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Caring for our Community Newsletter
January 15, 2026
| | What’s New: Events & Updates | | Weather Update: All Exercise & Fall Prevention Classes Cancelled Today | | Sean Carthew Takes the Stage for Casino Royale! | | |
We’re thrilled to welcome Sean Carthew as our emcee for Casino Royale on February 12 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Hope!
Bringing his signature wit, warmth, and showmanship, Sean is a natural storyteller with a background in theatre and writing and a talent for keeping the energy high and the crowd engaged.
A familiar and much-loved face in our community, Sean has played a key role in countless local fundraisers, comedy nights, and game show events, always upping the ante with his humour and heart. He’s also the creative force behind the beloved Fête en Rose during the Port Hope Salmon Run each September.
We couldn’t be more excited to have Sean leading the evening as we raise spirits, build momentum, and come together in support of Community Care Northumberland.
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Handbags for Hospice - April 9
Mark your calendars! Handbags for Hospice is happening on April 9, 2026, at the Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn and Convention Centre.
We can’t wait to reveal more details and exciting news with you soon!
| | Tinsel Town Christmas Taproom Raises $12,592.50 for CCN! | | |
From November 28 to December 20, a beloved spot in Cobourg welcomed guests to a holiday pop-up bar in support of Community Care Northumberland.
The Tinsel Town Christmas Taproom raised an incredible $12,592.50!
This generosity means we can provide over 1,200 Meals on Wheels or 80 essential rides for neighbours in need.
A huge thank you to Lindsay Edwards and her NOCO Realty team, Jenna Campbell of George & Orange, Amanda da Silva from THE EL, and all the volunteers who made this magical event possible!
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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
| | Attention CCN Volunteers! | | |
Are you currently in a caregiving role - looking after a family member, partner, or close friend? We want to hear from you.
Our Hospice Services team is exploring the development of a new Caregiver Program, with the potential to launch in late winter or early spring. At this time, our priority is to support CCN volunteers first, as we recognize that many of you are caregiving alongside your volunteer roles - or have needed to pause volunteering due to the significant responsibilities caregiving can bring.
We are seeking your input on the types of workshops, groups, and educational opportunities that would be most helpful to you. Some examples include:
- Your wellbeing: spiritual and emotional support
- Advanced care planning
- Self-exploration (journaling, drawing, open conversation)
- Understanding care at end of life
- Supporting a loved one with dementia and coping strategies
This program would be facilitated by Katie Stevenson, Hospice Services Coordinator, with the potential for additional experts to speak on topics that matter most to you.
If you are interested, please email Katie at kstevenson@commcare.ca to share:
- Your interest in the program
- Topics you’d like to learn more about or participate in
- Or simply your desire to connect with other caregivers
We are open to offering groups in various locations across the county as well as online, when possible.
Thank you for all that you do - for CCN and for those you care for.
| | A Magical Visit at Ed's House! | | Santa and Mrs. Claus made a special visit to Ed’s House on Christmas morning! A heartfelt thank you to Tiffany, one of our amazing Kitchen Volunteers, and her husband Claude for bringing this festive magic to life for our staff, residents, and their loved ones. | | |
In late November, Katie, our Hospice Services Coordinator, was invited by a longtime volunteer to speak to her local Probus group about the Visiting Hospice Program. Addressing an audience of 105 Probus members, Katie provided a meaningful glimpse into the vital role our community hospice volunteers play in supporting clients and their families at end of life.
During the presentation, Katie explained how the role of the Hospice Services Coordinator is to support, educate, and build confidence in volunteers as they walk alongside families during this important time. She highlighted the compassion, presence, and dedication that define hospice volunteering and the difference it makes in our community.
The presentation was very well received, generating thoughtful discussion and strong interest. As a result, recommendations have already been shared with other local Probus chapters for further presentations - helping spread awareness of hospice services and the invaluable contribution of our volunteers.
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Advanced Care Planning (ACP) is a hot topic and Community Care Northumberland is offering opportunities to help you understand this important issue.
What is involved in ACP? It is about choosing future treatments and preparing for health care decisions in case you can’t speak for yourself.
What will you learn? You gain an understanding of how Ontario law governs consent to care, the importance of identifying a Substitute Decision Maker, appointing a Power of Attorney for Personal Care, and sharing your values, wishes and beliefs to guide future care decisions.
We have provided the flyer for the February 10th Workshop that is being held at Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre. If you are unable to attend, other sessions are available listed below:
- January 21 @ Cobourg Community Centre
- January 29 @ St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Cobourg
- February 10 @ CCN Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice
- February 12 @ Cobourg YMCA
- February 19 @ Campbellford YMCA
- March 6 @ Cobourg Public Library
| | Give the Gift of Support, Service and Connection | | Brighton Volunteers Made the Holidays Brighter | | |
This year, we did things a little differently in Brighton!
While our Hot Meals on Wheels delivery is usually on pause for two weeks over the holidays, our incredible kitchen volunteers and drivers came together to make sure clients still received a hot holiday meal.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this possible - your kindness truly warmed hearts and plates!
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“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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Whale Tail Painting: CCN Brighton Office - Friday, January 23 12:30 p.m. $30/person
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Polar Bear Star Gazing: CCN Brighton Office - Wednesday, January 28 9:30 a.m. $25
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Polar Bear Star Gazing: Campbellford Rotary Hall - Thursday, January 29 10:30-1 p.m. $25/person
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Heart Pendant Pour: Campbellford Rotary Hall - Monday, February 9 10-12 p.m. $15/person
Register by emailing wellness@commcare.ca or calling 1-866-514-5774.
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Important Wellness Update!
All workshops and exercise classes will require prepayment at the time of registration. Payments can be made by cash, cheque, or credit card, and will be processed one week before the session start. After this time, payments are non-refundable. If a session is cancelled, all payments will be returned. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. For any questions, please contact the Wellness Team at wellness@commcare.ca or call 1-866-514-5774.
| | Refer a Friend and Win a Gift Card! | | |
Invite your friends to join any Wellness Art Workshop or Exercise Class in Port Hope, Colborne, Brighton, or Trent Hills through Community Care Northumberland - and you could win a gift card!
How it works:
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Your friend must be new to Community Care Northumberland Wellness programs.
- They must mention your name when registering.
- They must attend at least one class.
Each qualifying referral earns you one entry into our prize draw. Draws take place twice a year: in December and June.
For more information, 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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