Catching up with Canopy - December 2025
Through this newsletter, our aim is to strengthen our connection with our community by sharing insightful stories, impactful updates and offer a peek a into the transformative work happening every day at Canopy.
Join us in our journey as we work together to empower individuals and enhance support - because together, we can make a positive difference!
Goods News Share at Canopy
Adult Protective Services Program Update
Over the past several months, the Adult Protective Services Program has been exceptionally busy. Staff have been supporting individuals in enrolling in a variety of group activities, including Housing Workshops, Laundry and Grocery Group, and a Baking Group. We extend our appreciation to the Canopy Housing Support Worker and the Behaviour Consultation Services teams for their dedication and for creating meaningful opportunities that support Adult Protective Service clients’ growth and independence. We also had an APSW collaborate with a local lawyer from the Community Legal Clinic to provide a presentation on will planning for our clients.
We are pleased to report that two clients have successfully secured housing and moved into safe, stable units. They are looking forward to settling into their new homes and continuing to work toward their personal goals in a comfortable environment.
Staff have been working diligently to ensure clients are connected with community organizations offering Holiday Hampers, helping to make the season brighter for those we serve. In addition, team members continue to engage in ongoing training to enhance their skills and ensure they are providing the highest quality supports.
Staff engagement in local committees has led to stronger collaborations with community partners. These connections allow us to coordinate supports more effectively and respond to individual needs with greater flexibility. Our team remains dedicated to nurturing these relationships, recognizing that strong community partnerships are key to helping the people we support thrive.
Would you like to share you experience with Canopy?
Click the button below to fill out a testimonial form so that we can share your experience with others!
Canopy Cares Corner
Sleigh the Night Away!
In partnership with Sable & Sage Co. , the Canopy Cares Holiday Fundraiser Workshop: Sleigh the Night Away was a magical night!
It was an evening of community spirit featuring Christmas crafts, tunes, coffee, tea and festive treats. 🌟
Thank you to our fabulous bakers who provided a
wide variety of tasty, festive treats:
Samantha Tate, Angela Rose, Debbie Timperio, Lindsay Frew, Emma Featherstone
With the support of our community, we were able to raise over $800 for the Canopy Cares Support Fund! This fund was created in 2022 with the purpose of looking to strengthen the Canopy Community by expanding our resources and leveraging our expertise to identify and bridge gaps for those with intellectual disabilities, Autism and/or FASD. With this support, we aim to ensure equitable access to opportunities that empower and uplift the individuals and families we serve - helping them grow, learn, and develop the skills needed to enhance their quality of life.
Peterborough Child & Family Centre: Canopy Pantry Donation
Thank you Peterborough Child & Family Centres!
The wonderful folks dropped off a festive donation
for our very own Pantry Program!
These items included:
Hygiene Items
Soups
Pasta Noodles & Sauce
Peanut Butter
Toques & Gloves
Snacks
We are so grateful to be a part of a community that shares our passion in supporting each other especially during this time of year!
We can do so much more because of you!
To learn more about the pantry program and how you can donate, visit our website!
Holiday Donations & Fundraising Goals
With 2025 coming to an end, we wanted to provide an update on our Canopy Cares Support Fund and where we are at with our fundraising goal. Canopy's fiscal year end isn't until March 2026, however we are already currently sitting at 74% of our goal reached!
This success wouldn't be possible without the support of our amazing donors & community. A special shout out to the donors below who helped create some extra special, holiday magic this year!
James Bisson
Peterborough Masonry Repair
Lorne Wood
Nicole Brown
We are now officially into our 4th quarter of the year and can't wait to share with you our completed fundraising goals in 2026!
Recent Events
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Thank you to those that attended the Truth and Reconciliation events offered in the community. We attended Cobourg Waterfront Walk, Peterborough Archives Museum, Canoe Museum, Armour Hill Community Event and two virtual options through CCDI pathways. A special thank you to Canopy leadership for allowing us to participate on Sept 30th.
We all play a vital role in advancing equity, dignity and inclusion alongside and with Indigenous people and communities across Turtle Island. Unsettling ourselves in truth requires all non-Indigenous and settler people to commit to listening, honouring, respecting, and redistributing through the 94 Calls to Action and beyond.
Autism Services Sensory Friendly Trick-or-Treat
This past October, our team had a spooktacular time celebrating at our Autism Services Trick or Treat event! From creative costumes to festive sensory fun, it was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our community and share some Halloween cheer.
Thank you to everyone who joined us — your smiles and spirit made the day truly magical!
Bring Your Kids to Work Day at Canopy
On November 5th, Canopy proudly hosted Bring Your Kids to Work Day
and it was an inspiring experience for everyone involved!
A big thank you to our amazing staff and the two Grade 9 students who joined us for the day – you were fantastic!
Special Appreciation to Our Team:
Lead and Coordinator: Krista McConnell
Career Presenters: Michael Hamilton, Krista McConnell, Jen Bidgood, Mobeen Anwar, Jenny Wilkins, and Melissa Wilson
On-the-Spot Advisors: Madison, Rylee, Anna, Emma, Lindsay, Kabir, Dadhiti, and Jenn Blake – your thoughtful advice truly made an impact!
CN + QASS at Kawartha Foodshare
Canopy's Central Navigation & Quality Assurance programs teamed up for a morning of community volunteering with the Kawartha Foodshare!
This has now become somewhat of a tradition with this group around the holidays and something that we at Canopy are grateful to be a part of.
We know first hand within our Canopy Community how important access to food is and how much of a pivotal role that Kawartha Foodshare plays in our community.
To learn more about Kawartha Foodshare, click the button below!
Autism Services Holiday Party
On Wednesday, December 17th our Autism Services team hosted their 2025 Holiday Party. Families enjoyed story time with Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, sensory play, face painting, and of course— a visit from Santa himself! 🎅
Huge thanks to our incredible team for creating such a joyful space, and to every family who joined us to make the night truly magical!
FASD Holiday Party
On Friday, December 12th, our FASD program came together to celebrate the season with delicious food, fun crafts, and a surprise visit from Santa!
A huge thank you to all the families who joined us and made this night so special. And an extra shout-out to Shania and Brittany for
planning such a wonderful celebration!
Additional thanks to Judy, Matt and Danika, for their help
to make the night magical!
Holiday Baking Group for Adults
Our Holiday Baking Group for Adults was a sweet success with folks from our BCS and APS programs! Two cozy mornings filled with festive treats, laughter, and holiday spirit. Just look at those delicious treats! 🍪
What our participants said:
“Lots of fun!”
“Loved the baking”
Thanks to everyone who joined us at Kawartha Community Care!
2025 Santa Clause Parade
On Saturday, December 6, we rocked around the Christmas Canopy Tree for the 2025 Santa Claus Parade —and it was unforgettable!
A HUGE thank you to Matt, Emily, Brooke, and Nicole Brown for their amazing work on the float and the hot chocolate. ❤️
And to all the incredible clients and families who joined us to hand out candy and ride along—you made the day so special! 🎅
Upcoming Events
Child Safety Parenting Seminar
Are you DSO eligible and an expectant parent or a parent of a child under 6? This seminar is designed just for you! Join us for an engaging, in-person session focused on child safety and health, based on the trusted Step-By-Step Parenting Program. 🌟
This group is FREE for individuals who are DSO eligible. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and feel confident in your parenting journey.
Upcoming Passport Virtual Q&A Sessions
Wondering about the Passport Program? Need clarity on eligible expenses? Or just want to chat with a Coordinator in a more relaxed setting? Join us the last week of every month for an informal Q&A session with our Passport Coordinators.
No presentation, just a friendly space to ask your questions, get answers, and learn more about how to make the most of your funding.
Mark your calendars and register for the events:
· January 26th 2026 5:00-6:00pm
· February 23rd 2026 5:00-6:00pm
· March 30th 2026 5:00-6:00pm
We hope to see you online!
Upcoming Holidays & Office Closures
We wanted to inform you of our upcoming holiday closures so you can plan accordingly. Our office will be closed on the following dates:
Holiday Closure: Canopy office will be closed from December 24th at 12:00PM through January 1st, 2026. Regular operations will resume on January 2nd at 8:30AM.
Family Day: Canopy Offices will be closed on Monday, February 16th. Regular operations will resume on February 17th at 8:30AM.
Enjoy the Holidays!
Land Acknowledgment
In recognition of and respect for Indigenous People and their territory both in the past and the present. It is with a clear and open heart, mind and body that we at Canopy Support Services acknowledge that we are located on the traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishinaabeg (ANISH-AN-AW-BE) and Chippewa (CHIP-EH-WA) Nations. We honor these communities as the original and current stewards’ and caretakers of this land and water ensuring their health for future generations while teaching us about our relations to the earth. The land we reside upon is situated within the Williams Treaty (1923) and Treaty 20 (1818). We are dedicated to honoring Indigenous history and culture and committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First nation, Metis and Inuit people. We respect these communities’ strength and resiliency and together we hold space for the ones who came before us and the generations to follow us in our path to truth and reconciliation.
