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Wishing you a joyful and peaceful holiday season! May this time of year, filled with the spirit of Christmas, the light of Hanukkah, and the blessings of Kwanzaa, bring warmth, love, and happiness to you and your loved ones. Happy Holidays from all of us at Community Living Essex County! Here's to a bright and fulfilling New Year.
Our Possibilities Newsletter will resume on January 9th. We’ll see you in the New Year!
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Earlier this month, Tim went on a dream trip to Los Angeles, California, to see the famous Hollywood sign! He took an all-day tour driving around LA and ended the day watching the sunset while overlooking the entire city. He did some shopping and enjoyed dining at some of the great restaurants LA has to offer. With perfect sunny weather the entire time, it was truly an experience of a lifetime! | |
Last week, Tony took part in a cookie decorating workshop at Anna's Garden, Home & Wellness. With his artistic flair, he quickly got into the creative spirit, decorating cookies with intricate designs. Tony certainly impressed with his decorating talent! | |
Spreading Joy Through Giving | |
Last Tuesday, Brigitte and Amanda, had a fantastic time volunteering at our Charity Holiday Gift Wrapping booth at Devonshire Mall. With holiday cheer in the air, they enjoyed wrapping gifts for shoppers and spreading festive spirit. Their enthusiasm and generosity made the experience even more special, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone who stopped by. It was a wonderful way to give back and get into the holiday spirit! | |
Fun, Food, and Festive Lights | |
Isaac and Dominic had a fantastic Saturday afternoon. They began by making their own homemade pizzas, enjoying the fun of cooking together. Afterward, they took a drive to Jackson Park to see the stunning Bright Lights display. The beautiful holiday lights added a magical touch to a day filled with fun, good food, and festive cheer! It was a great way to get everyone into the holiday spirit. | |
Jason recently dedicated his time to helping with Meals on Wheels, offering his support to ensure that those in need received a warm meal. His kindness and generosity made a meaningful impact, as he worked diligently to deliver meals and spread a little extra cheer to the community. Jason’s efforts are a true reflection of his commitment to giving back and making a difference in the lives of others. | |
Earlier this month, Ben volunteered with The Salvation Army's Kettle Campaign at the Superstore on Walker Road. With a smile and a bell in hand, Ben enjoyed greeting customers and encouraging donations, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all who passed by. Thanks to the generosity of the community and dedicated volunteers like Ben, the Kettle Campaign has already raised an impressive $71,332 toward its goal, helping to make the holiday season brighter for those in need. Ben’s enthusiasm and spirit truly made a difference in the success of this year’s campaign! | |
Dave and Scott took a well-deserved break after a busy day of holiday shopping last week. After tackling their gift lists, they paused to relax and recharge before heading back out to finish their festive errands. There's nothing like a little rest to keep the holiday spirit going strong! | |
2024 Jingle Bell Run a Ringing Success | |
A cheque presentation announcing the amount raised at the 2024 Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Wheel was held on Friday at Community Living Essex County with representatives from the steering committee and host sponsors Ken Knapp Ford. The presentation celebrated the 30th Anniversary of the Jingle Bell Run, Walk and Wheel, which was held on November 10th, raising a total of $9,000 in support of Community Living Essex County and the over 750 people we support across Essex County with an intellectual disability. “We want to thank Ken Knapp Ford and the event Steering Committee for their ongoing support of the event these past 30 years”, stated Karen Bolger, Executive Director of Community Living Essex County. Bolger added, “Despite the rainy weather, we were amazed to see 400 runners and walkers dressed in all types of Christmas attire come out to support this premiere community event”. Community supporters including the Town of Essex, Essex Fire and Rescue, Essex OPP, and the Essex 73’s Hockey Club were acknowledged. | |
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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 | |
Over 52,000 adults with developmental disabilities in Ontario are currently waiting for services, with some individuals having been on the waitlist for over a decade. Despite the high demand, only about a third of the 3,000 people who apply for services each year actually receive them. It's crucial to take action now by contacting your representative to advocate for change and raising awareness by reposting and using the hashtag #WaitingToBelong, and please click the button below to share your story. | |
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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New Day hosted their annual Christmas party last Friday in Kingsville. Everyone who attended had a great time. The present toss game was a huge hit, and it was great to see everyone before the holidays. | |
New Day t-shirts are now available for purchase online! This is a great way to show your support. Our shirts are only $20 and can be found on the Community Living Essex County website. Click the button below to purchase. | |
New Day wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Our next New Day meeting will be in February. Stay tuned for more details. | |
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Dearest Santa
Well… here I go again, suggesting you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard! What is it this time, you ask? Keep reading!
I’m about to write a letter to Santa 🤶🏻— for each of YOU! 🥰
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And now for my special request to FAMILIES and SUPPORT WORKERS:
Gifts we can purchase for those we care about are fine, but there is another gift that has greater meaning. What gift could that be you ask?
🎁A letter of thanks!🎁
Instead of purchasing a gift for your support workers or the person supported, please consider writing a letter expressing how much it means having either the support worker or the individual supported, as part of your life.
As a retired educator I have fond memories of parents whose children I taught, who have greeted me and told me that their greatest treasure was the thank you letter I encouraged their child to write to their parents — many, many years ago! There is power in words!
Avoid the hysteria at the mall, pull up a chair with your favourite beverage, and write a letter which will be a forever treasured keepsake. This moment will give you unimagined internal joy!
P.S. Of course you can place the letter on the top of a “small” gift 🎁. The biggest surprise will be your letter!
Best wishes for a memorable 🎄season 🥰!
Marilyn
Ensemble Family Consultant
and the Advisory Committee
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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 soon. | |
Upcoming DSO Virtual Event | |
The "Creating Your Individualized Housing and Support Plan" workshop series is a three-session virtual program designed to help individuals and families begin developing a personalized housing and support plan for those with a developmental disability. The sessions will take place on three consecutive Wednesdays, starting January 15th, with additional sessions on January 22nd and January 29th, each session starting at 1:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. This workshop series offers valuable guidance on navigating housing options and identifying the necessary support services. Participants can register through the provided link and take the first step in planning for a supported future. | |
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. | |
Experience the magic of the season at Heritage Christmas at the Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village in Kingsville, on Friday, December 20th and Saturday, December 21st. This festive event offers a chance to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and other holiday favorites, while enjoying historical holiday traditions, Christmas crafts, unique vendors, and live entertainment. The event is perfect for the whole family, with tickets priced at only $5 per person (children under 4 are free). For more details, click the button below to visit the event website. | |
The S'Aints Sleighing Hunger Fundraising Concert Returns | |
The S’Aints Sleighing Hunger Fundraising Concert returns to The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor on Friday, December 20th, at 8:00 p.m. Windsor's favorite philanthropic super-group, The S’Aints, will join forces with St. Clair College and Caesars Windsor Cares for this all-ages event aimed at sleighing hunger. The concert will feature an incredible lineup of local talent, including Jody Raffoul, Jeff Burrows, Wes Buckley, Kelly "Mr. Chill" Hoppe, and more. With their signature rock edge, The S’Aints will perform traditional holiday tunes, including those from their album Epic Christmas, making this a festive celebration the whole family can enjoy. Click the button below to purchase tickets. | |
On Saturday, December 21st, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., River Bookshop in Amherstburg is excited to host the loveable green villain, the Grinch! After a fun-filled event last year, the Grinch is back for another festive meet-and-greet. Bring the little ones to meet the Grinch and capture a special photo. This event is free and sure to bring smiles to everyone who attends. Don’t miss out on this holiday fun at River Bookshop! | |
Winter Solstice Candle Labyrinth Free Event | |
On Saturday, December 21st, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, join the Winter Solstice Candle Labyrinth event at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery. Experience a peaceful, meditative walk through a labyrinth lit by nearly 500 candles, accompanied by live crystal bowls and Gregorian chanting. At 8:30 p.m., enjoy an outdoor fire dancer performance. This free event invites donations for the Welcome Shelter for Women and offers warm drinks, seasonal treats, and wine for purchase. All are welcome to this reflective celebration of the season. | |
Harrow Kinsmen Santa Parade | |
On Saturday, December 21st, at 6:00 p.m., the 2024 Harrow Kinsmen Santa Parade will bring festive cheer to the streets of Harrow. This beloved community tradition features beautifully decorated floats, lively performers, and holiday music, all leading up to a special appearance by Santa Claus himself. A perfect family-friendly event to kick off the holiday season, the parade offers a wonderful opportunity to join in the fun and celebrate the magic of Christmas in downtown Harrow! | |
Get ready to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at the 2024 Windsor Christmas Market on Sunday, December 22nd, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The WFCU Centre (Banquet Hall). This festive event offers a variety of unique holiday shopping opportunities with local vendors, delicious treats, warm drinks, live music, and entertainment, along with special holiday activities for the entire family. Whether you're hunting for one-of-a-kind gifts, enjoying seasonal delights, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone at the Windsor Christmas Market. Admission is free, so bring your loved ones and enjoy a day of holiday cheer! | |
Delight in the artistry of Bûche de Noël, a French Christmas dessert that imitates a log. It's a magical centerpiece for your holiday table, adorned with edible decorations and a dusting of powdered sugar snow. This recipe takes some time, but it’s definitely worth it. Every piece of this dessert is edible, from the sponge cake “log” to the meringue mushrooms and candied “holly.” Top it off with some powdered sugar to create a snowy effect. It is sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering! | |
Upcycled Glass Bottle Holiday Centerpiece | |
The holiday season is in full swing! Whether you're hosting a party this December or simply looking to make your home feel extra special for your family, now is the perfect time to choose a festive centerpiece. Upcycled Christmas decorations are always a favorite, and this one is definitely a standout! A glass-bottle centerpiece, filled with seasonal greenery and berries, is a stylish and colorful addition to any holiday table. Best of all, it's incredibly easy to make—just click the button below and follow the steps. | |
| What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever received? | | | |
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What’s your preferred Christmas morning activity?
Opening presents - 51.4%
Spending time with family - 32.4%
Eating a big breakfast - 8.1%
Watching Christmas specials - 5.4%
Doing some Christmas baking - 2.7%
Listening to Christmas music – 0%
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