Posted on June 17, 2024 in CLFE Updates, Fundraising, Interest

Celebrating Community Living Month in Ontario: A Month of Inclusivity and Celebration

The month of May was an exciting and vibrant time for Community Living-Fort Erie as we joined the province in celebrating Community Living Month in Ontario. This annual event is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of inclusion and the contributions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We kicked off the month with a well-attended flag raising ceremony, which marked the official start of Community Living Month. The event brought together members of our community, local officials, and supporters to celebrate our shared commitment to inclusion. The sight of our flag waving proudly served as a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead. We were honored to have Eduardo Munoz speak at our Flag Raising as well as presenting to Town Counsel the importance of inclusivity in our community. His passionate and insightful remarks underscored the value of embracing diversity and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in community life. Eduardo’s words resonated deeply with all who attended, reinforcing our collective dedication to fostering a more inclusive society.

Another highlight of our celebrations was the “Shine a Light on Community Living” initiative. Iconic landmarks, including the Niagara Falls and the Peace Bridge, were beautifully illuminated in blue and green, the colors of Community Living, throughout the month. These stunning displays served as a powerful symbol of our commitment to inclusivity and community spirit.

Our celebrations also included a special focus on the people we support and our incredible volunteers. Our successful partnership with McDonald’s for McHappy Day not only raised funds for our summer camp programs but also highlighted the strong community support for our mission. The collaboration with McDonald’s was a wonderful example of how local businesses can play a crucial role in supporting community initiatives.

As we reflect on the successes of Community Living Month, we are filled with gratitude for the support of our community, volunteers, and partners. The events and activities throughout May have strengthened our resolve to continue advocating for inclusivity and supporting the individuals we serve. Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported our celebrations. Together, we are making a difference and shining a light on the importance of Community Living.

For more information about our programs and upcoming events, please visit our website or contact our office.

McHappy Day Raises $4,245.00 for Community Living Fort Erie’s Summer Camp Programs

We are thrilled to announce that McHappy Day has raised an impressive $4,245.00 for Community Living-Fort Erie’s Summer Camp Programs. The funds will significantly enhance our ability to provide enriching and inclusive camp experiences for children in our community. McHappy Day, an annual event dedicated to supporting local charities and organizations, honored Community Living Fort Erie as one of its beneficiaries this year. The funds raised will be used to expand our summer camp programs, ensuring that children of all abilities have access to a variety of engaging and fun activities. This partnership also benefited Ronald McDonald Charities, creating a wonderful community collaboration. In addition to the fundraising success, we are excited to share that Rob Lamb, one of the McHappy Day volunteers was offered a job after demonstrating excellent work abilities. He will begin his new position on June 7, 2024! The generous support from McHappy Day will enable us to improve accessibility by providing specialized training and one-on-one support staff for children with special needs. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Peter Patterson, owner of Fort Erie McDonald’s, and everyone who supported McHappy Day. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on the children and families we serve, helping us create a more inclusive and enjoyable summer camp experience.