health, independence and joy to those in our community who need it.
To donate, please visit donate.ccckl.ca or give us a call at 705-324-7323 today.
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A special thank you to Economy Wheels Nissan, our Presenting Sponsor, for making this campaign possible!
**A reminder that donations need to be received or post marked no later than December 31, 2022 to qualify for a tax receipt in the current calendar year.
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Texas Burger Partners with Community Care Throughout the Holiday Season |
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Visit Texas Burger now through December 31st and show your support for Community Care! For every Texas Burger (6oz or 10oz) purchased, a dollar will go towards Community Care’s programs and services. Visit Texas Burger in Omemee located at 3 King St E, or in Lindsay at 102A William St S and grab a burger while supporting a good cause!
On behalf of all of us here at Community Care and the Community Care Foundation, we sincerely thank Andy Lang and the staff at Texas Burger for their generosity and support!
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Happy Holidays from the Foundation |
On behalf of all of us at the Community Care Foundation, we wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy holiday season and a peaceful New Year.
Though this year presented new challenges, the City of the Kawartha Lakes once again came together and supported our mission of building healthy communities through care and support. We are grateful to be a part of such a generous and caring community and are truly grateful for each person who donated and supported us this year. We thank you for your continued support and we look forward to an even bigger 2023!
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152 Angeline Street N.
Lindsay, ON K9V 4X2
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Building Healthy Communities Through Care and Support |
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