Every year at this time Community Care Durham’s Season of Giving fundraising campaign kicks off a special season.

While raising much needed funds for our vital services and programs, it also highlights one of the most important gifts anyone could ask for – the gift of community connections.

Loneliness is an issue for many in our community, but it’s eased by the interactions CCD provides through many of its programs and services. Every day our staff and volunteers connect with our clients, which is sometimes the most important interaction of their day. Take Loretta for example. At one point a few years ago she felt totally isolated in the world. Today she attends CCD’s COPE Mental Health program. She’s one of thousands CCD helped last year.

Several years ago, after a fall down the stairs that left her with chronic back pain, Loretta became depressed. Her physical and mental pain caused her to self-isolate, making her terrified to leave her home. Loretta credits COPE with saving her life.

“I did not want to function. It (the pain) had me spiraling mentally and emotionally because I couldn’t function,” she said.

Loretta turned around her life through the support groups she attends and friends she’s developed through COPE. Her Pain Group facilitator taught Loretta to “Go Low, Go Slow” to tackle the challenges in her life. That’s given her the skills and support to carry on. While the pain is still there, it no longer controls her.

“Now I’m loving life. It’s difficult, it’s got its many, many challenges but I embrace it,” she said.

The daily connections CCD makes with William, a Meals on Wheels (MOW) client, are also one of the best parts of his days. The visits he receives from the MOW drivers ease his isolation since his wife died.

“It does help us out a lot,” Berthy, his daughter-in-law said. “We’re trying to help Dad out as much as we can. He wants to stay in his house, and this helps him do it.”

Money raised during the Season of Giving Campaign benefits many of our vital programs including Meals on Wheels. Last year the organization delivered 124,000 meals to clients across Durham Region. Each meal delivered represents more than just nutrition, it represents a warm community touchpoint for those who need it most.

Another aspect of the Season of Giving is its Community Engagement outreach. Businesses and organizations are invited to donate funds towards the purchase of Community Food Boxes or Meals on Wheels for those in need. There are also team-building volunteer opportunities to help assemble the food boxes or deliver the meals.

This year our Holiday Food Boxes, our most popular food box event of the year, will be delivered December 14 and 15 and there is always a need for delivery help.
Donations, big or small, will help profoundly impact lives this holiday season, bringing light to those who need it most. Help bring community home.

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Media Contact:
Ian McMillan,
Communications Specialist
Community Care Durham
Phone: 905-430-1863
Email: imcmillan@communitycaredurham.on.ca