Caledon Community Services celebrates Community Impact at 2025 AGM

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Caledon Community Services (CCS) held its annual general meeting last week, celebrating incoming board members, saying goodbye to departing members, and recognizing all their accomplishments from the 2024-2025 year.

Geraldine Aguiar, Chief Executive Officer at CCS, opened the meeting, remarking they were celebrating the impact that their collective work had on advancing their mission of prioritizing community well-being.

“The mission cannot be done in isolation and your presence here is a testament to our shared goals and commitment to make our community stronger. Truly, together we can,” said Aguiar.

The room was packed roof to rafter, which MPP Sylvia Jones noted is a testament to what CCS means to the community. 

Regional Councillor Christina Early, Board Chair of CCS, recognized all those on the Board and in the room that day.

“All of these individuals work their day job, and this is above and beyond,” said Councillor Early, motioning around the room. “The board is a strictly volunteer position, and there's a lot of hours that go into it, but we do it with passion, care, and we do it for a community and an organization that we love so very much.”

The guest speaker for the evening was Captain (Ret'd) Kevin Junor, a 2025 King Charles III Coronation Medal honoree.

Junor has over 40 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, and was appointed to the Order of Ontario with demonstrated commitment to community well-being, diversity, inclusion, and preserving military history.

Junor shared the story of Mark, a story CCS had once shared with him.

Mark was the neighbour who always helped out, driving his friends' kids to practice and dropping off groceries when someone was going through a rough patch.

But when he lost his job, Mark skipped meals so his kids wouldn't go hungry.

Junor shared that for Mark, one of the hardest parts was being unable to buy his daughter her favourite snack.

“I'm here to tell you that there are a number of individuals like Mark in our community who don't have the privilege to go out for coffee to deal with this. Can you imagine? You have to decide between paying your rent or mortgage or utilities or buying food for your family,” said Junor.

“I always say that it's my responsibility to extend the privilege to those who are in need. My late mom's favorite [quote] was, ‘if I can help somebody, as I pass along, that my living shall not be in vain.' I can assure you that the team at CCS is not living in vain,” he said. “I can assure you that the funds donated are used to help those who do not have the necessities of life. Individuals like Mark, can find their way at CCS for the support needed. This results in improved quality of life.”

CCS noted in their 2024-2025 community impact report that their food bank reached a historic record high.

Over 1,200 people accessed food and essential items through more than 5,000 food bank visits.

455 children received healthy snacks, access to recreation, and school supplies.

CCS also reported over 20,000 hours of direct service for seniors.

Recognized at the event were the 2024-2025 Honorary Life members, who have embodied CCS's values and commitment to the community for more than 10 years, and each has contributed to the agency's success with their time, resources, and skills.

These members were Melodie Belusa, Tracy Smale, and Stephen Julian.

CCS said goodbye to three board members at the AGM: Wanda Buote, Connie Stevens, and Gurvinder Chopra.

With three members leaving, CCS also celebrated those joining the board: Lesley Kennedy, Carine Strong, and Simran Virdi.

As CCS moves into its next year, its 2024-2027 Strategic Plan focuses on operational and service excellence, partnership growth, sustainability, and advocacy for equitable opportunities.