Spreading the Holiday Spirit | |
Last week, Arthur, Bill, Tony, Karl, and Wes volunteered for the Salvation Army by helping with the Kettle Bell fundraiser at Devonshire Mall. They were blown away by the generosity of the community, with people of all ages stopping by to make donations and support the cause. They all enjoyed seeing so many people getting into the holiday spirit, and were truly inspired by the kindness around them. It was a rewarding experience for everyone, and they’re excited to volunteer again next year! | |
Last month, Isaac and Dom had a blast at home, enjoying delicious pizza and decorating their home for Christmas. They really got into the holiday spirit, having fun putting up lights and festive decorations to transform their space into a holiday wonderland. It was the perfect combo of great food and holiday cheer! | |
Leaping Into New Experiences | |
Last week, Nate had a great time spending the morning jumping at Aerosports Trampoline Park. Afterward, he stopped at Qdoba for lunch, excited to try some new-to-him international foods. Trying new cuisines is one of Nathan’s goals, and he enjoyed the experience of exploring different flavors. It was a fun and fulfilling day for him! | |
Christmas Magic at Colasanti's | |
Benjamin had an amazing time during a recent trip to Colasanti's Tropical Gardens! He enjoyed a delicious lunch, did some shopping, and admired the stunning Christmas decorations. The festive atmosphere really got him into the holiday spirit, and he had a fantastic time taking it all in! | |
Recently, Janine spent some time crafting Christmas presents for her family, getting creative with personalized gifts that are sure to bring smiles this holiday season. She enjoyed every moment of the process, from selecting materials to adding special touches to each item. It was a wonderful way for Janine to show her love and thoughtfulness through handmade gifts! | |
Last Friday, Isaac volunteered his time at our agency's Holiday Charity Gift Wrapping booth. He spent his time wrapping gifts for shoppers, making sure each one looked special. Isaac’s kindness and hard work brought holiday cheer to everyone, showing the true meaning of the season—giving back and spreading joy. | |
Strikes, Spares, and Smiles | |
Dominic has been enjoying weekly bowling sessions with Pins and Pals, making it a fun and social highlight of his week. Each session is filled with laughter, friendly competition, and plenty of strikes and spares. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bond with friends and make new connections. Whether it's celebrating a perfect shot or just enjoying each other's company, these weekly bowling outings have become a cherished tradition for Dominic. | |
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Giving Tuesday is Here!
Now Through December 31, Your Donation Will Be Matched!
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Our Giving Tuesday campaign is here!
Make a real impact in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities this holiday season. Now through December 31, Libro Credit Union & Uni-fab will be matching all donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $6000!
100% of Giving Tuesday proceeds will go toward the purchase of technology, such as smartphones, tablets, apps, and wearables, to help people we support develop skills, take part in virtual supports, and stay connected with friends and family.
This year our goal is $12,000 – help us beat it!
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#WaitingToBelong - Call For Stories | |
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Did you know that in addition to the 50,000+ adults with developmental disabilities already on Ontario’s waitlist for services, approximately 3,000 more people apply each year? Shockingly, only about one-third of these applicants will receive services, while the rest are added to the waitlist. As the waitlist grows, so does the uncertainty for thousands of individuals. Help raise awareness by reposting and using the hashtag #WaitingToBelong, and please click the button below to share your story.
#WaitingToBelong #OntarioGovernment #DSsector
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Come See Us at Devonshire Mall | |
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Stop by the Community Living Essex County booth at Devonshire Mall, located next to Lululemon, now through Christmas Eve! Our dedicated volunteers are ready to wrap your gifts, making your holiday shopping easier while supporting a great cause. Special thanks to St. Clair College & the St. Clair College Alumni Association for their generous sponsorship.
Let us take care of the wrapping while you enjoy the holiday season! For more information, contact Janell Violet at jviolet@communitylivingessex.org.
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PLANS FOR DECEMBER 31, 2024?
We’ve almost made it through the month of December! Wow! Where did the time go?
When you’re tired of preparing for December 25; why not plan ahead to December 31st, 2024?
The county knows what it’s like to have younger kids as December 31st approaches. They’ve got a great idea! Take your kids to an action packed noon time party!
🎉 ‘NOON YEAR’S EVE’🎉
Why you say? It will occupy them in the morning and afternoon; they’ll be so active they’ll be very tired and… bonus for you? —They’ll be fast asleep as you celebrate the arrival of a new year - 2025 🎉
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We look forward to hearing from you as you navigate the final days of 2024.
Best holiday wishes to you and your family!
Marilyn
Ensemble Family Consultant
and the Advisory Committee
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2024 Holiday Sharing Guide | |
211 South West Region Ontario has announced the release of the 2024 Holiday Sharing Guides for Windsor and Essex County. These guides provide information on how to give help to those in need and get help during the holiday season. They include details about gift and toy programs, food drives, and community holiday meals available throughout the region. Click on the guide relevant to your area to learn how you can help or receive assistance this holiday season. | |
Order Your CLEC Merchandise Today! | |
Check out the latest offerings in our Community Living Essex County store! CLEC employees have the option of paying for items via Employee Payroll Deduction. Simply use the code EMPLOYEE and include your employee number when placing your order. We've recently restocked many items that were previously sold out! | |
Dollars and Sense Events - Save the Dates | |
The Windsor-Essex Family Network is bringing back its Dollars & Sense Events for families with a loved one who has a disability. Presented by Stephanie Dickson from Pooran Law, the free sessions will cover topics such as Alternatives to Guardianship, Estate Planning, and Home Ownership Options. These events will be held in person and via Zoom on January 22nd, March 20th, and April 10th. Key topics include ODSP, Wills, Trusts, POAs, and more. Registration details will be available after December 5, 2024. | |
Upcoming DSO Virtual Event | |
Developmental Services Ontario will be hosting a free virtual presentation about the eCLAIM process on Friday, December 13th, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This presentation will focus on how to use eCLAIM to submit invoices and receipts and receive reimbursements quickly. There will also be a question period where participants can get answers in real-time about any part of the eCLAIM process. Click the button below to register. | |
P4P Webcast: Intro to the ODSP | |
The P4P Planning Network is offering a free online webcast about the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). This program provides essential financial assistance to individuals with disabilities to cover basic living and medical expenses. Key topics will include an overview of the ODSP, how to qualify and apply, the definition of disability under the program, and how employment impacts benefits. The webcast will also cover recent changes to the program. The session is scheduled for Monday, January 8th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., followed by a live Q&A session. Participants will receive an email with the webcast link 24 hours before the event. Click the link below to register. | |
2024 Holiday Lights Guide | |
The 2024 Holiday Lights Guide provides information about all the light festivals taking place around Windsor-Essex County. This year, a free Holiday Lights Pass is being launched to guide participants to each festival—and offer them the chance to win as they explore! The Holiday Lights Pass requires no downloads; users simply register with their email and phone number to receive a text directly on their phones. Each check-in counts as another entry for a chance to win a $500.00 shopping spree at Devonshire Mall. Participants are encouraged to register for their pass now to access bonus draws and the opportunity to win exclusive prizes from the proud sponsors of Bright Lights Windsor! Click the button below to get started. | |
The 28th Annual McGregor Community Christmas Turkey Dinner will be held on Sunday, December 22nd, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the McGregor Columbian Club. This festive, dine-in-only event, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and served by the Squirettes of Mary, offers a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings, including mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, salad, rolls, cranberry sauce, and dessert. There is no charge for the dinner, though donations are gratefully accepted. Santa Claus will also be onsite for photos. Reservations can be made online by clicking the button below and filling out the form, or by calling Rose Renaud at 519-919-5318. Home delivery is available for those unable to attend. | |
Outdoor Skating at Lanspeary Lions Rink | |
Join the fun this winter with Outdoor Skating at Lanspeary Lions Rink, running from December 1st to January 5th. The rink offers free public skating, with special hours during the holidays and extended hours from December 26th to January 5th. Skating is available for all ages, including Parent & Tot Skating on Mondays and Adult Skating on Tuesdays. Regular public skating hours are Monday to Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Rentals are also available, and reservations can be made by calling 519-253-2300. Come enjoy a fun, free winter activity at Lanspeary Park! For more details, click the button below. | |
St. Clair College Music Theatre Performance Students Present: Hollywood Holidays | |
Celebrate the magic of the season with Hollywood Holidays, a dazzling musical experience at the Chrysler Theatre from December 12th to 14th, 2024. This festive show features talented Music Theatre Performance Students bringing classic holiday movie songs to life, from heartwarming ballads to lively anthems. Performances will take place on December 12th and 13th at 7:30 p.m., and December 14th at 2:00 p.m. With tickets starting at $15, Hollywood Holidays is the perfect way for families and friends to get into the holiday spirit! Click the link below to purchase tickets. | |
Annual Reading of The Shepherd
| Come out for the Annual Reading of The Shepherd on Friday, December 13th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Canadian Aviation Museum. This heartwarming tradition features a special reading of the beloved story by Tony Doucette, accompanied by musical guest Keats Conlon. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season with a blend of storytelling and music. Admission is a non-perishable food item or cash donation for the CBC’s annual food drive. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event in the museum’s main hangar! | |
Get ready for a magical holiday experience at the 3rd Annual Santa’s Village & Market on Saturday, December 14th, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in downtown Essex. This family-friendly event is packed with festive fun for all ages, including cookie decorating, making reindeer food, and enjoying live music. Explore a variety of food vendors offering treats like freshly made donuts and cotton candy, as well as unique crafts and merchandise. Don’t miss the special visit to Santa’s Workshop for a photo and a gift, and be sure to catch the Santa Claus Parade at 6:30 p.m. The celebration continues after the parade with more holiday joy and shopping opportunities. Located at the Essex Centre Sports Complex, this is a must-visit event to kick off the Christmas season! | |
Willistead Manor Holiday House Tour | |
Celebrate the season with the Holiday House Tour at Willistead Manor on Sunday, December 15th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. This festive tour offers a glimpse into Willistead Manor beautifully decorated for the holidays, along with access to the new Coach House Historical Exhibition and the Friends of Willistead’s holiday display. Additional tours are available throughout December, including Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for students and seniors, and $3.00 for children under 12. Don’t miss this charming holiday tradition at Willistead Manor! | |
Join the QConnect Plus Social on Tuesday, December 17th, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Windsor Market Square. This bi-weekly social event is a great opportunity for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community aged 50 and over in Windsor-Essex to meet, enjoy activities, and connect in a welcoming space. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. For more information, click the button below. | |
A creamy, spiced tiramisu that’s packed with gingerbread flavors is the holiday dessert you must try this season! With layers of coffee and cinnamon soaked ladyfingers, molasses mascarpone, and crushed gingersnaps, this dessert is sure to be a hit at your holiday parties. | |
These No-Sew Sock Snowman Crafts are the perfect way to add a touch of winter charm to your décor all season long. Create as many as you like, each with its own unique personality! This fun craft is easy to do and uses readily available supplies. It's a great way to give new life to those lonely socks that have lost their mates. Click the button below to get crafty and bring some winter magic to your home! | |
| What’s your preferred Christmas morning activity? | | | |
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Which Christmas character do you identify with the most?
Santa Claus - 27.7%
The Grinch - 27.7%
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - 17%
Frosty the Snowman - 14.9%
Tiny Tim - 8.5%
Ebenezer Scrooge - 4.3%
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