Caledon Community Services honours volunteers and donors at AGM

Meeting held on June 26 at Caledon East Community Complex

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A local non-profit is looking ahead to the next three years and beyond.

On June 26, Caledon Community Services (CCS) held its AGM at the Caledon East Community Centre. At the meeting, many long-time CCS volunteers and donors were honoured.

CCS board member Matthew Certosimo was in charge of congratulating CCS' new honorary life members, the first of which is past CCS Board Chair Ian Armstrong.

“Ian played an instrumental role on the CCS board throughout his tenure… he has been an incredible mentor to all of us who joined the board after him,” said Certosimo. 

He said Armstrong was instrumental in starting CCS' Velocity Ride for Caledon Seniors, and was a driving force in helping with many other CCS fundraisers.

The next honorary life members to be congratulated were local couple James and Anne Dick.

Certosimo said their enduring support of CCS spans over two decades.

“As local business leaders and dedicated donors their contributions have been integral… their unwavering commitment has enriched countless lives,” said Certosimo.

Former Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson and his wife Anne were the next to be welcomed as honorary life members. 

Certosimo said together and individually they have championed community support for CCS for decades.

“Through their community leadership, they orchestrated successful initiatives that have significantly advanced CCS' mission and vision,” said Certosimo. “Allan and Anne are at the heart of Caledon's caring spirit.”

CCS recently completed its 2024 to 2027 strategic plan. At the AGM, CCS CEO Geraldine Aguiar gave a speech about the plan.

“Our plan was informed by over 180 individual contributors; that included input from all of our board, staff, clients and many community partners that I see in the room,” said Aguiar.

She said the current economic situation, and Caledon's imminent growth, are things CCS is keenly aware of. 

“The housing crisis continues, as does the affordability crisis for even the most basic of needs,” she said. “We've seen a double-digit increase in our food support program… families are struggling… we are seeing intensification of needs right here in Caledon.”

Aguiar said CCS wants to help create a healthy and engaged community. 

“Everything we do will be evaluated through this lens of advancing community wellbeing by working creatively and responding to community needs,” she said. “We're committed to our values of leadership, integrity, responsiveness, inclusiveness, innovation and partnership.”

Aguiar said CCS will be forming a client advisory committee to ensure client voices influence CCS decision-making. CCS will be forming a communication strategy to make sure more people know about CCS and the services it offers. 

CCS will be continuing and looking to expand its partnerships in the community, said Aguiar, and it aims to be a leader in innovative partnerships to optimize service delivery.

“We hope, and I hope, that you feel challenged and inspired to join us, to contribute, to throw your weight behind our efforts,” said Aguiar.