Catching up with Canopy - September 2026
Through this newsletter, our aim is to strengthen our connection with our community by sharing insightful stories, impactful updates and offer a peek 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
Transitional Age Youth: Growing Confidence!
The Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Program continues to support young people as they navigate the important transition from youth to adult services. The program serves youth with developmental disabilities and complex support needs who are transitioning from child and youth services to the adult service sector. Referrals are received through local Children's Aid Societies for youth with an Extended Society Care designation and through Catulpa Community Support Services for individuals with a Complex Special Needs designation. The youth we support must also be deemed eligible for services through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO).
Since April 2026, the start of our 26-27 year, we are proud to have successfully transitioned 12 youth to adult service providers, helping ensure continuity of care, community connection, and ongoing support as they move into adulthood.
As demand for our services continues to grow, this year has also brought the highest number of referrals our program has ever received, reflecting both the increasing need for transitional supports and the trust our community partners place in our team to assist youth during this critical stage of life.
One recent success story highlights the impact of this work. A young person supported by our program is preparing to move into his own apartment and begin post-secondary education this fall. Through individualized planning, skill development, and collaborative support, he has achieved significant milestones toward greater independence and self-sufficiency.
These achievements reflect the resilience and determination of the youth we serve, as well as the value of coordinated supports during a critical stage of life. We look forward to continuing to empower young people as they pursue their educational, housing, and personal goals.
Canopy Care's 4th Annual Inclusivity Carnival!
257 Registered Attendees, Over $5,000 Raised, and a Community United in Inclusion.
Our 4th Annual Inclusivity Carnival was a tremendous success! On September 19, Canopy Support Services welcomed 257 registered attendees to Dixon Park for a day filled with connection, celebration, entertainment, and community. From live performances and family-friendly activities to community engagement and meaningful conversations, the event showcased what is possible when people come together to create a more inclusive community.
This year's carnival would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors: The Babbling Brook, Adam Simmonds & Flat Rate Realty, East City Dental, Electric City Physio, East Peterborough Lions Club, EG Gray Transportation Ltd., Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, and Awde Architect and Planning. Their generosity helped make this event accessible, welcoming, and memorable for everyone who attended.
We were also proud to welcome an amazing group of community partners who shared information, resources, and opportunities for connection throughout the day, including Autism Home Base, Heads Up for Inclusion, Special Olympics Peterborough, Council for Persons with Disabilities, Henna Hands by Kinjal, and Mindful Moves Yoga & Fitness. These organizations help strengthen our community year-round, and we are grateful for their participation.
A special thank you goes to our talented performers who kept the crowd engaged and entertained throughout the event. Thank you to Sara Cee, Peterborough Academy of Circus Arts, Kawartha Gymnastics, and Special Olympics for sharing your talents and helping create such a lively and joyful atmosphere.
We would also like to recognize the many businesses and individuals who generously donated prizes, including Art School of Peterborough, Publican House, Baxter Creek Golf Course, 100 Acre Brewery, Boardwalk Games, Kawartha Dairy, DM Wills Associates, Angela Rose, the Crayola Store in Lindsay, Nannyberrys, Intrigue Books, and Bee True Events. Your contributions helped make our raffles and giveaways a highlight of the day.
To our staff, volunteers, RBC Peterborough volunteers, and especially the Central Navigation team who work throughout the year planning this event, thank you for your dedication and hard work behind the scenes. Most importantly, thank you to every attendee who joined us and helped create an atmosphere of belonging, acceptance, and fun.
Together, we raised more than $5,000 in support of our Canopy Cares Support Fund. As we celebrate another successful year, we're already looking ahead with excitement to 2027 and the 5th Anniversary of the Inclusivity Carnival. We can't wait to see what we accomplish together next!
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Recent Events
Canopy Camp for All has wrapped up!
BCS Camp
☀️🌟 What a Summer Camp Adventure! 🌟☀️
Our Behaviour Consultation Services team had an amazing time at our Interactive Summer Camp, filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories! 💛
Thank you to our campers and families for making this camp such a success! As one staff involved noted, “For some campers it was their first experience at summer camp. Some had been turned away from other camps, but because of your support, they had the opportunity to participate, build friendships, and enjoy being kids in an environment with their individual needs in mind.” One camper summed up the BCS Summer Camp best - "Had too much fun and played too many games!"✨
We can't wait to see what next year holds!
FASD Camp
💙 So many smiles, so many memories!🌻
From laughter and new friendships to unforgettable memories, it was two weeks full of joy, connection, and adventure - whether that be with crafts, pottery, riding the city bus, visiting parks and wading pools or hold a real life snake!
We had an amazing time at FASD Camp this year and are already counting down to next summer! Thank you to our 16 amazing campers and their families for making this camp such a success! As one staff involved noted, "This is the first time parents were not called, to pick up their camper early. Those that were clung to caregivers on Monday, were not wanting camp to end come Friday. So many campers went out of their comfort zones, met friends and had pride in what they were learning!"☀️✨
Autism MEGA Summer Fun Days!
This summer, we had an amazing time hosting our MEGA Foundationals events!
🌞 Sunshine & Smiles kicked things off on July 22 with our littlest friends, ages 5 & under. There were plenty of smiles, sunshine, and fun to go around!
🎉 On July 29, our 6–12 year old crew joined us for an afternoon packed with activities, laughter, and BIG summer fun!
💦 And we wrapped up the summer with our Summer Splash Teen Summer Bash on August 20! Our teens, ages 13–17 brought the energy and helped us end the season with a splash!
Thank you to our amazing campers and their families for making these events such a success! As one staff involved noted, "These days provided more than just recreational experiences. They offered a welcoming and inclusive space where kiddos could feel understood, supported, and celebrated for who they are, while providing opportunities for summer fun! Watching children and teens build confidence, develop friendships, try new activities, and experience a true sense of belonging was incredibly rewarding for all involved." Such fun!
Thank you to all our amazing Camp for All donors - you truly made a difference! Look for a full impact report headed your way soon 💌
Curve Lake Health Fair
On August 12th we had a great day at the Curve Lake First Nation Health Fair!
We enjoyed connecting with community members, meeting new faces, and helping people get connected to the supports and services available to them. Thank you to everyone who stopped by!
FASD Awareness Month!
Burns Bulk Foods
Canopy's FASD Program teamed up with Burns Bulk Food's for their Mix of the Month "Red for a Reason" in support of FASD awareness throughout the month of September - and stock ran out in record time! Thank you for all the support - we hope it was yummy! ❤️
City Hall Lit Up Red!
On September 9th Peterborough City Hall lit up with red at dusk in support of FASD awareness day!
Tiny Greens Fundraiser
Canopy’s FASD Program + Tiny Greens in Peterborough had a great collab on Sept 9th & 10th where a portion of sales supportted the FASD program! We had great attendance and are so grateful to such an amazing local small business for supporting our wonderful team and clients!
Canopy Cares Corner
Who are monthly donors with Canopy?
They’re people just like you—people from all walks of life who care deeply about the their community. They leave groceries on the doorsteps of sick friends, mow their neighbour’s lawns, and show up for their loved ones in the best way they know how. To one or many, by blood or by choice, they’re family.
As a monthly donor, you can support all members of our Canopy Community in a way that is meaningful to you. You can join a community of compassionate individuals who, together, help facilitate connections, and support skill-building to develop confidence and help people achieve their best quality of life.
We can do so much more because of you!
To learn more about how you can donate, visit our website!
Upcoming Events
Fall Autism Foundational Family Events
Do you have a child registered with the OAP? Don't forget to register for our lineup of FREE Fall Foundational Family events!
Our free Fall events offer fun, welcoming experiences for children and teens with ASD, including game nights, social clubs, and sensory-friendly activities—designed to help participants connect, build skills, and enjoy time together in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Upcoming Holidays & Office Closures
Our offices will be closed on Monday, October 12th, 2026, in observation of Thanksgiving. Regular operations will resume on the following business day.
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.
