Caledon Community Services celebrating success of 2022 Home for the Holidays Gala

More than  $513,000 was raised at the annual event

By Zachary Roman

The generosity of Caledon residents and businesses resulted in another successful Home for the Holidays Gala last December.

On March 28, Caledon Community Services (CCS) announced the final fundraising results from its Home for the Holidays Gala, which was held on December 2 at the Royal Ambassador Event Centre in Caledon East.

It was the 25th anniversary of the gala and over 400 people were in attendance. It was the most successful gala ever as over $363,000 was raised. However, the event's platinum sponsor, Tribal Partners Inc., made an extra donation of $150,000 which brought the final total to over half a million dollars: $513,000.

The gala was the first to be held in-person in two years, since the pandemic required the gala to run virtually in 2020 and 2021. Monty Laskin, CEO of CCS, said he was so grateful for everyone who came together to make the gala a success. 

“The life-changing care provided to our neighbours every day by CCS is a testament to our community's powerful support throughout a quarter century of our Gala's history,” said Laskin.

There was a silent auction at the event, as well as a live auction hosted by local auctioneer Frances Fripp. Buyers bid on items knowing their bids would help feed families, keep homes warm and provide rides for seniors. 

Mariia Kupriianova, Chief Development Officer for CCS, said the 2022 gala was a big milestone for CCS. She said it's amazing to see that Home for the Holidays has grown from an event that started in people's homes to a huge gala that can raise over $500,000.

“It was a beautiful celebration of our community's generosity,” said Kupriianova of the gifts from residents and businesses.

She said neighbours helping neighbours is the spirit of Caledon. With increasing inflation and continued high demand for support at CCS, Kupriianova said the support at the gala was more needed than ever.