Our Annual Newsletter is a celebration of individuals living with disabilities, their families and the many generous contributors who support us. We encourage you to browse through our newsletter(s) in English and Portuguese to learn more about Luso’s programs, services and events throughout the year.
Last week, Hallmark Housekeeping Services Inc generously donated 50 hot meals prepared by Leao D'ouro Restaurant Bar for Luso to distribute to families in Toronto and Hamilton. They were excited for the visit and appreciated the thoughtful gift of a delicious meal delivered right to their homes. For these families, the meal was more than just a gesture, it was an act of kindness and they were touched by the generosity of our supporters. Thank you on behalf of our Luso Family!
Last week our Hamilton team delivered surprise gift bags with activity and recipe supplies to Luso families. Much to the delight of everyone, it was a chance for our team to reconnect with participants and families during these difficult times. We miss everyone dearly!
On behalf of our Luso Family, thank you to everyone who donated and/or shared our #GivingTuesdayNow message.
With your help, we have raised $7,286 and counting! Your ongoing support allows us to continue making a difference for adults living with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our #GivingTuesdayNow page will remain open until the end of May for those who still wish to contribute to the campaign.
If you have the ability to give and wish to support our cause, please visit the following link to donate: secure.e2rm.com/registrant/startup.aspx?eventid=333308
Once again, thank you for your support!
We are very pleased with the level of support in response to our #GivingTuesdayNow request! Thank you to those who are donating and/or sharing our message. Our number of donors have surpassed prior years for #GivingTuesday.
Special thanks to Cesar, Elem, Marlene, Mary-Lou and Maud, to name a few, for their generous donations. Your ongoing support makes a difference in the lives of adults living with disabilities.
We understand that these are hard times for everyone. If you have the ability to give and wish to support our cause, click the following link to donate today: secure.e2rm.com/registrant/startup.aspx?eventid=333308
Luso received a wonderful greeting from Hayley Wickenheiser who shared some encouraging words in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For those of you who don’t know her, Hayley is a six-time Olympian and five-time Olympic medalist (4 Gold medals and 1 Silver medal) who played with Team Canada's Women's Ice Hockey Team.
While growing up in Saskatchewan, Hayley's mother ran a home called the "Houston Home" for individuals living with disabilities, just like Luso! This population especially touches her heart as she spent a great deal of time with the Houston Home clients.
Among her many other accomplishments, Hayley is currently working with Canada's Conquer COVID19 organization to facilitate access to essential products that are in short supply for the healthcare community during the pandemic. She is also completing her final year of Medicine at the University of Calgary.
Hayley is a role model and inspiration for all Canadians to say the least. We are proud to share her message with our Luso Family and we hope it lifts your spirits during these undoubtedly challenging times.
As part of #GivingTuesdayNow, we would like to give thanks to Hayley for her kind support for our Luso participants, families, staff and our many community supporters. Our participants also had some messages of their own to share with Hayley, which can be viewed in the comment section.
As part of #GivingTuesdayNow, we would like to give thanks to Feed Mississauga and Mississauga Convention Centre, our generous community partners, for providing 50 hot meals to brighten the day for Luso families. Deliveries made by Luso staff were an opportunity to connect while respecting social distancing. Recipients were delighted to receive delicious meals brought to their door by smiling volunteers.
Before the pandemic, routines and programs offered at Luso provided participants with daily structure, stimulation and the ability to socialize with others. Recognizing the importance of social interaction, we knew we needed to continue to deliver programs but in a different way while our centres are temporarily closed.
Luso has moved forward rapidly to keep participants connected through regular communication and developed virtual curriculum to support individuals and families. This includes online programs, communicating with families, delivering a variety of supports (crafts, activity supplies, recipe kits, etc.) and keeping participants updated with weekly newsletters.
This #GivingTuesdayNow, we're asking for your help during these unprecedented times.
Your donation will fund Luso's continued online activities and allow us to diversify and expand programming and care.
We understand that these are hard times for everyone. If you have the ability to give and wish to support our cause, click the following link to donate today: secure.e2rm.com/registrant/startup.aspx?eventid=333308
COVID-19 has changed the way we live and interact with each other. This is especially true for our organization, participants and their families. As we continue to work through the implications of the virus, the well being and health of participants is our most important priority. Our participants and families come first and we are doing our best to ensure their needs continue to be met.
Since COVID-19 prevents face-to-face programming, our centres are temporarily closed. Regardless, the need to support adults living with disabilities remains and we are continuing to provide programs and services in new and innovative ways despite a lack of revenue from program fees or fundraising.
This #GivingTuesdayNow, we're asking for your help during these unprecedented times.
Luso is taking part in #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented changes due to the pandemic.
Your #GivingTuesdayNow donation will fund Luso's continued online activities and allow us to diversify and expand programming and care, whether it's learning life skills, creative art or delivering support packages to Luso Families.
We understand that these are hard times for everyone. If you have the ability to give and wish to support our cause, click the following link to donate today: secure.e2rm.com/registrant/startup.aspx?eventid=333308
There are many individuals that contribute to this organization day in and day out. Volunteering at Luso can take different forms and adds a wide variety of skills and activities that support our daily programming and participants’ growth. From the committees that organize our events, to the individuals that help with the program, events, community outings or provide continuous program donations and treats for the participants, THANK YOU!
Volunteers are an important part of the Luso Family and as part of Volunteer Week, we are pleased to showcase only some of the smiling faces that make a difference!
Luso knows it's important to be connected while staying at home. We are actively engaging with Luso participants during these challenging times with online activities, resources and video conferencing to reduce boredom and isolation. Seeing smiling faces and catching up with their friends brightens up everyone's day! We are all in this together.
Luso cares deeply about everyone's well-being and is committed to doing our part to reduce social isolation for our participants and their families. It is important to feel connected. Our goal is to stay in touch with our Luso community through regular conversations and suggestions that reduce boredom. We also encourage everyone to reach out to their own personal support network.
Our thoughts are with those directly affected by COVID-19 and the individuals working tirelessly to treat and support them. We also recognize and thank those doing their part to flatten the curve and reduce the spread of the virus.
Much work is being done across the globe to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We encourage everyone to do their part and listen to the advice of public health authorities to eliminate the spread of this pandemic.
Luso wishes our extended family of participants, families, staff, supporters and the community at large, good health and strength as we work through this together.
Stay well. Stay connected.
Please note that our Open House at Luso Support Centre Peel has been postponed until further notice.
We apologize for any inconvenience. A rescheduled date will follow.
For more information please contact 905-858-8197, info@lusoccs.org or visit our website at lusoccs.org.
Last week, our Toronto Centre was pleased to have Portuguese Parliament Member Dr. Paulo Porto Fernandes and give him a tour of our facility. Our participants were happy to meet him and we sincerely appreciate his interest in visiting our centre.
