Welcome To Our May Newsletter | | |
Welcome to the May edition of the Community Care newsletter! In this issue we start the countdown to Hike for Hospice, honour a local War II veteran with a special ceremony, and much more!
View the newsletter on our website
| | Hike for Hospice is Just Days Away! | | |
We're just a few days away from our 21st annual Hike for Hospice — and we’d love for you to be part of this meaningful day!
On Sunday, June 1, lace up your shoes and join us at our new location at 21 Angeline Street North in Lindsay as we walk in memory, in honour, and in support of those in our community facing life-limiting illness and grief.
🕚 Registration opens at 11:00 AM
🎤 Opening ceremonies begin at 1:00 PM
This family-friendly event includes refreshments, giveaways, and a special moment of remembrance. Can’t be there in person? You can still participate by choosing to “Hike Where You Are”!
Every dollar raised stays local to support Community Care’s no-cost hospice and bereavement services. Help us make a difference—register, donate, or learn more at www.hikeforhospice.ca.
| We are incredibly grateful to our generous event sponsors whose support helps make this day—and the vital work of hospice care—possible. | | | Get Your Summer 50/50 Tickets! | |
Honouring Ernie Wiles
A WWII Veteran and True Canadian Hero
| | |
This month at Community Care, we had the great privilege to celebrate Ernest 'Ernie' Wiles, a 99-year-old WWII veteran whose lifelong service and sacrifice have touched countless lives — both here at home and across the world.
Ernie’s courage and compassion know no bounds. A decorated veteran, he was recently chosen as one of Canada’s delegates to attend the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands — a testament to the impact he made in helping restore freedom and dignity to those living under occupation.
But Ernie’s bravery didn’t end with the war. In more recent years, he contacted Community Care’s Elder Advocate, Tammy Brydon, to help protect a loved one facing neglect and financial abuse, advocating fiercely to ensure their safety and independence. It’s just one of many ways he lives out our philosophy of neighbour-helping-neighbour — whether that neighbour is close to home, or across an ocean.
We were honoured to welcome Jamie Schmale, MP at the ceremony, where he presented Ernie with a certificate of recognition for his extraordinary contributions to Canada.
Ernie reminds us all that courage isn’t just found on the battlefield — it’s found in everyday acts of care, integrity, and standing up for what’s right.
| | Please join us in extending heartfelt thanks to Ernie for his service and the powerful example he sets for us all. | | Palliative Care Community Team Celebrates 10th Anniversary | | |
In the middle of our 40th anniversary celebrations at Community Care, we also marked another important milestone this month. Our Palliative Care Community Team (PCCT) celebrated its 10th anniversary!
Celebrated during National Hospice Palliative Care Week, we invited past and present team members, partners, and friends to gather and reflect on a decade of supporting individuals and families through life-limiting illness. Guests helped commemorate the milestone by adding their thumbprint to a canvas painting of a tree — a beautiful symbol of growth, connection, and the many hands that have shaped this work over the years.
For 10 years, the PCCT has been a steady and compassionate presence for individuals and families facing life-limiting illness. From the continuous guidance of our Clinical Nurse Navigator to the heartfelt support of our trained volunteers and Supportive Care Counsellor, the PCCT ensures no one has to walk this journey alone.
Together, we help ease the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of serious illness with dignity, connection, and care. Please join us in thanking all the hands and hearts that have helped contribute to a decade of making a difference. 💜
If you would like to learn more about our PCCT team and Hospice Services, please visit www.ccckl.ca/hospice or call us at 705-324-7323 ext. 550.
| | |
Community Kitchen
Cook, Share, and Support Your Community
You're invited to join us for our upcoming Community Kitchen sessions! Come together in our community kitchen at 21 Angeline St. N. in Lindsay to prepare delicious soup alongside community partners using fresh, local produce.
Participants will take home some of the soup they help make and also contribute to meals that will be shared with others in our community.
📅 Upcoming Sessions:
• Monday, June 10 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Monday, July 8 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
• Monday, July 22 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Spaces are limited—register soon and be part of this rewarding experience!
Contact us at wellness@ccckl.ca or call 705-324-7323 ext. 181 to learn more!
| | | |
Regain Strength and Confidence with TIME Exercise Classes
We are offering Together in Movement and Exercise (TIME) classes this summer—designed specifically for individuals experiencing balance or mobility challenges. Whether you're living with a neurological condition, recovering from surgery, or facing age-related mobility concerns, TIME provides a supportive space to improve strength, coordination, and confidence.
Led by trained instructors, these functional movement classes run from July 7 to August 27 at 21 Angeline St. N., Lindsay.
📅 TIME Class Schedule:
• Mondays | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
• Wednesdays | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Pre-registration is required.
To register, email wellness@ccckl.ca or call 705-324-7323 ext. 181.
Take a step toward improved mobility—join us for TIME this summer!
| | | |
Nordic Pole Walking is Back!
Get ready to step into spring—Nordic Pole Walking is back for the season in Lindsay and Bobcaygeon!
This fun, low-impact activity uses 90% of your body’s muscles and burns more energy than regular walking, making it a fantastic way to stay active and social.
Our free sessions are led by certified instructors, and whether you bring poles or prefer to walk without them, everyone is welcome to join!
📅 Nordic Pole Walking Schedule:
Nayoro Park, Lindsay
- Friday and Tuesday mornings, 9AM - 10AM
-
NEW! Tuesday evenings, 6PM - 7PM
Wilderness Park, Bobcaygeon
- Tuesday mornings, 9AM - 10AM
Visit www.ccckl.ca/walking-programs or call us at 705-324-7323 ext. 181 to learn more and register!
| | |
Spotlight on Wellness:
Exploring Intuitive Eating and Intentional Living
| |
As part of our Wellness Connections program this month, we were thrilled to welcome Danielle from InSagesse Wellness, who shared an empowering message with our wellness clients about breaking free from diet culture and embracing intuitive, guilt-free living. The session focused on helping women reconnect with their bodies through intuitive eating and intentional choices—nourishing themselves both on and off the plate to reclaim energy and confidence.
Our Wellness Connections Program offers the opportunity to explore healthy lifestyle changes, discover local resources, and connect with community-based supports that promote aging well. We’re proud to bring meaningful, engaging sessions like this one to inspire wellness at every stage of life. Thank you Danielle for sharing such a powerful message with our clients.
Want to learn more and join us for future Wellness Connections sessions? Visit www.ccckl.ca/weekly-wellness or give us a call at 705-324-7323 ext. 181 to sign up today!
| | | The month of May brought several important awareness days and weeks — each one recognizing the care, skill, and compassion our staff and volunteers show every day in support of our community’s health and well-being. | | |
Doctor’s Day
May 1
We kicked off the month by recognizing Doctor’s Day — a time to thank physicians for their vital role in caring for our communities. A heartfelt thank you to all CCCKL physicians for the compassion and expertise you bring to your work every day!
| |  | |
National Hospice Palliative Care Week
May 4–10
This week was a special opportunity to honour those supporting individuals and families through life-limiting illness and grief. A sincere thank you to our Hospice Services team for your unwavering presence and care.
| | | |
National Nursing Week
May 12–18
National Nursing Week honours the incredible impact nurses have in our communities. At CCCKL, our nurses are at the heart of compassionate, person-first care. Thank you for your dedication, empathy, and the essential role you play in building a healthier community every day.
| | | |
Personal Support Worker Day
May 19
Personal Support Worker Day is our chance to shine a spotlight on the remarkable PSWs who help clients live safely and with dignity in their own homes. Your strength, kindness, and commitment make a lasting difference — and we are so grateful for all you do.
| | | Join Us in Making Every Day Better | | |
At Community Care, every role is a chance to create real, lasting change. Whether you’re lending your time as a volunteer or building a career in care, you become part of something bigger—a community rooted in compassion, connection, and hope. If you’re looking for purpose and the opportunity to truly make a difference, we invite you to explore our current openings.
Together, we can make every day better!
| |
Dear Community Care
A Heartfelt Brochure from Young Rachel
| | |
We want to hear from you!
We want to hear how our services have impacted your quality of life in Kawartha Lakes. If you have any reflections, stories or photos you would like to share to help celebrate our 40th anniversary, please reach out to communications@ccckl.ca or mail your handwritten letters to
Communications
Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes
21 Angeline St. N.
Lindsay, ON
K9V 5B7
We'll be featuring selected stories across our platforms and celebrating the powerful impact we’ve made together over the years.
Your story is an essential part of our history, and we can't wait to hear from you!
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.
Here’s to 40 years of serving our community, and to many more years of care.
| | |
As part of our 40th anniversary, we’re flipping through the archives—and look what we found!
In this snapshot from our May 1995 newsletter, our founding CEO, Valmay Barkey, shares her reflections on the need for Home Support Services in Kawartha Lakes and her first 10 years at Community Care.
| | | Connecting through Grief at I.E. Weldon's Mental Health Fair | |
June Diners Club Menu
Let's Do Lunch!
| | Reserve a spot at our Diners Club this month! | | Meet Our Board of Directors! | | |
Wesley Letsholo, a dedicated member of our Board of Directors at the Community Care Foundation, recently shared what it’s like to be part of the Board that oversees and stewards the funds raised for Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes. Check out his video below!
We are currently looking for compassionate, community-minded individuals like Wesley to join our Board. As a Board member, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact and help guide the future of care and support services across Kawartha Lakes.
| | |
CARE FOR ALL AGES
We're here to help
| | | | |
