Funded Programs
Learn more about what we do and how you can help!
|
Distribution Centre
Our Distribution Centre runs all year round and supports 3000 vulnerable families with new toiletries, clothing, grocery gift cards, infant products, school supplies, toys, and more. For volunteer opportunities at our centre contact donate@peelcaf.com.
|
|
Skills for Success
In Ontario less than a half of children living under the care and supervision of CAS complete high school by the age 21 and less than a quarter of those go on to pursue post-secondary education. These numbers are vastly different than the overall statistics of 75% of Ontario youth finishing high school and 40% going on to post-secondary studies. Through the Skills for Success program, Peel Children’s Aid Foundation is committed to changing these numbers and giving more children and youth in care access to post-secondary education, and skill building opportunities to help them set goals and work towards success.
|
|
Wishes for Kids
The purpose of the Wishes for Kids Program is to create opportunities for children served by Peel Children’s Aid to enjoy childhood milestones considered to be a normal part of life by the majority of their peers, or to receive special assistance in overcoming obstacles to happiness. This program was created to give vulnerable children and youth in Peel Region the opportunity to take part in a childhood activity of their choice.
|
|
Infant Wellness
The Infant Wellness Program assists in the mental, physical, and emotional development of vulnerable infants and their families. In addition to the support of six specially trained registered nurses, the program provides cribs, car seats, safety gates, and medical and infant supplies. Financial support for this program is used to purchase the right diagnostic tools to help identify and treat the health needs of the infant. By providing essential items to families, parents can focus on being active and supportive caregivers to their infant.
|
|
Comfort Kits
If children need to come into care it can be a difficult time. Peel Children's Aid Foundation tries to alleviate some of the undo stress of this transition by giving these children and youth ‘Comfort Kits’ that include items such as clothing, blankets and toiletries and every kit comes with a $50 Walmart gift card.
|
|
Summer Camp
Peel CAF provides children and youth with the opportunity to attend summer camps in the Peel Region and gain the valuable experience of camp.
|
|
Poverty Relief FundProviding temporary financial assistance for families living in poverty who are unable to provide their children with the basic necessities of life including food, diapers and clothing. This fund allows us to distribute financial donations where they are needed most.
|
Stories
Read through stories from our youth, parents, and child protection workers
|
"I’ve been most grateful and thankful for all the support, encouragement and assistance from all my support workers, and colleagues. I have attended each and every Christmas Luncheon at the Mississauga Convention Centre with my two sons.
I am ever so grateful and thankful to be able to attend such an amazing and wonderful event. The gracious food, gifts, and entertainment, and all the warm, kind and helpful volunteers make Christmas special for those who may be going through difficult times. Without the help and support of all the volunteers this event wouldn’t be possible. Personally for myself, without this special event, Christmas wouldn’t be the same. I truly and heartedly thank each and every one of you who make this event possible each and every year." 
Ellen |
"My clients have been showing me their family photos taken at the luncheon on Christmas Day during my home visits. They told me they loved it, and it was the only outing they had during the holiday - thank you so much, our families need something to look forward to."
Gillian |
"I’ve been involved with CAS for a long time. When I was 15, my older sister, who was 19, became a foster parent to myself and my 13 year old brother. It is only now that I am turning 19 that I am starting to realize just how amazing and extremely challenging that must have been for her. She took care of us, went to University and worked three jobs. I can’t imagine how quickly she had to grow up. She is a survivor I am forever grateful for the sacrifices she made. She is truly my inspiration and who I am today is largely owed to her.
Through my experiences in care, I have learned the importance of education and am pursuing a post secondary education. Receiving a bursary, or any form of financial aid, is critical to the progress and educational future of youth like me. My peers have parents and families who can financially support them and many youth in care don’t really have this same type of support. I’ve learned important skills to become financially independent, however it is hard to focus on your education if you are constantly worried about money. A lot of this pressure is relieved when you receive a bursary. I hope the donors who support the Foundation know that no matter how big or small, their contributions do wonders. This help is never taken for granted. Youth in care are passionate, resilient, smart and ready to do big things. You never know where we may end up. Your donations are a huge resource for us.
I have always wanted to pursue a career where I can help others. I used to think working as a lawyer or within policy was the way to go, but I am discovering that there are some amazing things that can be done with technology as well. I’m in the process of learning to code and even though I just finished my first year at University of Toronto, I am going to go to summer school to study computer science. I would like to tell all youth involved with children’s aid to never stop dreaming. Find what makes you happy and believe that you have the power to achieve your goals. Everyone has different challenges and a different story to tell. I hope that by sharing mine I can inspire others."
Through my experiences in care, I have learned the importance of education and am pursuing a post secondary education. Receiving a bursary, or any form of financial aid, is critical to the progress and educational future of youth like me. My peers have parents and families who can financially support them and many youth in care don’t really have this same type of support. I’ve learned important skills to become financially independent, however it is hard to focus on your education if you are constantly worried about money. A lot of this pressure is relieved when you receive a bursary. I hope the donors who support the Foundation know that no matter how big or small, their contributions do wonders. This help is never taken for granted. Youth in care are passionate, resilient, smart and ready to do big things. You never know where we may end up. Your donations are a huge resource for us.
I have always wanted to pursue a career where I can help others. I used to think working as a lawyer or within policy was the way to go, but I am discovering that there are some amazing things that can be done with technology as well. I’m in the process of learning to code and even though I just finished my first year at University of Toronto, I am going to go to summer school to study computer science. I would like to tell all youth involved with children’s aid to never stop dreaming. Find what makes you happy and believe that you have the power to achieve your goals. Everyone has different challenges and a different story to tell. I hope that by sharing mine I can inspire others."
Christina
|
"When some people think of foster kids, they think of it as a disadvantage. I’ve never felt that way. I may have experienced some tragic events early on but they don’t define me. Actually, these experiences make me stronger. They have developed my resiliency and motivate me to be successful. I completed my bachelor degree with honors and am excited to be attending graduate school in the fall to study International Development. I hope to eventually go to Latin America to help set up a relief and education program.
The fact that I am receiving a bursary provides security and relieves so much stress which will help me to stay focused on my studies. I was very lucky to also have an amazing CAS worker for support. I feel like he saved my life. He always listened to what I was saying and was there whenever I needed him. He truly cared and made me feel like a part of his family and for that I am grateful. I have some advice for other youth involved with CAS who are becoming independent and starting a post secondary education. Spend your money wisely – budgeting is really important. Also, good relationships are essential – choose who you spend your time with carefully. If you feel like you are struggling, ask for help and access all of the resources that are available to you. And never forget that it is okay to fail – every challenge we face helps build us into the person we will become." 
Nickay 
|
"I love running. I competed in track and field throughout high school, and am currently training with the team at Queen’s University where I just finished my first year. I hope to eventually make the team and win a title for them. Want to hear something funny?
Years ago I was encouraged to join the Peel CAS run group and didn’t really like running at all. Now it is my passion. It’s a sport where the amount of work and effort you put in directly impacts what you get out of it. I like to compete and it inspires me to work harder. I try to maintain this same passion for my education. I’m doing an arts program at Queen’s but eventually would like to pursue my masters in sports psychology. Another area I’m really interested in is urban planning – I think it is important to have a plan b! One of the reasons I’m able to go to University is thanks to the generosity of donors who provide bursaries through the Peel Children’s Aid Foundation. Receiving a bursary means I am able to focus on getting good grades instead of worrying about money, and this really helps me to achieve my goals. I’d like to thank all of the donors who make these bursaries possible. You are making dreams a reality. Not all youth involved with children’s aid have the same opportunities as other youth. Your support puts us on an equal playing field as our peers. Having a donor who doesn’t even know me but wants me to succeed has inspired me to want to become a donor. This way I can give back and support other students like me in the future." 
Josh |