People receiving supports in the North Area came together to collect donations in support of the Tecumseh Fire and Rescue Services' Goodfellows Toy Drive. The generous donations will make a huge impact, assisting over 100 local families, children, and youth during the Christmas season. Here's to another holiday season filled with happiness, health, and the spirit of giving! | |
Laurie and Susie visited Jackson Park in Windsor to check out the dazzling Bright Lights display. The park was full of colourful and twinkling lights, creating a festive wonderland that lit up the night. The ladies enjoyed strolling through the glowing park, taking in the beauty of the holiday lights. | |
Crafting Holiday Happiness | |
Amherstburg Community Services asked a group of people supported in the Amherstburg area to create 200 cards for their Stuff a Stocking Program for Seniors. They agreed to take on the task with pleasure! In the photo above, Celine, Cheryl, and Lindsay proudly stand with ACS Executive Director, Kathy DiBartolomeo as they present the completed cards. The photo below shows a peek into a few of the many bags that will be handed out. Working together, they ensure that local seniors feel the festive warmth and joy brought by the Stuff a Stocking Program. | |
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Celebrate the amazing contributions of UNPAID family caregivers, supporting adults with intellectual disabilities at home. But WAIT! Mothers and Fathers aren’t the ONLY unpaid family supports. What about brothers and sisters? We haven’t forgotten any of you.
Who says the month of January is BLAH? Not us at Ensemble! WHY?
We have a FREE dinner offering for brothers and sisters, over the age of 19, who have siblings with intellectual disabilities living at home. This won’t be just ANY dinner! Why? It’s FREE! - no parents will be there to filter what you talk about.😂It’s a real chance to connect with new people and possibly form friendships. It’s easier to find creative solutions if you brainstorm with others who have similar life experiences. You find that you are not alone.
THE DETAILS:
Where: Shhhhhh! restaurant destination to be revealed in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
When: Saturday, January 27th, 2024. Late afternoon/ early evening.
What to expect: Details in the coming weeks.
If a FREE dinner, in the company of others, in a fun setting, interests you; please send an email to mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com. I will add your name to a list of potential diners, and I will provide further details and a chance to RSVP.
While waiting to hear from you, I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you an amazing holiday season! 🎄 See you in 2024!
Let’s start January 2024 in the best possible way! Dining together!
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WEEKEND DESTINATIONS:
Why not take a relaxing drive to the County this weekend? Kingsville, Comber and Santa 🎅 are waiting for you! Click on each of the pictures below for more details.
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Wishing you and your family the best during this festive month of December.🎄
Marilyn, Ensemble Family Consultant, and the Advisory Committee
mgodard@ensembleunderstands.com or 519-776-6483, ext. 225
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Join us on December 19th for a Giving Tuesday Pasta Fundraiser at Vernon's Tap & Grill | |
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On Tuesday, December 19th, stop by Vernon’s Tap and Grill at 22 Main Street in Kingsville as they host a pasta fundraiser in support of our Giving Tuesday campaign!
For $10 enjoy a plate of pasta with all proceeds of this meal going to Community Living Essex County. These donations will be generously matched dollar-for-dollar by Libro Credit Union in Essex County, helping to put technology in the hands of people with an intellectual disability.
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There is still time to donate and DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!
Libro Credit Union is matching all donations up to $6000!
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Make an impact in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities this holiday season with a donation that will be matched, dollar for dollar by Libro Credit Union (thank you Libro!) until December 31st.
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.
All donations made to Community Living Essex County until Sunday, December 31st will be matched up to a maximum of $6,000.
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This year our goal is $12,000 – help us beat it! | |
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Holly Jolly Jackpot Raffle Tickets
Make the Perfect Stocking Stuffer!
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Get ready for holiday magic with Community Living Essex County's Holly Jolly Jackpot Raffle! The proceeds will help Community Living Essex County provide accessible transportation to children, youth and adults to be active and engaged in their community! | |
Tickets are $25 each or 3 for $60. | | |
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Check out the
fabulous prizes!
- 2nd Prize: $2,000 in gift cards
- 3rd Prize: 70” Samsung TV
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There are ONLY 1,500 tickets available, so act fast! Tickets are now available to purchase in person at our office, located at 372 Talbot St. N. in Essex, at holiday events across Windsor-Essex County, or ordered online at www.communitylivingessex.org.
The main raffle draw will be held on Friday, January 19th. Your ticket isn't just a chance to win big; it's a ticket to make a difference in the lives of others during this season of giving. Let the joyous countdown to the Holly Jolly Jackpot begin!
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Thank you to our sponsor!
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Join Us and Become an E-Bingo Volunteer! | |
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Community Living Essex County is looking for volunteers for our e-bingo volunteer shifts at Breakaway Gaming Centre in Windsor. The proceeds raised from e-bingo helps Community Living Essex County to purchase fuel and maintain vehicles for people with an intellectual disability that we support to get to and from work, volunteer opportunities and participate in leisure activities throughout Essex County. Check out our video to learn more and then email tony@communitylivingessex.org to sign up!
Volunteers receive a $25 gas card to cover transportation costs!
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We Are Hiring and We Need Your Help! | |
Career Compass Employer Referral Program | |
Discover the festive holiday light displays across Windsor-Essex County. Use the links provided below to learn more about the beautiful winter lighting displays and find details on how you can experience them firsthand. It's a great way to enjoy the holiday season and explore the creative displays in your community. | |
WindsorEats Holiday Night Market | |
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Enjoy the holiday spirit every Thursday in November and December from 5 pm to 9 pm at the weekly night market hosted on the WindsorEats patio at 400 Erie St. E., Windsor. With both outdoor and indoor spaces, the market offers a cozy setting for guests to shop and enjoy entertainment.
Stop by the Community Living Essex County booth on Thursday, December 14th to get your Holly Jolly Jackpot Raffle tickets and say hi!
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St. Clair College Holiday Special | |
Music Theatre Performance Students present the St. Clair College Holiday Special, Holiday Spirit, running from December 8th to December 16th. Tickets are $15 for students and $25 for adults. This festive production is based on a holiday television special set in the 1970s and takes place at the Chrysler Theatre, located at 201 Riverside Dr. West in Windsor. For ticket information and details, click the link below or call 519-252-6579. Immerse yourself in the holiday magic brought to life by these talented students. | |
Experience holiday joy at The Capitol Theatre on Saturday, December 16th, from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm with WSO's Holiday Pops. Join Charlie Brown's quest for holiday cheer, relish classics like "Hippopotamus for Christmas," and enjoy performances by Windsorite vocalist Sara Fontaine, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra Chorus, and a mystery guest in red! Conducted by Robert Franz and chorusmaster Dr. Bruce J.G. Kotowich. Secure your tickets and details by clicking the link or calling 519-973-1238. | |
Enjoy the Spirit of Christmas at an indoor theatre-style attraction on Sunday, December 17th, featuring dance, music, and theatre in a magical journey through the North Woods. With appearances by Jack Frost, Santa's elves, toys, and snow fairies, all leading the way to meet Santa Claus. Take pictures with Santa and the full cast after each 30-minute show. The family-friendly event at Rockstar Music Hall located at 2418 Central Ave, in Windsor, is an all-age event and admission is FREE. Donations of hygiene products, socks, underwear, or snacks, are appreciated and all support the Windsor Youth Centre. For more information click the link below or call 519-945-1189. | |
St. Paul's Christmas Market | |
St. Paul's Anglican Church Essex's final market takes place December 16th, from 10 am to 2 pm. Stop by to shop for homemade baked goods, and explore the book nook. This public event welcomes everyone. Don't miss this opportunity to find unique items and delicious treats. | |
The Virtuosos - A Merry Little Christmas Concert | |
Join The Virtuosos for A Merry Little Christmas Concert at The Bank Theatre on Sunday, December 17th, at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $15, and doors open at 1:30 pm. This concert features Abigail Wearne (Soprano) and Steven Hanoosh (Pianist). The event supports local food banks by accepting donations of food, paper, hygiene, feminine, and baby goods. Additionally, contribute to the Homelessness Hub and Angel Cupboard at St. John’s by donating socks, hats, and mitts. Don't miss this festive performance at The Bank Theatre, and for more information or to purchase tickets, visit the event website by clicking the link below. | |
Percy Jackson and the Olympians | |
Percy Jackson is accused by Zeus of stealing his thunderbolt, which sets him off on a time-sensitive journey to stop possible devastating changes to the world. Steaming December 20th on Disney+. | |
In this week's Throwback Thursday feature, we're taking a light-hearted stroll down memory lane with a candid photo from our past. This snapshot captures a casual moment at a holiday event where Rosemary, April, and David found themselves together. Keep an eye on your newsletter for this week's edition, offering a glimpse into the everyday moments that contribute to our collective history. | |
3-Ingredient Chocolate Mouse | |
A simple, silky, dreamy chocolate mousse made with marshmallows, bittersweet chocolate and whipped cream. | |
Laughter is the Best Medicine | |
| Are you Santa's favourite elf, or do you relate more to the Grinch? | | | |
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What's your preferred holiday colour scheme?
Classic red and green ~ 25%
Winter white, blue and silver ~ 26%
Gold or rose gold ~ 15%
Non-traditional/multi-colours (e.g., pink, purple) ~ 15%
Other ~ 19%
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