The rainy skies parted this evening just in time for folks to gather outside the Caledon Inn for the annual AGM for Caledon Community Services. A truly amazing organization CCS provides crisis support, adult English classes, employment services, seniors support, and of course the familiar Chez Thrift and ReUstore. CCS is in the business of helping people help themselves. That message resonated when Executive Director Monty Laskin stood at the podium and talked about community and about how the staff and volunteers truly understand what community is. But it was never more clearly understood than it was in those brief moments when two wonderfully articulate women, who had been recipients of CCS’s efforts, bravely took the microphone, and stole our hearts, with their stories of how CCS had impacted their lives. You are remarkable women and you brought tears to our eyes. And CCS…….your community thanks you.
It’s All About Community
Just to add a few bits of information about Caledon Community Services. It has been the longest serving community based social services organization in Caledon’s history. It began with one employee years back and was originally based out of a one room site over in Caledon East. CCS was founded by Sarah Haney….yup, that Sarah Haney….and in some ways it was the success of the Trivial Pursuit mania that allowed her the time and some resources to begin the foundation of what is now the Caledon Community Services that we all know.
On a personal note, when I had broken my leg and was scheduled to have my cast removed at the Brampton hospital after wearing it for 3 months, it was CCS who got me there. My husband was supposed to take me down, got hung up at work and called me. I called the hospital saying I’d be late and they said I had to reschedule for 2 weeks later. I was in tears. After wearing that thing for 3 months I wanted it off. I called Helen at CCS who arranged transportation for appts. She hustled, got me a ride and got me to my appt. I was so grateful.