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Caring for our Community Newsletter
February 17, 2026
| | What’s New: Events & Updates | | Northumberland truly went All In for CCN! | | |
What a night to remember!
Last Thursday, Casino Royale transformed the beautiful Capitol Theatre into a dazzling evening of glamour, fun-money casino games, lively entertainment, exciting prizes, and delicious bites by The EL-P. From the first deal to the final draw, the energy in the room was electric.
We’re incredibly grateful to our dedicated Casino Royale committee, generous sponsors, amazing volunteers, the team at the Capitol Theatre, and every guest who joined us. Your enthusiasm and support made the night truly unforgettable.
Enjoy a few highlights below, and be sure to visit our Facebook page to see the full photo album. A special thank you to our photographer, Karen Truter, for capturing the magic of the evening. Stay tuned - we’ll be sharing the big fundraising total soon!
| | Big News: Layne, The Auctionista Is Coming to Re-Imagined Handbags for Hospice | | |
Tickets for the 7th Annual Handbags for Hospice go on sale Thursday, February 19, 2026. This much-loved event returns on April 9, 2026, at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre, with tickets priced at $125.
Re-imagined for 2026, the evening blends fresh energy with fan favourites like the Golden Ticket Draw, photobooth, candy bar, mystery bags, wine wall, and live auction - plus a new mobile-friendly silent auction that lets guests bid right from their phones. Adding to the excitement, Layne, The Auctionista, will lead the powerful “Gift from the Heart” portion of the night.
All proceeds support Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre, helping provide compassionate hospice care, grief support, and end-of-life services at no cost to families.
This is one event you won’t want to miss! Mark your calendars and be ready to grab your tickets at www.handbagsforhospice.ca.
| | Our Hearts Are With Colborne | | |
We are reminded, once again, of the incredible community we are fortunate to be part of. It was heartening to see so many people donate, offer help, and provide support to those who experienced loss during the January 30 fire at the Northumberland County Housing Corporation apartment complex in Colborne.
We would like to give a proud shoutout to Donna Rusaw, Food Services Coordinator at Ed’s House, for her support of the Township of Cramahe. Donna was present at the Keeler Centre and, together with her Black Dress Catering team, provided food and warmth to displaced residents and emergency services personnel.
Please remember that we are just a phone call away if you need support. Our services include transportation, Meals on Wheels, and Grief and Bereavement support. You can reach us at 1-866-514-5774.
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Back in January, our CCN Board Chair Elaine Azzopardi hosted a Meals on Wheels Dinner Party and it was a hit!
She welcomed friends into her home to enjoy the same nutritious meals our clients receive through the Meals on Wheels program. Meaningful conversations flowed with the help of “Food for Thought” questions, and guests saw firsthand the impact of supporting this vital service.
Thanks to Elaine’s creativity and generosity, the evening raised $3,050 to help keep nourishing meals rolling out across our community. We’re so grateful for her leadership and heart.
Inspired to host your own Meals on Wheels Dinner Party? We’ve got you covered! We’ll provide the meals, invitations, conversation starters, and everything you need. Reach out to Kristin at k.andrews@commcare.ca to get started.
| | Thank you, Reilly Huffman of The Tree Medic, for taking the initiative to organize this event and for your continued support of Ed’s House. | | |
Grief is a natural response to a significant death. There is no right way to grieve and no set timetable for grieving. It is not something to be simply fixed or to “get over”.
We would be honoured to come alongside and support you in your grief journey. We have trained staff and volunteers who are available to provide:
- Grief Support Groups
- One-to-one Grief Counselling
All of our services are offered at no cost.
To inquire about grief support, please contact our Intake Coordinator at 1-855-473-8875 ext. 164
| | February: Black History Month | | |
On January 30, the Pan-African flag was raised at Victoria Hall in recognition of Black History Month. One of our Board Members, Angela Grogan, spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the importance of this month and the opportunity it creates to reflect, learn, and celebrate.
As the founder of the Northumberland Diverse People Coalition, Angela has been a powerful voice for inclusivity and the celebration of cultural diversity in our community. Her commitment to fostering understanding and unity among people from all walks of life is truly inspiring.
At Community Care Northumberland, we honour Black History Month and recognize the history, contributions, and leadership of Black communities locally and across Canada.
| | Give the Gift of Support, Service and Connection | | |
“For once, I feel in control of my own care and services. I was brought to tears knowing I am valued and have purpose.”
- WrapAround Participant
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New Year, New Connections: Make a Difference with the Volunteer Peer Support - WrapAround for Older Adults Program
Community Care Northumberland’s Volunteer Peer Support – WrapAround for Older Adults program is helping older adults feel supported, valued, and in control of their lives. Through personalized, strengths-based planning, trained volunteers walk alongside participants to build meaningful support networks, reduce isolation, and foster confidence and hope.
We are welcoming new volunteers and participant referrals for 2026. If you are looking to make a meaningful difference in the life of an older adult - or know someone who could benefit from this personalized support - learn more and get involved by visiting: https://commcare.ca/wraparound/ or contacting Kelly Peterson, Volunteer Peer Support Coordinator, at (905) 372-7356 ext. 102 or k.peterson@commcare.ca.
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New Year, New Ways to Feel Your Best!
New year, new opportunities! Start 2026 by exploring a variety of wellness classes and workshops designed to inspire and energize you. Whether you're looking to learn something new or improve your well-being, we have something for everyone.
Upcoming Workshops you don't want to miss:
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Mountain View: CCN Brighton Office - Wednesday, February 25 9:30 a.m. $25/person
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Highland Cows: CCN Brighton Office - Wednesday, March 25 9:30 a.m. $25/person
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Highland Cows: Campbellford Rotary Hall - Thursday, March 26 10:30-1 p.m. $25/person
Register by emailing wellness@commcare.ca or calling 1-866-514-5774.
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New and Returning Senior Centre Without Walls Programs Are Here!
We’re excited to start two more Senior Centre Without Walls programs designed to keep you active, engaged, and connected - all from the comfort of your home!
Bingo
Join us for a fun and interactive game of Bingo! Enjoy friendly competition, laughter, and a great way to socialize with others. No experience needed - just bring your listening ears and get ready to call out Bingo!
Chair Exercise
Stay active with our gentle Chair Exercise program, perfect for all mobility levels. These guided sessions focus on improving strength, flexibility, and balance in a safe and supportive way - all while seated.
Both programs are free to join and all you need is your phone! Come try one or both and add something fun and healthy to your weekly routine!
To register or learn more, please contact wellness@commcare.ca.
| | Refer a Friend and Win a Gift Card Winner! | | |
Sheila Irwin invited a friend to one of our Wellness classes and won a gift card to Arthur’s Pub just for spreading the word!
Invite a friend who’s new to Community Care Northumberland Wellness programs to join any art workshop or exercise class in Port Hope, Colborne, Brighton, or Trent Hills, and you could win too.
Each qualifying referral earns you one entry into our prize draw. The next draw will be in July.
For details, contact wellness@commcare.ca.
| | Volunteer With Us This New Year! | |
As we welcome the new year, we’re seeking passionate individuals who want to make a difference by volunteering with us. Whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking for a more involved role, your time and energy can help us create lasting change.
Check out https://commcare.ca/volunteer/ for all of our volunteer roles at Community Care Northumberland and contact us at volunteer@commcare.ca if you're interested!
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