Investing in Brighter Futures

Welcome to the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton’s Fall 2022 Newsletter

We hope your summer was filled with sunny days and memorable occasions with loved ones.  Thanks to your support children and youth enjoyed fun in the sun followed by amazing gifts of back-to-school supplies. The thoughtful and generous donations received over the summer were simply outstanding! Here are just a few of the 2022 back to school drive contributors: WestRock of Milton RE/MAX Escarpment Team Logue Realty Inc. of Burlington Dillon Consulting of Oakville Hopedale Presbyterian Church of Oakville Sending a BIG THANK YOU to EVERYONE who donated and for sending kids back to school with new supplies, clothing, and big smiles!

Nicole from LaSalle Dentistry of Burlington

Thank You to Our Friends at Camaraderie of Hope

Thank you to our friends at Camaraderie of Hope for selecting the CAFH as the benefiting charity for their golf tournament in June. The organizing committee (left, with members of CAFH) hosted a memorable tournament in support of the Bridging the Gap program – a true expression of camaraderie.

Youth Spotlight - Meet Jordan

Jordan became involved with Halton CAS at infancy and was adopted at two years of age. Unfortunately, due to family circumstances, at the age of 16 and in her last year of high school, Jordan found herself in need of housing and life’s basic necessities, such as food and clothing. Jordan was determined to overcome her challenges but knew she needed help. She met with Halton CAS and the Bridging the Gap (BTG) team where she found vital supports. The BTG team made sure Jordan had a comfortable place to call home and everything she needed to be healthy, safe and feel cared for by a generous and kind community. Not only did she go on to graduate high school but she also set out a plan to continue her education while feeling confident and supported.    Jordan, now 18, started the Hotel and Restaurant Management two-year diploma program at Humber College this past September. She is enjoying life in Humber residence overlooking the beautiful Humber River and adores the view of the Toronto skyline from her room. She is extremely grateful and very aware that this is all possible through a CAFH Bursary to help with tuition, meal plans, text books and equipment expenses, and the passionate work of the BTG team.   Most recently, Jordan proudly received the CAFH McPhie Award in recognition of her strong sense of determination to overcome challenges and diversity.     BTG Worker Kevin “Congratulations to a very deserving, inspirational and motivated young lady. Wishing Jordan continued success always.”   Jordan is looking forward to a bright future and plans to travel when she completes her program at Humber. She DREAMS of one day settling in Calgary, Alberta to work her way up in the hotel industry to eventually become a manager.   BTG Worker Cassie “Jordan is a wonderful youth - throughout all of her adversities, she continues to work passionately to change her story.”   Thank you for helping to give Jordan and so many others, a great new beginning.

Oktoberfest Comes to Burlington!

Experience the sights, tastes, sounds and culture of Oktoberfest traditions at the first annual Nickel Brook Brewery Oktoberfest at their brand-new location – 3426 Mainway in Burlington. John and his team at Nickel Brook Brewery would like to welcome you and your guests as they support the CAFH at what is sure to be, a wunderbar event! Saturday October 22, 2022 Doors open at 6pm Ticket price includes: main course w/ two sides, evening snacks and two drink tickets. $150 a couple ($80 single) or 10 tickets for $700 Click here to purchase tickets Featuring musical entertainment by Freedom Train!

Bikes for Kids 2022 by PACEperformance Give a Kid a Bike for Christmas!

For more than 15 years Greg Pace of PACEperformance, has led this amazing program which this year, will likely see the 1000th bike purchased for a child in need. Greg’s goal is to provide another 125 children and youth entrusted to the Halton Children’s Aid Society, with a brand new bike, helmet and lock for the holidays!  The approximate cost of the bike package is $330. Please donate what you can to the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton www.cafh.ca – click on BIKES FOR KIDS or E-transfer to foundation@haltoncas.ca You can also donate on-line at www.paceperformance.ca For more information, please contact greg@paceperformance.ca Thank you for helping to spread the joy of cycling this holiday season.

CAFH Holiday DREAMS Program

The holiday season is upon us. As you make plans with your family, friends and colleagues, please consider ways to incorporate the CAFH and help make HOLIDAY DREAMS come true for vulnerable children, youth and families receiving services through the Halton Children’s Aid Society. There are endless ways to help make the holidays memorable and happy for those who are less fortunate… host a fundraiser or do a gift card drive.  Please contact Lisa for more ideas and information Ljanssen@haltoncas.ca  Ph: 905.333.4441 ext. 0724

Financial Gifts During the holiday season, financial donations support families and youth living independently. Here are examples of what your donation can provide. $25 = stuffed holiday stocking or treats for the festive gatherings $50 = age appropriate gift or gift card for a child or youth $75 = toiletries (includes personal hygiene products, towels and laundry basket) $100 = warm clothing (winter coats, boots, hat, gloves etc.) $150 = Comfort Kit—items for children, teens and young adults who may be separated from their families, providing immediate needs and comfort during difficult transitions $200 = groceries—small family $400 = groceries—large family $500 = Life Start Kit—items for youth transitioning from foster care to independent living containing items needed to set up their new home Financial donations also help sustain the crucial programs children, youth and families rely on year round.

Gift Card Donations Gift cards help families and youth feel empowered and provide the experience of selecting their own special items. Please visit our website to see the most popular recommendations.

Thanks for warming hearts for the holidays.

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the season of giving… A time to be thankful for our family, friends, health, good fortunes and the opportunities this beautiful world offers us.

The Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton is thankful for you. With you, we provide the children and youth receiving services from the Halton Children’s Aid Society with life-changing opportunities and support that helps them develop lifelong friends and create a path to independence.  We also know that “family” means different things to many, and the meaningful relationships formed through programs funded by your kindness and generosity, help fill the void of family connections. A great example of this is the annual Thanksgiving dinner and reunion that will be enjoyed by youth and former youth in care this month. A tradition that was started 15 years ago and will, thankfully, be held in person this year! Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton!

Our work to help over 5,000 at-risk children and youth annually provides access to vital, life-changing programs, that for many, are the difference between surviving and thriving.  We are so grateful to you for supporting us, and for bringing hope to children, youth and families in need. We hope everyone is safe and healthy and we look forward to seeing you soon. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌