Community Well-Being News
November-December 2022
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As we reflect over these past several months we look to the opportunities we've had to celebrate, engage and partner with various organizations, community leaders and non-profits - all with a focus on how to continue to serve and give back to our community in new and innovative ways.
We are also thinking about how, as we approach the traditional season of giving, you're feeling about giving back? We know that some families continue to struggle and we are all facing challenges. Will this impede your ability to support your favourite charity this year? If you are in a position to give, will you be giving more, the same or less than your usual donation?
Perhaps you are considering giving back in a different way? Many organizations also rely on in-person, task-oriented volunteers as much as they appreciate monetary donations. Do you have the capacity to support local?
Today we're asking:
Will you be taking part in Giving Tuesday on November 29th and/or donating this holiday season with a monetary gift to a charity?
If so, will it be the same, smaller or larger gift than in previous years?
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Please select your response:
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Yes, similar amount as usual
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Yes, smaller amount than usual
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Yes, larger amount that usual
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No, not donating this year
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If you prefer to donate your time during the holidays OR all year long, we can help! Register with Volunteer Dufferin and start serving your community today. Opportunities abound! |
We will match you with the perfect volunteering opportunities that meet your interests, skills and comfort zone. |
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In September, we asked:
"With or without a mask, how are you now feeling about shopping, dining out, working outside of the home, interacting with large groups or volunteering within the community?"
Here's what you said:
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With flu and RSV season upon us, it remains to be seen whether anyone might change their minds!
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Have a burning question for your fellow citizens? Submit your Community Check-in Poll suggestion - a question and 3-5 possible responses - to action@headwaterscommunities.org
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Giving Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 |
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Originally conceived as an antidote to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which are celebrated with almost as much gusto as Thanksgiving Day in the U.S., Giving Tuesday began as a movement to support charitable giving with equal zest and fervour.
Did you know?
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Black Friday is thought to have its origins in Philadelphia in the late 1950's when stores, anticipating an influx of tourists for a football game after Thanksgiving, offered holiday deals and droves of shoppers turned up causing the police to describe the day as "chaos." Other references cite an economic driver, where retailers typically "in the red" throughout the year have the chance to get "in the black" due to the wave of holiday shoppers.
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Cyber Monday was coined in 2005, as a bookend to the U.S. Thanksgiving weekend, referring to the day that people typically returned to work (and high speed internet) and shopped with online retailers, who offered special promotions, discounts, and sales on this day, just as brick-and-mortar stores do with Black Friday.
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Giving Tuesday began in 2012 as "a day that encourages people to do good", and a counterpoint to the consumerism of the other two days. According to Wikipedia, it "is touted as a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world."
- Annually, according to Canada Helps, as a result of the post pandemic environment we find ourselves in, Canadians are giving less during a time when more Canadians than ever are turning to charitable organizations for help. Between 2019 and 2021, charitable giving dropped 12%.
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Fortunately however, many Canadians are still giving. Learn more about how, where and why by reading the full report available for download at The Giving Report.
These past two+ years have been hard on just about every member of our community whether monetarily, in terms of physical or mental health, lost work or lost schooling opportunities and certainly, it has also proven difficult for non-profit agencies and charities who relied extensively on volunteers and donors for support in pre-pandemic times.
We don't have all the answers but we do know this: if every one of us were able to do a little, together, so much could be accomplished!
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Looking for a different way to give?
Consider a new Advent Calendar tradition this holiday season by giving items listed on the Orangeville Food Bank's Advent Calendar.
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50% of what the food bank provides clients are perishable goods. In addition to the advent calendar, or in place of these items, you might also consider a donation of the following:
Most Needed Perishables
All perishable items must be dropped directly at the food bank with proof of purchase to ensure food is handled safely:
- Fruits (apples, oranges, pears, bananas, any seasonal fruits)
- Vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions, any seasonal vegetables)
- Dairy (milk, eggs, butter, margarine, cheese, and yogurt)
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New Volunteer Program in Caledon!
Caledon is always looking for volunteers to join their team of Health and Wellness Ambassadors!
Volunteer Ambassadors:
- Support the community outreach and engagement of the Town's Age-Friendly Action Plan.
- Connect residents with community information, resources and services in Caledon.
- Empower residents with the knowledge to help them make informed decisions.
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Ageing Well in Caledon & Dufferin (AWICD)
AWICD (pronounced A-Wicked) is a network of community agencies and organizations focusing on the empowerment and wellbeing of older adults in Caledon and Dufferin. Their mission is to enhance comprehensive community care through avenues of Communication and Awareness that support Social, Mental, Physical and Emotional health.
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They're BAAACK!
HFFA Winter Harvest Dinner Series is underway for 2023
Join us at the following Headwaters venues:
Saturday January 21, 2023 - Shelburne Golf and Country Club, Melancthon
Thursday February 23, 2023 - Mrs. Mitchell's Restaurant, Mulmur
Thursday March 23, 2023 - Mono Cliffs Inn, Mono
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Theatre Orangeville
Brings Community Together Whatever The Season
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The Last Christmas Turkey originally had its world premiere on the Theatre Orangeville stage in 2017. Returning to warm hearts once-again, and keep the whole family in stitches, the cast & crew of Turkey are hard at work in rehearsals - and getting ready to bring this holiday favourite back to the stage.
The Last Christmas Turkey runs preview shows on November 30th & December 1st, with a highly sought after Opening Night performance on Friday December 2nd. Shows run from November 30th, all the way up to December 23rd. With evening performances and matinées available, shows run Wednesday through Sunday each week. Special 'Ice Cream Sundae' matinées are almost sold out!
Support local theatre this holiday season.
You'll be glad you did!
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Passionate about books, literacy, education and equitable access for all? Check out your local library!
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Your local libraries are looking for new community members.
Terms for Library Board members run adjacent to the terms for Municipal Council Members. If you have some time and want to learn more about local library boards, their purpose and governance, visit the links below.
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HFFA Community Connectors
New Pilot Program Underway!
HFFA is a proud provider of food literacy programming, planning school gardens and promoting local food connections in the community. Past programs have included Farmer in the School and Local Food Club. Now - Headwaters Food and Farming Alliance is launching a new initiative called Community Connectors - a pilot program pairing F2S specialists with School Champions to help foster local food connections in school communities.
The pilot currently has three Farm to School specialists working with schools in the PDSB, DPCDSB and UGDSB zones and located in Caledon, Bolton, Orangeville, Shelburne, East Garafraxa and Amaranth. These Community Connectors are knowledgeable about food literacy programs, school gardens, F2S grant opportunities, and local food connections in the Headwaters region. Together with a designated School Champion, who can be a teacher, staff member or even a parent volunteer, the community connector will listen and learn about the school’s unique needs and F2S dreams. They’ll assist with booking F2S programs, introduce food literacy curriculum for the classroom, help host a fun food day event or even support a grant application for larger initiatives such as a school gardens project or applying for a Farm to Cafeteria Canada Salad Bar Grant.
“HFFA knows that the post-pandemic school environment looks a little different,” says Nicole Hambleton, Ontario Lead - Farm to School, with Sustain Ontario, “but we’re here to help you grow your farm to school ideas!”
If you’d like to learn more about this unique pilot program or join the waitlist, contact Nicole at nicole@hff.ca or visit the website here.
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A Gift of Nourishment
Purchase Pesto Pals Product...Please
In line with this publication's musings about the upcoming Giving Tuesday, and our update above concerning our Farm to School programming - we have more related happy news to share! Why not consider giving yourself, a friend or a member of your family, the gift of nourishment while also giving back to our Farm to School programs in Dufferin and Caledon schools?
This past summer, community members known as Pesto Pals, gathered to make garlic scape pesto using Fiddle Foot Farm’s “secret” recipe. This potent pesto combines the healing powers of garlic scapes, basil, arugula, olive oil, sunflower seeds, and a few other ingredients into a tasty and nutritious pesto that complements many dishes such as pasta, potatoes, chicken and fish. The truth is, we here at HFFA have also been known to eat it straight up on crackers. It's that yummy!
The good news is this: When you purchase an 8 oz container from Fiddle Foot Farm's LocalLine online store, fully 20% will go back to HFFA Farm to School programs. Now that’s a tasty Giving Tuesday deal!
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Climate Action in Dufferin Presents:
Home Energy Savings Workshop: Get More with Less Energy
TONIGHT! Monday, Nov. 28 5-6pm
Westminster United Church, Orangeville
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Join energy experts Adam and Stephen Dixon from Know Energy to discover the simple actions you can take to reduce your climate impact, unlock savings, and increase comfort in your home this winter.
In this FREE interactive workshop, you will:
- Learn low-cost upgrades to increase energy efficiency in your home
- Participate in a hands-on weather-stripping installation demo
- Discover available programs to fund your energy efficiency upgrades
- Receive a FREE home energy efficiency kit
A Q&A session will provide you with the opportunity to get your energy efficiency questions answered. Light refreshments will be provided.
Register in advance to be entered in a draw to win a smart thermostat valued at $200.
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Proposed amendments to the
Greenbelt Area boundary regulation
Submit comments by December 5, 2022
- Remove lands from the Greenbelt Area that could be suitable for residential development in the near term
- Add lands in the Paris Galt Moraine to the Greenbelt Area, designated as Protected Countryside with a Natural Heritage System
- Redesignate lands in the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan Area that could be suitable for residential development in the near term
You may submit any comments to the Ontario government on the proposed amendments until December 5th at the following link:
Proposed amendments to the Greenbelt Area boundary regulation | Environmental Registry of Ontario
https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-6217
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Dufferin County Equity Collaborative invites you to an
information session for Partners With Lived Experience
TONIGHT Monday Nov. 28 5pm on Zoom
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National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
December 6th, 2022
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With thanks to our friends at Family Transition Place we share the following for those who wish to show support for an end to gender-based violence.
On December 6,1989 of 14 young women were killed at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal. FTP will be hosting an outdoor, in-person ceremony at we Orangeville office to recognize these 14 women, as well as the many women who have lost their lives to gender-based violence. We invite those in attendance to join us in an open discussion about changes that we as a community need to make to end gender-based violence.
Tuesday, December 6, 2022, 11:30 a.m.
20 Bredin Parkway, Orangeville
This will be an outdoor event—please dress accordingly.
Hot beverages will be available.
An online observance will also be shared on our social pages at 11:30 a.m.
Facebook: @familytransitionplace
Instagram: @familytransitionplace
Twitter: @ftplace
If you need support, our compassionate staff are available to help 24/7.
Please call 1-800-265-9178.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
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Volunteer Dufferin
Give a little. Get a lot.
We may have mentioned Volunteer Dufferin once or twice already but have you SEEN what we do?
Take a moment to view this video and consider what you can do in support of community. Perhaps you have WISDOM to share, WEALTH to donate or WORK you are willing to do?
Learn how easy it is to sign up, and start your personal volunteer journey!
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Learn how youth supporting organizations in-person is gaining momentum. If you have a young adult in your home looking to volunteer locally in order to obtain their 40 hours of community involvement, gain marketable skills or just get out and socialize while doing good, we can help!
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The Value of One, The Power of Many |
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Did You Vote?
Swearing-in ceremonies are taking place now
across Dufferin and Caledon
CONGRATULATIONS!
Headwaters Communities in Action looks forward to welcoming new council members across the region as they embrace the challenges and opportunities facing our collective community well-being.
Serving with HCIA
It takes courage and conviction to put your name forward to serve others. We invite everyone who did so in the election - even if you didn't win your seat - to learn more about Headwaters Communities in Action and all the ways we keep our finger on the pulse of community well-being. We facilitate community conversations, engage citizens and cross-sector change-makers, and support groups in taking action on shared priorities.
Join us in "Making life better, together!" throughout Headwaters communities.
Let's talk about:
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HCIA and the important role we play in Community Safety and Well-Being.
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Our work administering the Dufferin County Community Grants program.
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Volunteer Dufferin and how we support students, community projects, fundraisers and non-profits by connecting organizations with volunteers.
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HFFA and our work supporting the local food system, farmers, regenerative agriculture, farm to school education and community connections.
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DC MOVES and our work supporting and activating networks of human service providers.
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DCEC and our work with Partners With Lived Experience, housing and homelessness, employment and health equity.
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How municipal and community partners enjoy reciprocal relationships with HCIA in service to our communities.
Let's talk about the ways in which you can work with us, whether by joining our Leadership Council, our grant assessment team, volunteering for events and fundraising, or joining our program advisory and working groups in action.
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More ways to let your voice be heard
Many municipalities are currently offering numerous ways to get involved. Community advisory committees, appeals boards, historical societies, property adjustment panels and more. Visit your local municipal website to learn more about how you can get involved, have your say, and make a difference right where you live!
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Be an Engaged Citizen
Are you interested in "Making life better together"?
If you are passionate about your community, turn that passion into action with HCIA.
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Let us know! Is the content of this email relevant to you?
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Stay Up-To-Date With Our Project Areas
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hffa.ca/farmtoschool
headwatersfarmfresh.ca
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We couldn’t do it without you!
Thank you to our many partners, stakeholders and volunteers who make up HCIA and its project groups. Our primary funders are Dufferin County and United Way of Guelph Wellington Dufferin. We`re all "Making life better together"!
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Headwaters Communities in Action
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