Welcome To Our November Newsletter | | |
Welcome to the November edition of the Community Care newsletter! In this issue we again partner with 100 Kids Who Care for their annual Kindness Cards Campaign, share highlights from our holiday movie fundraiser, and much more!
View the newsletter on our website
| | In Loving Memory of Kerry Polito | | |
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Kerry Polito. Kerry devoted her life to nursing for many years, including more than 10 years of dedicated service here at Community Care. She was a trusted teammate and a source of comfort and strength to everyone around her.
Kerry cared deeply for her patients, her coworkers, and her community. Many considered her a “work mom,” always looking out for others and leading with compassion, respect, and dignity. Her kindness and empathy touched countless lives, both within our walls and beyond.
Organized and dependable, Kerry kept everything running smoothly and made sure her patients always received the best care possible. She was proud to serve the residents of her community and gave her very best every single day. Her knowledge, professionalism, and gentle heart set an example for us all.
We will miss her loving presence and her warm smile. Kerry brought light and comfort to even the toughest days, and her legacy of care and compassion will continue to guide us.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Kerry’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She will forever be part of our story and our hearts.
| | | 100 Kids Who Care: Kindness Cards Campaign | | |
We’re proud to once again partner with 100 Kids Who Care for their annual Kindness Cards Campaign, now in its 5th year. Each holiday season, local children create thoughtful cards, colouring sheets, and crafts that are delivered to seniors in our community — spreading joy, connection, and a little extra cheer when it’s needed most.
These heartfelt creations are shared with Meals on Wheels recipients through Community Care, as well as seniors living in local long-term care and retirement homes.
Families are invited to take part by creating a holiday card and dropping it off at one of three partner locations: RWH Construction, Fresh FueLL, or Tradewind Toys & Gifts.
You can visit www.100kidskawarthalakes.com to learn more or to download a colouring sheet!
Cards can be dropped off before December 11.
Thank you to 100 Kids Who Care and all the young artists helping make the season brighter for our clients!
| | | Thank you for Sharing a Merry Movie & Magical Moments With Us! | | |
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our Merry Movie & Magical Moments fundraiser at Century Cinemas 3, presented by Mariposa Dairy. From the festive treats to the screening of Elf, it was a morning filled with laughter, holiday spirit, and community connection — all in support of the programs that care for our neighbours year-round.
Thanks to the generosity of the movie-goers and our sponsors, we raised nearly $5000 in support of Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes! Your participation helps ensure that essential programs and services remain strong for those who rely on them.
Thank you for kicking off the Christmas season with us and helping make this fundraiser such a magical success!
Missed the event but still want to make a donation? Visit donate.ccckl.ca to help support Community Care programs in Kawartha Lakes.
| | Win Big and Show You Care! | | |
Tickets: 1 for $5 | 5 for $10 | 20 for $20 | 100 for $50
Get your tickets now at lottery.ccckl.ca or visit the Community Care Foundation office (152 Angeline St. N., Lindsay – back entrance); or call us at (705) 324-7323 ext. 8.
Open to anyone 18+ living in Ontario — so spread the word!
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Stay Connected With the Community Care Foundation
Have you signed up for the Community Care Foundation newsletter yet?
Keep up to date with Foundation news, including 50/50 draws, special events, community fundraisers, and more.
Don’t miss out ! Sign up today to stay in the loop!
| | | Remembering Victoria Booth | |
Hospice Memorial Service
Submitted by Sharon Yeo, Hospice Manager
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On November 19, our community once again gathered for the Hospice Services Annual Memorial Service — an evening filled with warmth, reflection, and heartfelt connection. Each year, this ceremony offers a tender space for families, friends, volunteers, and staff to honour the loved ones who continue to shape our lives with their memory.
Held at Celebrations, the room was filled with soft music, quiet conversation, and the kind of shared understanding that requires no words. As names were spoken aloud and symbolic leaves were added to our Remembrance Tree, the space seemed to hold both the sorrow of loss and the enduring love that remains.
This year, we were grateful to welcome two very special guests: Winter and Nala, St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs, whose gentle presence brought comfort, ease, and many much-needed moments of warmth throughout the evening. Their quiet companionship reminded us that support comes in many forms — sometimes furry, four-legged, and full of unconditional reassurance.
As we closed the night, we were reminded of a truth we see every day in Hospice work:
Grief is not a straight path. It twists, it turns, it circles back when we least expect it — and that’s okay.
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Whether you are stepping onto this path for the first time or returning to parts of it again, please know you don’t walk it alone. We are here — steady, patient, and present — to walk beside you.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, to our volunteers and staff who make this gathering possible each year, and to all who continue to entrust us with their stories of love and loss. Your presence makes this evening not just a ceremony, but a community of care.
At Hospice Services, we are here to help. When you reach out, you'll find a caring environment, specialized programs, and compassionate professionals ready to guide you through life's most difficult moments. For more information, please visit our website at www.ccckl.ca/hospice or call us at 705-324-7323 ext. 550.
| | Holiday Fundraisers in Support of Community Care | | This season, our community is helping spread holiday cheer while raising funds to support essential programs at Community Care. From festive treats to musical celebrations, we’re grateful for the community spirit that lifts up our neighbours when they need it most. Check out upcoming holiday fundraisers below! | |
Kawartha Concert Band Presents:
A Winter Dawn
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Time is running out to grab your tickets!
Get into the holiday spirit with the Kawartha Concert Band’s concert, A Winter Dawn!
Enjoy an evening of seasonal music and community celebration while supporting a great cause. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes.
📅 Saturday, December 13, 2025
🕖 7:00 p.m.
📍 Cambridge Street United Church, 61 Cambridge St. N., Lindsay
🎟️ Tickets: $25
Email info@kawarthalakesconcertband.com to reserve your tickets, or purchase them at the door.
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St. Dave’s Diner Holiday Bake Sale
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Get into the holiday spirit with a sweet treat for a great cause! St. Dave’s Diner is hosting a Holiday Bake Sale from December 1 to 24, with proceeds supporting Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes.
Each week will feature a new rotation of goodies — so be sure to stop by, sample something delicious!
This week’s treats include:
- Sugar Cookies
- Cranberry Blondies
- Brownies
- Blueberry Muffins
Thank you to St. Dave’s for sharing the holiday cheer and supporting care in our community!
| | | November is Fall Prevention Month | | Each November, Fall Prevention Month raises awareness about the important steps to take to prevent falls to support safer, stronger communities. | | | |
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This month highlights the important truth that most falls are preventable. By staying active and learning safe movement strategies, older adults can maintain their independence and help to avoid serious injury.
In Ontario, the numbers tell the story. In 2021, adults aged 65–74 had 3,333 emergency department visits and 528 hospitalizations per 100,000 people due to falls.
Our Falls Prevention Exercise Classes are designed to change that. These free programs help older adults strengthen muscles, improve balance, and build confidence. Pre-registration is required.
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Together, we can prevent falls and support healthy aging in Kawartha Lakes.
To learn more or to register for a class, contact Community Care at 705-324-7323 ext. 181 or visit ccckl.ca/community-based-exercise-class/
| | Check out the latest updates for our Wellness Programs! | | |
Congratulations to our Pickleball Volunteer Dan Pretorius
Earlier this month, Dan Pretorius was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Kawartha Lakes Sport and Recreation Council, which is a well-deserved honour. Dan’s dedication to our Bobcaygeon Pickleball program, and to the Community Care clients and players he supports, makes such a meaningful difference.
We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Dan and are grateful for the passion and positivity he brings to our community.
Congratulations Dan!
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Holiday Social
Join the Wellness Team for our Holiday Social on December 18th! This Holiday Social is open to volunteers, program participants, and community members. We will be watching the holiday classic The Grinch from 12:30PM – 2:30PM. Please feel free to drop-in, however if you have any questions you can call us at 705-324-7323 ext. 181
📅 Thursday, December 18th, 2025
🕝 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
📍 21 Angeline Street North, Lindsay
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Pickleball Cancellations in December
Please be advised that the Pickleball will be cancelled on the following days in December:
- Wednesday December 3rd
- Monday December 15th
All other sessions will be held as scheduled throughout December.
Interested in trying out Pickleball for yourself? Join us on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-9pm in Bobcaygeon. Everyone is welcome to attend and no pre-registration is required. Pickleball is just $3 per participant, and your first visit is free! Visit www.ccckl.ca/pickleball to learn more.
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Walk in the Halls Update
Please be advised that Walk in the Halls will be cancelled on Thursday December 4th due to a school event at LCVI. All other sessions will be held as scheduled throughout December.
Walk in the Halls is our indoor walking group at LCVI and meets throughout the winter months on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6–7 p.m. This program offers a safe, welcoming way to stay active indoors during the winter months. You can also track your steps using our pedometers! It’s a drop-in program, no pre-registration is required, and everyone is welcome. Visit www.ccckl.ca/wellness to learn more.
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Weekly Wellness: Sharing Stories and Recipes
Our next Weekly Wellness session on December 11 comes with a special invitation! Participants are encouraged to bring family stories, cherished recipes, or photos they feel comfortable sharing.
The City of Kawartha Lakes will be joining us to collect contributions for their local history project and their community recipe book. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate personal history, cultural traditions, and the memories that bring us together.
We hope to see you there, and we look forward to the stories and flavours you’ll share!
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Changes to Exercise Class Schedules This December
Please note that there are a couple changes to our exercise programs this December.
Stay Fit at the Armouries will be on December 3rd and 17th from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. After that, the program will take a winter break, returning on January 19th, 2026.
All the other Stay Fit classes and Chair Exercise classes will have a break from December 21st and will be back on January 19th. Ease into Exercise will be back January 7th.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year!
Visit our website for a full list of dates and times.
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Wellness Program Holiday Break
A friendly reminder that our Wellness Programs will be taking a short break over the holidays. There will be no wellness programming from December 22 to January 2.
We’ll be back on January 5 with a brand-new schedule — stay tuned!
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As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we’re looking back at memorable moments from past newsletters.
In November 2002, Community Care proudly launched its very first website — our big step onto the “world wide web.” It marked an exciting new way to connect with the community, share information, and expand access to our programs and services. More than two decades later, our online presence continues to grow, but this early milestone reminds us just how far we’ve come.
Take a look at the full page below and enjoy a glimpse into our roots!
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Let's Do Lunch!
Our Christmas lunches fill up fast so reserve your spot at our Diners Club today!
| | 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!
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CARE FOR ALL AGES
We're here to help
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