Welcome To Our December Newsletter | |
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Welcome to the December edition of the Community Care newsletter! In this issue we share a warm welcome to our new Hospice volunteers, offer tips on how to care for yourself during the holidays, and much more!
View the newsletter on our website
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A Holiday Message From Our CEO | |
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Looking back on 2024, it’s clear this has been an incredible year! As we reflect, we can celebrate the care we’ve provided, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the new offerings we’ve introduced. For me, this time of year brings out a profound sense of community.
Recently, CCCKL participated in four local parades—Lindsay, Bobcaygeon, Fenelon Falls, and Woodville—and it was inspiring to witness the vibrant community spirit on full display, with hundreds, if not thousands, coming together to celebrate. That same spirit shines through in the generosity of groups like the Bobcaygeon Settlers Village Quilting Guild and the Lindsay Quilting Guild. These incredible groups quilted and donated placemats, ensuring our Meals on Wheels and Adult Day Program clients have a special place at the table this holiday season.
The sense of community also comes alive in heartfelt gestures like the letters received from the 100 Kids Who Care, bringing smiles to the seniors who participate in our programs. These multi-generational acts of kindness are just a glimpse of what makes the City of Kawartha Lakes so extraordinary.
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Since 1985, CCCKL has been built on the foundation of “neighbours helping neighbours,” and we are truly grateful for the way you embrace and embody this core value. A heartfelt thank you to the residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes for your care and compassion—it’s because of you that we continue to thrive.
When we come together as a community, we achieve incredible things. For nearly 40 years, CCCKL has been a testament to this, and 2024 was no exception. I am immensely grateful for our dedicated staff and volunteers who make it all possible. With over 350 volunteers, CCCKL reaches across our vast geography in pursuit of providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Your dedication is truly inspiring!
These examples are just a few highlights; acts of kindness and care occur every day, all year long. This unwavering generosity is what makes our community so special. To our community partners, volunteers, staff, and clients—thank you for working together to build a place we are proud to call home.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season! Here’s to a new year ahead, filled with opportunities to achieve amazing things together.
Best Wishes,
Ryan Alexander, CEO Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes
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Welcome to Our New Hospice Volunteers | |
We are excited to share that six people have completed the 30 hour Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) Core Training program, officially beginning their journey as Hospice Volunteers.
While every new group brings its own unique dynamic, this cohort grew steadily in connection and confidence as the sessions progressed. Through thoughtful discussion and a shared commitment to making a difference, they embraced the training with open minds and hearts, building the foundation for their roles in supporting clients and families.
We look forward to seeing the positive impact these volunteers will bring to Hospice Services. Thank you for stepping forward to provide care, compassion, and connection to our community.
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If you would like to share your story for use in our communications efforts, please reach out to communications@ccckl.ca | |
Teri's Excellent Adventure | |
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Wellness Program Holiday Break
Please note that our Wellness programs are taking a break over the holidays. This includes SAGES, Falls Prevention Exercise Classes, Weekly Wellness, Pickleball and Walk the Halls. No Wellness Programs will run between December 23rd until January 3rd. We are excited to welcome everyone back the week of January 6th 2025!
Please also note that as we head further into the winter months, Wellness Programs may be cancelled due to inclement weather. We will post program cancellations on our social media channels so make sure you’re following us!
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Wellness Program Changes
Lindsay SAGES has transitioned to in-person instruction with a new time! Starting Wednesday, January 8th, 2025 Stay Fit will run every Wednesday from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm. Equipment is provided and pre-registration is required.
Our Ease into Strength and Balance also has a new time starting Wednesday, Jan 8th from 1:15 – 2 pm. Pre-registration required.
To learn more about either of these exercise classes or to register, visit our website using the button below.
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Christmas Day Meals on Wheels Deliveries | |
A Full House at our Diners Clubs! | |
Our holiday Diners Clubs were in full swing this month, with all seats filled at each of our locations! Many locations even had a waiting list. On the menu this month was a full Christmas dinner with all the fixings. It's no wonder we reached capacity!
The Diners Club team would like to extend a tremendous thank you to colleagues that offered to help out at our Bobcaygeon luncheon this month. Thanks to this dream team our clients dined on a delicious homemade Christmas dinner and left our Diners Club nourished and happy!
Even though our holiday meals are coming to a close, there are still great meals on offer in the new year. Check out our January Diners Club menu below or visit our website to register and save your seat!
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Spreading Holiday Cheer at our Nutrition and Adult Day Programs | |
Our Nutrition and Adult Day Programs have been showered with an outpouring of support this holiday season, with many thoughtful gifts and donations being provided from caring members of our community.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Carol Woodward from Fenelon Falls for donating a number of quilts for our ADP clients. These quilts will be used to keep our clients comfy and cozy at all three of our ADP sites.
We would also like to say thank you to the Bobcaygeon Settlers Village Quilting Guild and Lindsay Quilting Guild for their generous donations of quilted placemats that have been provided to Meals on Wheels and Adult Day Program clients.
A tremendous thank you as well the 100 Kids Who Care who have provided thoughtful Christmas cards for our Meals on Wheels and Adult Day Program clients. Our neighbours at Crayola have also provided a generous donation of tree ornaments and datebooks for all clients at our ADP.
A warm thank you to all the friends of Community Care that have come together to make the season bright for our clients!
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Caring for Yourself During the Holidays | |
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Holidays are usually times filled with memories of those with us as well as those that have passed, and you may feel especially tender and vulnerable during this time of year. Consider making time for yourself and your memories as a part of new holiday traditions. Caring for yourself can be another way of honouring the person who died.
Many times, the more we need to take care of ourselves, the less we do it. You may notice that you have been ignoring your own health or don't care very much about yourself; or you may believe that you don't deserve self-care. If you have a physical problem brought on by stress or an emotional reaction, try to pay attention to it.
Grief at any time is tiring and challenging. When special days and holidays approach, you may need to pay more attention to yourself and ask, "What do I most need now?"
Tips from Other Bereaved People
- Rest. Slow down or stop. Grieving requires a lot of energy.
- Balance time alone and time with others.
- Eat foods and drink fluids that are healthy.
- Trust yourself. Be guided by your own instincts.
- Spend time in nature or take a walk outside around the block.
- Connect with a new or old friend for lunch, a movie or a walk.
- Simplify daily life and responsibilities whenever and wherever you can.
- Be gentle, patient and tolerant with yourself. Take it one-step at a time.
Expect your feelings to change, perhaps without much warning. There may be times when you feel sad, angry or frustrated. You may feel loneliness or longing for the person who has died. At other times, you may experience joy and laughter or enjoy yourself for a few moments and then feel guilty. Remind yourself that this is part of the healing process. Try to make room for your feelings, whatever they may be.
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Tips on Dealing with the Holiday Blues
Do something symbolic: Find a unique way to remember your loved one, hang a stocking, make a charitable donation, hang an ornament, put a wreath on the grave or light a special candle not in memory of the death, but in celebration of the life and love shared.
Be patient: Know that hardly anyone is as happy as we think they are. We all have hurts to bear even though in our "busyness" it may not seem so. There are lots of lonely people and charitable organizations that could use your love, care and help.
Examine expectations: It is unrealistic to expect the holidays to be as memorable as those in the past after any major life change. Families are encouraged to talk, agree and plan together on whether holiday traditions should be continued or altered after the death of a love one. Everything has already changed, so do not be afraid to change some traditions. You choose which ones.
Think, speak and act positively: Try to stop the negative thoughts as they begin and replace them with, "In spite of my loss, I will try to enjoy this season". Affirmative thoughts open the door to a season of hope and pleasure, not despair and pain.
For more tips on taking care of yourself during the holidays, check out the latest What Now? podcast from Hospice Peterborough. This month's topic is Finding Light in the Holidays.
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Volunteer Education Opportunity
“Adjusting to A New Normal”
Jan. 3rd at 10:00 -11:00 a.m.
21 Angeline St. N, Lindsay
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CCCKL Volunteer Services is pleased to introduce Manley Lavender, a man diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, Rare Muscle Disease & Peripheral Neuropathy. An inspiration to many, his story will reflect upon the losses and learning that come with a life changing diagnosis.
You are invited to join your fellow volunteers to learn and be inspired by a local community member as he shares his story of overcoming adversity.
The seminar is open to all active CCCKL volunteers. Contact volunteerservices@ccckl.ca to register, or click the button below to learn more about the seminar.
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Handbags for Health Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for active CCCKL volunteers to assist with our upcoming Handbags for Health fundraiser event on February 7th. Join us and help us make this a fun and successful event!
Interested volunteers can reach out to our Volunteer Services team!
Visit www.ccckl.ca/handbags-for-health to learn more about the event.
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Participate in Statistics Canada's Study on Living with a Life-limiting Illness: Access to Care and Related Experiences | |
RogersTV Pickleball Feature | |
We would like to give a big thank you to RogersTV for spending the day with us earlier this year to check out our Pickleball program!
Pickleball, which is a blend of tennis, ping-pong and badminton, has become very popular and we’re happy to offer a year-round opportunity to play within our community. People of all ages are invited to our indoor court to experience “the greatest game with a strange name” for themselves!
Check out the video below!
| Ready to join us? Visit our website to view our Pickleball schedule! | | |
Make Every Day Better with Community Care | |
Community Care Foundation Update
Welcome to this update from the Community Care Foundation. Our Mission is to help to build healthy communities across Kawartha Lakes by raising funds to support Community Care's range of services.
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Mark your calendars for February 7th, 2025—it’s time to sparkle, shop, and support at Handbags for Health! Hosted by the Community Care Foundation at the Victoria Park Armoury, this fun-filled evening is all about rocking your favorite pink accessories while making a meaningful impact.
Bring your best pink purse, slip into something fabulous, and let’s raise funds for health and wellness in style. Because when we all come together, we can make a pretty big difference!
To purchase tickets, visit www.handbagsforhealth.ca today and remember – tickets sell out fast, so be sure to purchase yours today!
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On Behalf of the Community Care Foundation... | |
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CARE FOR ALL AGES
We're here to help
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