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A Message from the CAFH Board President
 
Dear friends and supporters,
 
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire team at the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton, I am delighted to welcome you to the first edition of our revitalized newsletter, keeping you informed of the difference your support makes to so many individuals in a tremendous variety of ways. As President, I am proud to lead an organization that is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable children and youth in Halton Region.
 
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering commitment to our mission. Every young person we serve has faced unimaginable challenges — abuse, neglect, loss, or unstable housing. Yet, with our support and resources we make possible, they also have the strength to overcome and the potential to grow. As the only non-profit organization in the Region whose sole purpose is to provide for those involved in the child welfare system, we create a safer, brighter, and more hopeful future for those that need it most.
 
This year, we are excited to celebrate our 35th Anniversary. This milestone marks a moment of reflection and renewal — a chance to honor the resilience of the children and families we’ve served and to reaffirm our commitment to the work still to come. Thank you for standing with us as we continue this journey of impact and inspiration.
 
This newsletter will keep you connected to the life-changing impact of your contributions. You’ll read about success stories from the children and families we serve, the programs you help sustain, and the exciting ways in which we continue to build a strong community together.
 
Thank you for being part of this journey.
 
With gratitude,
Matt Rasmussen
 
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Executive Director’s Message for the Community
Dear Supporters, 
 
We are excited to send you the first edition of a freshly created newsletter in time for our 35th anniversary in 2025. We know it's a long read and full of information, but we intend for you to feel included in our work and confident that your valuable contributions are put to good use. 
 
On that note, it's time for me to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of our donors and volunteers. Your continued support is the backbone of our organization, and we are truly thankful for your trust in our mission to improve the lives of children, youth and families in Halton.
 
This past quarter has been filled with exciting events and opportunities. In November, we held our Annual General Meeting at Nickel Brook Brewing Company, where we gathered to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments, recognize and induct new Ambassadors, and look ahead to the year to come. It was wonderful to connect with so many of you in person and share our vision for the future.
 
In December we were blessed to share in lots of celebrations; one great example of this is CAFH Ambassador Mandy's annual Christmas Coffee Morning, where friends gather together for a morning of merriment and giving. Over $7,000 was raised! We are so grateful for the generosity and kindness that filled the room; not to mention the sweet treats and storytelling! It’s events like these that remind us of the power of the community and the impact we can have when we come together.
 
As with every year, our Bikes for Kids and Holiday Dreams program are remarkable feats of coordination and dedication and once again were a resounding success! Thanks to your generosity we collected hundreds of practical gifts, toys and gift cards valued at over $80,000. Gift cards provide a significant source of support to the families we serve, this year in December alone, we distributed well over $40,000 in gift cards! We also coordinated the delivery of 280 new bicycles for families in need. Financial gifts allow us to continue the tradition of coordinating Holiday gatherings, and to distribute crucial support for those in crisis. These initiatives bring joy and happiness to children and youth who might otherwise go without, and provide relief, comfort and inspiration to parents and caregivers.  
 
Thank you for believing in the work we do and most of all for considering the needs, hopes and dreams of the young people we care for. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most and we look forward to continuing our work with you in the new year. 
 
Warm wishes,
Tina Blatchford,
Executive Director,
The Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton.  
 
Remembering Marilyn Benninger
 
We shared in our annual report the sad news of the passing of Marilyn Benninger, a devoted and passionate advocate for our organization. 
 
Marilyn joined the Board of Directors in 2011, bringing creativity, expertise and enthusiasm to our organization. Her corporate communications and marketing skills elevated our connectivity, and her event planning expertise made the Stardust Gala a resounding success. During the pandemic, she skillfully shifted the Gala to a virtual event, maintaining connections and fundraising momentum.
 
The Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton is honored to have had Marilyn as part of our family. We are forever grateful for her invaluable contributions, guidance and unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable children, youth, and families in our province.
 
We humbly dedicate this first edition of our revitalized newsletter to our dear friend and colleague Marilyn. This was a project she began, and we know she is proofreading from a special star above. We miss her so much!  
 
May Marilyn’s remarkable legacy continue to inspire us, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
 
Donate in Memory of Marilyn Benninger
 
Holiday DREAMS Program
 
This past year, the Holiday DREAMS Program brought love, care, and essential support to children, youth, and families in need. Throughout the year, this initiative celebrates life’s milestones with dignity, happiness and warmth, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
 
During the holiday season, the program distributes gifts, clothing, and special treats to hundreds of children, youth and families, fostering a sense of community, connection, and belonging. But the program’s impact goes beyond just material needs, addressing the emotional well-being of its beneficiaries and replacing feelings of scarcity and loneliness with ones of abundance, love and care.
 
How You Can Help Spread Love and Care
 
The program’s success relies on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners. Consider donating to help make a difference. Your contribution will help ensure that the program continues to provide essential support, practical tools and nurturing care for children, youth, and families throughout the year.
 
Key Highlights:
  • Provide gifts and treats to hundreds of children and youth, spreading joy and happiness.
  • Distribute warm clothing and essentials to keep families cozy during the cold winter months.
  • Support families with special holiday meals and celebrations, fostering a sense of belonging.
  • Encourage a sense of community and connection among program participants, promoting love and care.
Get Involved:
  • Donate to support the program
  • Contribute gifts or essentials
  • Volunteer your time
  • Spread the word about the Holiday DREAMS Program and the CAFH mission
Let’s come together to bring joy, warmth, and love to those who need it most all year round!
 
Donate
 
Valued Partner in Caring for Our Community's Children
 
We are proud to recognize Doane Grant Thornton LLP as a valued partner of the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton. As a leading Canadian accounting and business advisory firm with a rich history spanning over 85 years, Doane Grant Thornton embodies the values of integrity, expertise, and community commitment that align perfectly with our mission. With their global reach and local roots, they have been making a meaningful impact on businesses and communities across Canada. Their renewed commitment to their Canadian Heritage, as symbolized by the reintroduction of their founding partner’s name, Doane, only strengthens their dedication to empowering the communities they serve. We are grateful for Doane Grant Thornton’s partnership and look forward to working together to make a positive difference in the lives of children, youth and families in Halton.
 
Company background
 
"Doane Grant Thornton LLP is a leading Canadian accounting and business advisory firm providing assurance, tax, and advisory services—locally and across Canada to dynamic privately owned, publicly listed and public sector organizations. As a member of Grant Thornton International, we are part of a global network of more than 62,000 people providing clients with distinctive and personalized service in over 130 countries.
Recently we reintroduced Doane—the Firm’s founding partner— to our name, as we honour our Canadian roots and the values that have driven our success for more than 85-years. The new name empowers us to make even stronger contributions to the businesses we support and the communities we live and work in."
 
Quote from Nicole Stewart. Partner, Assurance Services.
 
"Every child and youth deserves a safe and nurturing environment to grow up in. We’re honored to contribute through the Doane Grant Thornton Foundation and support the vital programs provided by the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton. Our collective efforts aim to offer more than just a temporary safe haven; they represent hope for the future of these young individuals, empowering them to thrive and reach their full potential."
 
 
The Children's Aid Foundation of Halton
 
Quarterly Highlights for The Children's Aid Foundation of Halton
 
The previous quarter was a memorable one for the Children's Aid Foundation of Halton, marked by several significant events and milestones. Here are the highlights:
  • Annual General Meeting: Where our outstanding Ambassadors were recognized, and new ones were inducted. The event also saw the presentation of the McPhie Award to Marilyn Benninger and the Inspiration Award to Nickel Brook Brewing Company.
  • Annual Youth Dinner and Children’s Party: Two signature events that brought together families, youth and children, to celebrate the Holidays.
  • Holiday Dreams Program: Received over $180,000 worth of donations, comprising of both in-kind gifts and monetary contributions. This was a direct result of your donations and the dedication of volunteers. More than 600 individuals, children, youth and families, benefited from these gifts and were comforted by the compassion of this community.
  • Wrapping Party: Volunteers gathered for a festive Wrapping Party, where gifts for families in the care of the Halton Children’s Aid Society were meticulously wrapped and arranged. This heartwarming event embodied the spirit of giving and community.
We extend our gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of these initiatives, and we look forward to continuing our mission in the upcoming quarter.
 
Donate
 
Currency for Kids is a provincial program coordinated by Children's Aid Foundations throughout Ontario. It supports children, youth and families by collecting foreign currency which is then exchanged for Canadian dollars through Global Coin Solutions. The proceeds from the coins and notes we receive from around the world support our vital programs.
To date the Currency for Kids initiative has raised over $35,000 CAD.
 
Special Mentions
We extend our immense gratitude to the following organizations and individuals for their outstanding support and contributions to our mission:
  • Nickel Brook Brewing Co. for their ongoing generous event partnership.
  • Burloak Canoe Club, Creating Space Yoga and Grace Academy, for the overwhelming amount of warm, cozy pajamas, filling Comfort Kits with love and style.
  • Oakville Professional Firefighters Association - for their unwavering commitment to supporting local families with their annual Toy Drive initiatives.
  • The Rocca Sisters for their kindness, compassion and dedication to making a difference in our community.
  • Home Depot Stores of Burlington and Milton for generously coordinating donations through the Orange Door Campaign in support of homeless youth.
  • Canadian Tire (Fairview) for their commitment to giving back to the community and their legacy of supporting the Bikes for Kids project.
  • Supporters of Greg Pace and the Bikes for Kids initiative for the incredible effort in providing bicycles to children and youth, promoting independence, fun, physical activity and mobility.
  • Our newest partner, Halton Peel Dental Association for generously hosting a successful fundraiser to benefit our cause.
  • Halton Honda for continuing their legacy of corporate partnership, generously helping us drive positive change in our community.
  • Every single person who contributed to our events and programs throughout the year.
Heartfelt thank you wishes to ALL our donors and supporters. Your innovative approaches to raising funds and coordinating practical gifts make a significant impact on our ability to support deserving children, youth and families in Halton. Thank you all for believing in the work we do.
 
Programs and Aims
The Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton's mission is to provide support and resources to children, youth, and families who have experienced abuse, neglect, and other forms of loss and trauma. Our goal is to help them overcome adversity and achieve their full potential.
We support a range of programs designed to promote healing, education, and personal growth. These include:
  • Bridging the Gap: For youth aged 16-24 who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless
  • Bursaries and Education: Tuition, supplies and educational support to help youth in care create a path to independence
  • DREAMS Begin at Home: Resources to help families and young adults create a safe and nurturing living environment
  • FUTURES: Academic tutoring and mentorship that also focus on building skills, confidence and self-esteem in children and youth, helping them to develop a positive vision for their future
  • Holiday DREAMS: Bringing joy and care to children and youth throughout the year, especially during the holiday season, providing them with gifts, experiences, and memories to cherish
  • Youth in Care: Life skills, mentoring and advocacy programs for youth in care; developing skills to navigate the challenges of growing up within the child welfare system.
 
Our ultimate aim is to help children and youth overcome the challenges they face and achieve success in all areas of their lives. We strive to:
  • Provide a safe and supportive environment that fosters healing and growth
  • Promote education and personal development to help children and youth reach their full potential
  • Build strong, supportive relationships that help children and youth develop a sense of belonging and connection
  • Advocate for the needs and rights of children and youth in care, ensuring their voices are heard and their interests are represented
 
Upcoming Events
1. Moonlight on Mainway - February 22, 2025
2. Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Children's Aid Foundation of Halton - March 12, 2025
ph: 905-333-4441, ext. 0707
 
foundation@haltoncas.ca
 
1445 Norjohn Court, Unit 1
Burlington, ON L7L 0E6