We are delighted to acknowledge our ongoing support for the educational pursuits of students through the Bursary program, run in partnership with the Halton Children's Aid Society (Halton CAS).

 

Each year at the Halton CAS's annual meeting, in addition to awarding bursaries for post -secondary education, the CAFH and Halton CAS also select outstanding students as recipients of no less than nine awards of distinction. Of these awards three have been named by CAFH in honour of significant benefactors to the organization. These prestigious awards exemplify the values of academic excellence, leadership, and perseverance.

 

 

The Moen Award for Excellence is conferred upon a student who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership acumen. This award recognizes students who have excelled throughout their program, exhibiting notable accomplishments in academic pursuits, mentorship, and experiential learning opportunities. The recipient of this award embodies the principles of excellence and dedication.

 

Brianna is a shining example of dedication and compassion, consistently inspiring her peers while pursuing excellence in graphic arts and design, and embodying the values of kindness, empathy, and support that define the Moen Award.

 

 

The Marilyn Benninger Inspiration Award is presented to a student who has exemplified empathy, introspection, and kindness in their leadership approach. This award acknowledges students who empower youth through creative endeavors, public speaking, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. The recipient of this award is a paradigm of leadership and inspiration.

 

Emily embodies the spirit of resilience and determination, overcoming personal challenges with unwavering commitment to her education and future, inspiring others with her unrelenting pursuit of excellence and passion for making a positive impact.

 

 

The McPhie Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated unwavering determination and passion for learning, notwithstanding the challenges they may have faced. This award recognizes students who have successfully navigated obstacles while maintaining a steadfast commitment to completing their education. The recipient of this award serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and resolve.

 

Mathea's remarkable resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity shine brightly, as she graduates with her Grade 12 diploma and embarks on a new chapter at Guelph University, inspiring others with her strength, kindness, and unwavering optimism.

                                                       

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By supporting all students, CAFH underscores its commitment to empowering children and youth in care to achieve their full potential in post-secondary education. We invite you to join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of these students. Your support enables CAFH to continue providing vital resources and opportunities for these deserving individuals to succeed.

Ettridges the Studio Inc. has been a shining pillar of support for CAFH for almost a decade, consistently demonstrating its commitment to giving back to the community. As a respected and creative business in our area, "Ettridges", under owner Susan Clark's visionary leadership, has made a lasting impact on our organization. Susan's passion for bringing joy and delight to children's lives is evident in every aspect of her work with our organization. Her expertise in event coordination, decor, and theme development has been invaluable to our events, including Black Tie Galas, themed children and youth parties, and seasonal celebrations.

 

 

We are grateful for the generosity with which Susan opens her studio to our planning committees, sharing her guidance and expertise to ensure our events are truly unforgettable. Her connections and resources have also enhanced our initiatives, and her unique decor contributions have added a touch of magic to our events, including LemonAID Days and Oktoberfest. Beyond her studio, Susan is an active and dedicated member of the community, volunteering her time and expertise to various local causes and events.

 

Susan's infectious energy and kindness fill every room she enters, and her willingness to help is inspiring. We are so grateful for her partnership and Ettridges the Studio Inc's ongoing support, and we look forward to many more years of working together to make a difference in the lives of children and young people in our community. Thank you.

Inderjit Grewal’s tenure with the Children’s Aid Foundation of Halton exemplifies her profound commitment to community service, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to supporting vulnerable populations. Following 32 years of distinguished service as a protection worker first with Windsor CAS and then Halton CAS, Inderjit transitioned seamlessly into volunteer capacity with CAFH, driven by an enduring passion for supporting children and families who require guidance, care, and advocacy. Throughout her extensive career, Inderjit has consistently prioritized the well-being and safety of her clients, fostering a culture of trust and compassion that has positively impacted countless lives.

 

As a dedicated volunteer in CAFH's programs, Inderjit has successfully leveraged her extensive experience as a social worker to adapt to her new role, emphasizing the paramount importance of active listening in providing effective support to families and children. Her approach underscores the value of creating a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to express their concerns and needs, allowing them to feel heard and understood. By doing so, Inderjit has established herself as a trusted and empathetic presence within the community, providing vital support to those navigating complex and often challenging circumstances.

 

Additionally, Inderjit has taken a seat on the CAFH’s volunteer Board of Directors, where she utilizes her expertise to inform policy decisions and direct resources towards addressing specific community needs. Her philosophy is rooted in the principle of reciprocity, recognizing that individuals and communities require support at various junctures, and underscoring the significance of collective involvement in fostering positive change. Through her Board membership, Inderjit has been instrumental in shaping the Foundation's strategic direction, ensuring that its initiatives and programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of the community.

 

Inderjit continues to make a profoundly positive impact on the lives of children and families in Halton, embodying the CAFH's mission to provide transformative opportunities that empower individuals to thrive. By combining her extensive experience, passion for community service, and commitment to collaborative problem-solving, Inderjit has established herself as a leading figure in CAFH's efforts to drive meaningful change and promote the well-being of vulnerable populations.

Austin McNeil’s journey with the Halton Children's Aid Society began when he was 13, he later became a Crown Ward at 15. He was placed with two foster families, and while he received ongoing support from one family in particular, upon turning 18 foster care is no longer an option.

 

As a young man navigating his way through the Child Welfare system, Austin took advantage of opportunities for post-secondary education and gained two College diplomas. Despite these successes Austin also faced challenges, including a period of homelessness after completing his program. However, he found support through the Bridging the Gap program, which provides assistance to youth who are unhoused and experiencing homelessness. This experience not only helped him but has inspired him to give back to the community.

 

We have spoken frequently of Austin's wonderful work as an official Ambassador of CAFH, the many events he helps with and his amazing ability to problem solve on the fly.

 

Now we are thrilled to report that Austin’s story has added another chapter!

Recently, he became employed as the Youth in Care Leader at Halton CAS, working closely with outside agencies, coordinating events, and supporting youth programming. He acts as a key advocate for youth in care and draws from his vast experience in the sector to provide guidance, act as a resource and mentor to others who are following in his footsteps. One of his key projects involves creating a guide for future Youth in Care leaders, outlining operations, areas for impact, and event planning templates. He’s also pursuing a Child & Youth Care diploma at Mohawk College, with a field placement at a high school.

 

In addition to his role at Halton CAS, Austin continues to volunteer for CAFH. He’s also involved in various tech projects, including the BUILD project, which aims to bring useful innovations to the organization. Specifically, Austin is working on an inventory management system for tracking in-kind donations, which will streamline the recording process and save volunteers countless hours.

 

Austin’s passion for technology and frontline work drives him to find innovative solutions to real-world problems. His goal is to combine both aspects in his future career, making a positive impact on the lives of children, youth and families. With his dedication to giving back to the community and his enthusiasm for technology, Austin is an invaluable asset to the CAFH and Halton CAS family.

 

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of the Moon in June Race for selecting CAFH as the event beneficiary for the second year in a row. This year marked the 36th anniversary of this amazing event, and we are honored to have been included in the festivities once again.

 

We appreciate the dedication and efforts of everyone involved in bringing the community together, with over 1500 participants competing in multiple categories, it was an exciting event, with such an inspiring festival atmosphere, congratulations!

 

The event raised a net profit of close to $30,000 which has come directly to CAFH. This is a major gift to us and will make a significant contribution to the programs we provide for children, youth and families in need.

 

Thank you to the Moon in June Race organizers, volunteers, supporters and all the lovely runners, for your kindness and generosity towards the Children's Aid Foundation of Halton.

 

Lastly, a special thank you to the residents whose access to their homes was impacted by the route the event takes - we are especially grateful for your patience and delighted by those of you who set up cheering stations - true community spirit, thank you!

 

The LemonAID Days campaign is a heartwarming initiative that brings families together in support of other families, it's a really cool concept!

 

Here's a highlight of the event:

 

 

From May 30th to June 23rd, families, businesses, and community members joined forces to host lemonade stands across Halton, raising funds for CAFH. This fun and refreshing campaign aimed to offer families with young children an opportunity to teach about helping other children, it also brought a team building exercise for companies and became a fun addition to bolster activities at a community event, all in support of children, youth, and families.

 

 

With 100% of proceeds going directly to CAFH, LemonAID Days made a meaningful difference in the lives of Halton's most vulnerable children, youth and families. Participants received a comprehensive kit, with promotional materials and supplies to make their stand a success. Youth hosts even earned volunteer hours for their efforts.

 

 

LemonAID Days is not limited to Halton; infact it began in Niagara Region, with others such as Grand Erie, Guelph and Waterloo also getting involved. The aim is to have a province-wide event hosted by multiple Children's Aid Foundations all supporting individuals involved with child welfare agencies throughout Ontario. Will you join us next year?

 

Thank you to all the wonderful LemonAID Days hosts, special squeezes to all of you. 💛💛 💛

Summer event for youth - Annually we host an event for children & youth in care, It's a chance to connect, have fun and pick up some supplies ready for September. Your generosity can help spark a summer of adventure, learning, and connection.

Back-to-School Campaign - July to August, help us prepare BEFORE September comes around. Help us make the first day at school memorable for the right reasons! 

CAFH Golf Classic - Friday September 12, 2025. Come on out and join us, as a sponsor, for golf or just for lunch - sign up today! 

Many of our partners play key roles behind the scenes. Their dedication is vital in helping us provide the services we offer. Thank you for believing in the work we do!