Kirkland Lake Council Declares May Community Living Month

In a presentation to Kirkland Lake Town Council, Community Living Kirkland Lake requested that the month of May be declared Community Living Month.

Sherry Shelp, on behalf of Community Living Kirkland Lake addressed Council at their meeting on May 7, requesting the declaration and asking if council would agree to fly the Community Living flag at Town Hall for the month.  She also thanked the town’s Works department for flying flags throughout the downtown core for the month.

“One of the key messages that Community Living organizations throughout Canada advocates for is that of citizenship.

Citizenship is about experiencing human rights, responsibilities, and opportunities.” Shelp said in her address.

She went on to say, “Community Living supports individuals as they develop their capacity to live, learn, work and participate in all aspects of community life. We also help the community develop its capacity to welcome and support people who have not always had the same opportunities as the rest of us.”

Kirkland Lake Mayor Bill Enouy thanked Shelp for her presentation and said they were pleased to make the declaration.  Other members of council commended Community Living Kirkland Lake on the important role they play for the individuals they support.

May is Community Living Month every year throughout Canada.  It raises awareness of the progress that has been made in Canada to provide meaningful supports and services and to promote social inclusion for individuals with an intellectual disability.

Community Living Kirkland Lake has a number of events planned for the month.  Each year, a book is donated to the Teck Centennial Library.  The book usually carries the theme of intellectual disabilities or social inclusion.  This year’s book will be “Carly’s Voice”, the story of a Toronto girl diagnosed with severe autism who has learned to communicate through the use of assistive technology.

An annual basketball game between Special Olympians and the Kirkland Lake OPP is slated for May 24 at 7pm.  This takes place at St Jerome School and nonperishable food donations would be appreciated for the Kirkland Lake Food Bank.

On May 25, a Special Olympics “Have-A-Go” event will be held in the KLDCS gym.  It takes place from 1-4pm and will give younger Special Olympians the chance to try out some Special Olympics sports.  The gym will be divided into 4 stations and with the help of Kirkland Lake Ineract, participants will “Have-A-Go” at basketball, indoor bocce, bowling and Rocks & Rings curling.

Community Living Kirkland Lake has also recently launched a new web page, Facebook page and twitter account.  All of these can be accessed through the website at www.communitylivingkl.com.  Throughout the month of May, trivia questions will be posted to the Facebook page.  Answers to these questions can be found on the website.  The first person to post the correct answer to these questions will win the prize for that day.  Prizes include golf umbrellas, travel mugs, a $25 grocery card and a $25 gas card. All winners will be entered in a draw for the grand prize, a Kobo Vox eReader that will be given away May 31. To be eligible, a person must ‘Like’ us on Facebook and they are only able to win once.

For more information on any of these events, feel free to contact Jim Fox, Community Support Supervisor, 705-567-9331, ext.222.

January Cash Draw Kick Starts Van Fundraising Efforts

Community Living Kirkland Lake kicked off a fundraising campaign by making a few people a little richer.  The agency’s January cash draw handed out prizes each weekday in January resulting in 21 people winning a cash prize ranging from $25 to $500.  Mary Rozich of Kirkland Lake was the big winner, having her name drawn on the final day for $500.

Kim Harvey, Residential Supervisor at Community Living Kirkland Lake presents Helen Rozich with a cheque for $500. Mrs. Rozich was the big winner in the draw that awarded $2000 in prizes to 22 lucky winners in January.

The fundraising campaign will allow the agency to purchase a new van to meet the needs of the individuals supported by the agency.

“We currently have four wheelchair accessible vans that operate out of our group homes.  These purpose built vehicles are very expensive to maintain and are not very fuel efficient,” says Ron Arbuckle, Community Living Kirkland Lake board member. “We are now looking to purchase a 12 passenger van that can be used when a wheelchair van isn’t required.”

The agency would use the new vehicle to provide transportation to activities at its day program, Community Living Skills, as well as to transport individuals to medical appointments out of town.

 The agency’s funding comes from Ontario’s Ministry of Community and Social Services.  Transportation, however, is not funded by the Ministry.

Community Living Kirkland Lake Executive Director Heather Topliss says it’s unfortunate but the agency is trying hard to purchase a vehicle that will meet our needs and preserve the vehicles they currently own.

 “A full size wheelchair van costs approximately $90 000,” says Topliss. “Right now we are using them for all our outings, which puts an excessive amount of wear and tear on these vehicles.  We believe that by purchasing a 12 passenger van, at about half the cost, we will ultimately extend the life of the four vehicles we currently own.”

The January cash draw and other fundraising currently place the agency’s efforts at $12,000.  The goal is to raise $40 000. Community Living Kirkland Lake is a registered charity and all donations are tax deductible.

Santa Visits CLS

Santa and an elf paid a visit to the Staff at Community Living Skills in December.

Christmas Sleigh Rides at McDonalds

The Kinsmen Club of Kirkland Lake and McDonalds Restaurant invited Community Living Kirkland Lake for a sleigh ride and refreshments in December.

Community Living Kirkland Lake Celebrates its 65th Anniversary

Betty Stone of Community Living Ontario presents Community Living Kirkland Lake Executive Director, Heather Topliss and Board of Directors President, Annice Tilley with a certificate commemorating the 65^th anniversary of the agency.  Mrs. Stone also delivered a letter of congratulations from Community Living Ontario Interim Executive Director Alan McWhorter.  To read Mr. McWhorter’s letter, click here.