Festive swim and social event held by Caledon Area Families For Inclusion

Event was all about bringing families together and finding commonality

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Last Sunday, Caledon residents participated in an inclusive evening of family fun. 

On December 10, Caledon Area Families For Inclusion (CAFFI) hosted a swim and social event at the Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness in Bolton.

CAFFI was established in 2012 and works to promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in their own community. The group strives to provide inclusive social events and one of its main goals is ensuring there is support for individuals with disabilities in the community after they turn 21.

The December 10 event began with an hour-long swim, and then families and friends gathered in a community room for games, dinner, and hot chocolate. The room was decorated for the holidays and Christmas music was playing. There was a surprise visit from Santa, who handed out presents. 

Mike Brunetto, one of CAFFI's volunteer leaders, explained that CAFFI partnered with the Town of Caledon to host the event. With the success of its recent event, its planning to host more like it, as well as a barbeque in the summer. 

“Our biggest goal here is to bring families together and get to know each other and realize how much commonality there is between one family and another,” said Brunetto. “Our biggest challenge that we face in the community is what does life look like for these kids when they turn 21?” 

Brunetto said CAFFI is advocating for more support and programming for adults with disabilities. He said CAFFI wants to partner with the Town and other similar agencies to support individuals with disabilities in their transition from school to life after.

“It's a very critical need,” said Brunetto. 

He said CAFFI is working with the Town of Caledon on its inclusion framework, which puts into policy the kinds of services and supports offered to individuals with disabilities in the community.

Brunetto said he was very happy to see the December 10 social event succeed.

“There's a need for people to connect with one another… you can see, there's long-term friendships to be made here,” said Brunetto.