Canopy Cares Donor Newsletter
A message from our CEO
Hello Canopy Donors & Supporters!
As we close out on Canopy’s 2rd year in the Fundraising & Philanthropy space, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each of you who have supported the Canopy Cares Support Fund (CCSF). Thanks to your incredible support, our fundraising efforts have seen a remarkable increase of over 500% compared to last year! This tremendous growth has enabled us to expand our programs and provide even more life-changing opportunities for families in need - and we can't wait to share those impacts with you - starting with our brand new Canopy Cares Donor Newsletter!
Since the fund launched in 2022, your contributions have supported essential programs:
The Crisis Backpack Program, which provides backpacks filled with necessities to individuals in immediate need until more permanent supports can be arranged.
The Canopy Pantry Program, which ensures access to food and essential items for individuals struggling with food and/or housing insecurity.
Mental Health services, which provides specialized Mental Health Supports to the Canopy Community
Autism Group Subsidy, which provided Canopy the ability to reduce costs of autism specific group programming making it accessible to more families.
FASD Summer Camp, which helped provide two (2) individuals with access to camp who otherwise would not have been able
Sensory Friendly Event Support, which helped support the running of six (6) events including Easter, Prom, Halloween, two Christmas parties and a March Break Camp.
Thanks to your generosity, we've been able to create transformative opportunities that foster connection, growth, and relief for families. The Gerry Fucile Client Discretionary Fund (GFCDF), a legacy initiative now under the Canopy Cares umbrella, provides crucial support for individuals facing critical situations/needs that cannot be met through other sources. This integration has enhanced our ability to address and support individualized, often time sensitive needs more effectively. In 24/25, we were able to support 16 individuals via the GFCDF!
Your belief in our mission is helping us build a stronger, more connected community. Thank you for standing with us and helping create a meaningful difference.
We can do so much more because of you!
Thank you,
Himanshu Shah
CEO, Canopy Support Services
Canopy Support Services was grateful to receive an Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Seed Grant this past winter to address the growing housing crisis among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
This funding supports a year-long pilot project to hire a dedicated housing support worker, who will provide essential resources to help Canopy individuals with IDD access to stable housing and help build resilience.
The Program Lead, Jamie, wanted to share a few words about the impact we have seen since the pilot launch in February:
"The introduction of our Housing Support Worker has greatly impacted our ability to address urgent housing needs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To date the Pilot Program has supported nine individuals, providing critical education and advocacy. We're now accepting community referrals and planning initiatives like roommate matching and group-based housing education to promote stability and independence"
Research shows that homelessness disproportionately affects people with IDD, yet they often face barriers to accessing housing services. With homelessness accounting for over 30% of referrals to Canopy’s Adult Urgent Response Program, the need for targeted support is clear.
Thanks to OTF’s investment, we’re taking steps to break down these barriers. Our housing support worker, Everett, is now working to connect individuals with resources, offer education in independent living, and collaborate across sectors to create better outcomes for those we serve.
We’re grateful for OTF’s support in launching this critical initiative and look forward to creating lasting change for individuals with IDD in our community.
Together, we’re building brighter futures! Learn more about OTF's community contributions here.
WANT TO SUPPORT THIS PILOT PROJECT?
Unhoused or at-risk clients are often the ones accessing our Pantry Program - read more about it below and consider a donation!
On Saturday, September 14th, 2024 we hosted our second annual Inclusivity Walk & Carnival—and what an amazing day it was!
This year, we were thrilled to double our attendance from 2023, selling over 45 family passes. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a day filled with inclusivity, fun, connection, and community spirit.
A huge shoutout goes to our incredible sponsors and community partners,
without whom this event wouldn’t have been possible.
Thank you to:
Electric City Physio
East City Lions Club
Central Smith Creamery
Adam Simmonds, Flat Rate Realty
Hanoi House
Commercial Press & Design
Mike's Tattoos
Orange Theory Fitness
The Council for Persons with Disabilities
Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre
And an extra-special thank you to our title sponsor,
The Babbling Brook Nature Based Home Daycare!
Together, we raised over $4,000 for the Canopy Cares Support Fund, all while sharing an unforgettable day with our Canopy Community!
SAVE THE DATE FOR 2025
Our 3rd annual Canopy Carnival happening at Dixon Park (located behind the O’Carroll office) on
Saturday, September 13th from 11-2pm!
For 2025 we are building upon the success of last year and changing things up a bit! We will be including a focus on FASD awareness month and adding some more youth and adult friendly activities to make this our most inclusive Carnival yet. Don’t worry, all of your favourites will still be there including all the snacks, live performances & music, vendors, face painting, balloon animals & maybe even a dunk tank!
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Consider being a Sponsor, donating a raffle item or volunteering at the event!
This year, we are thrilled to offer 5 sponsorship options for our Inclusivity Carnival! All sponsors are recognized in our multiple shout-outs including at the event and across our social channels.
Here are the sponsorship options available:
Title Sponsor: $1500 (SOLD)
Activity Sponsor: $500
Sensory Station Sponsor: $300 (SOLD)
General Sponsor: $200
Snack Sponsor: $400
ALSO, We are always looking for unique, local items to include in our raffle packages. Contact us today to get involved!
Join us in making this event a success and showcasing your support for inclusivity!
Throughout the year, Canopy Cares funds have been instrumental in supporting six wonderful events organized by Canopy programs. These included a Sensory-Friendly Halloween Trick or Treat, two Sensory-Friendly Christmas Parties, a Sensory-Friendly Easter Egg Hunt, and a March Break Camp.
These events were warmly received, with over 200 individuals participating. They not only bring joy and inclusivity to the children and adults we serve but also deeply inspire our staff, who cherish seeing them overcome challenges and experience truly happy moments.
Matt, from our Autism Services team, led a number of these events and wanted to share a few words:
"With the support of donors like you we were able to put on two sensory friendly events for children and youth with Autism. We started with our sensory friendly Halloween event. This event was such a huge success with nearly 40 children arriving throughout the night to participate. For many of the families in attendance this was their child’s first time trick or treating, an activity that is so common among Canadian families. It was such a joy to get to see the smile on parents faces as they watched their young ones knock on doors and collect candy!
In December, you helped make it possible for us to turn our office into Santa’s workshop. Children with Autism who often find going to the mall an unpleasant and overwhelming situation were able to come to our office and get their picture taken with Santa. We were also able to offer a space for families to bake cookies, listen to Mrs. Claus read story books and decorate Christmas ornaments. Your donations mean more than you know to our families. These events are so much more than simply fun filled community connections-they are invaluable opportunities for neurodiverse children to make meaningful memories they may not otherwise have the chance to experience."
INTERESTED IN SUPPORTING AN EVENT?
We are always looking for event sponsors or donated items. Reach out to us today! Prom is coming up!
Canopy was fortunate enough to be chosen as the recipient of funds from Sloan’s Respite Halloween Dance on November 1st, 2024! We were so grateful to not only be able to be the recipient of these funds, but to attend the event and dance the night away!
The total donation from this event was $770 that went directly
into the Canopy Cares Support Fund.
HOSTING AN EVENT?
We have third-party event options that we would love to explore with you!
Read more below.
Canopy also started their volunteer partnership with Delta Bingo in 2024. This amazing initiative aims to provide stable, consistent and direct fundraising opportunities for organizations that support programs and services in communities across the province - and we are thrilled they chose us as one
of the 960+ partnering organizations. With some volunteer support at the Gaming Center each month, Delta contributed over $17,000
to the CCSF this year!
LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER?
We would love to have you! Contact us today!
Canopy's Central Navigation team was able to present to the 100 Men of Peterborough in September of 2024 and were the lucky recipients of $10,000 to go towards our EVERY MIND MATTERS campaign for Specialized Mental Health supports for those in our Canopy Community.
Donate directly to this initiative on our website now!
Our FASD Program collaborated with Candy Couture on a yummy Spring Fundraiser! We were able to sell over $650 in Easter Treats to help support a critical program here at Canopy.
WANT TO SUPPORT FASD?
Look out for some amazing FASD Swag coming to our Swag Shop soon OR Support an FASD Camper this summer! More info below.Our FASD Program collaborated with Candy Couture on a yummy Spring Fundraiser! We were able to sell over $650 in Easter Treats to help support a critical program here at Canopy.
We are deeply grateful to all our donors for their unwavering support. Whether you contribute monthly, make one-time donations, are dedicated Canopy staff contributing each pay or represent corporate sponsors, your generosity is the backbone of our efforts.
This year, we are especially thrilled to recognize those who have achieved Silver Level status. Your exceptional commitment has earned you a place on our NEW donor recognition wall, a testament to the profound impact you have made. Thank you for being an integral part of our community and helping us create lasting change.
Thank you to our milestone donors:
Robert Pahmer
Farm Credit Canada
Manitoulin Transportation
Electric City Football Club
Veronica Mason
Babbling Brook Nature Based Home Daycare
100 Men of Peterborough
Cathryn Wilson
Patty Golloher
Check out the wall next time you are at our main office on
O'Carroll Avenue in Peterborough!
At Canopy Cares, we offer a variety of ways for you to support
our mission and make a meaningful impact!
You can become a monthly donor, providing consistent support that helps us plan and sustain our programs. Corporate giving allows businesses to contribute through sponsorships, matching gifts, or direct donations, fostering community engagement and corporate social responsibility. Legacy giving enables you to leave a lasting legacy by including Canopy Cares in your estate plans. Tribute giving is a heartfelt way to honor or remember a loved one, while gifts in kind allow you to donate goods or services that directly benefit our initiatives. Lastly, you can host a third-party event, rallying your community to raise funds and awareness for our cause.
Each method of giving plays a crucial role in helping us support
those in need and create a brighter future for all!
Our Canopy Snack Program has blossomed over the last
year into the Canopy Pantry Program!
Starting as a way to support our community with food insecurity, we've expanded to meet even more needs. Now, you can find hygiene products, grocery staples, safety items, pet food, and more in our Pantries at each of our office locations.
Thanks to generous donations, the Snack program supported approximately 65 individuals last year and over 20 Crisis backpacks were distributed to individuals in need.
Tammy, who leads our Adult Protective Services program, would like to express her thoughts on the significant impact of this essential support:
"A heartfelt thank you to the donors that have contributed to the Canopy Pantry Program. With your support and generous donations, it has made a meaningful difference in the lives of many individuals who rely on our services, particularly through the support of additional food and essential supplies.
With these contributions we have been able to offer comfort and relief during times of real hardship. Whether it was helping someone get through a difficult meeting, easing the strain of a challenging day or simply providing enough to get through until they have the funds to go for their next grocery shop. The kindness from community members like yourselves has truly helped carry people through.
The impact of having access to a nutritious snack, a warm meal, or basic supplies during times of uncertainty cannot be overstated. For many of the individuals, these moments of support have provided not just physical nourishment but also a reminder that they are not alone. The donations to the Canopy Pantry Program helped bridge critical gaps and has had a direct, tangible effect on the wellbeing of those that we work with. Thank you for being a vital part of this support network and for showing up in such a meaningful way."
If you are wanting to support our Pantry & Backpack programs,
below is a list of needed items:
Individually packaged snacks
Sealed drinks (gatorade, juice)
Laundry pods
Shampoo & Conditioner
Feminine Hygiene Products
Wipes
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Sunscreen
To support these programs financially, click here.
You can make a difference by ensuring equal access for children and young adults enrolled in our Neurodevelopmental Summer Camp program. We have been running this camp for a number of years now, however generous donors (both financially and through needed camp items!) have allowed us to do so much more for these individuals who may not be served well by other Summer Camp options.
This camp, supported locally by the Peterborough Community Projects Grant, offers a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends and learn new skills in a supported environment where differences are celebrated!
Camp activities include yoga, arts and crafts, outdoor games,
and skill-building exercises.
Priorities for the Year Ahead
As we conclude our fiscal year 2024/25, we are excited to look forward to 2025/26 and share our upcoming priorities with you!
This year the Canopy Cares Support Fund is focusing on several key fundraising priorities to enhance our impact and reach and grow our donations by approximately 30%.
1. We are committed to growing our Canopy Pantry Program, which provides nutritious food and essential items to those facing food and housing insecurity
2. Additionally, we aim to increase donor engagement through personalized giving experiences and improved communication strategies - starting with this newsletter!
3. Hosting inclusive social events will be crucial for fostering community connections and driving fundraising success
2. Lastly, we are dedicated to strengthening our corporate partnerships and monthly donors to boost support and awareness for our initiatives.
Together, these priorities will help us create a more inclusive and supportive community for all.
If you have any questions about the Canopy Cares Support Fund or our philianthropic efforts, please reach out to our Development Specialist.
Katlyn Anderson
Toll Free: 1-888-616-3456
