Dear members,
With the arrival of spring, a new energy is taking hold within our community. The days are getting longer, the light is returning, and with it comes an invitation to come together and foster well-being and solidarity. This quarter promises to be filled with moments of sharing and celebration.
Starting in April, we will be honoring those we see too rarely, but without whom so much would be impossible: family caregivers. In Ontario, there are more than 3 million of them. At CAH, these individuals are present every day, supporting a parent, a spouse, a friend, or a neighbor. They are the cornerstone of seniors’ ability to remain in their homes, the quiet pillars of a system that relies heavily on their commitment. And yet, their role remains too often invisible.
Recognizing their contribution is not enough: we must also take action. At CAH, we know we cannot function without them. That is why our services—including day program activities and the caregiver support program—are designed to offer them respite. Supporting family caregivers means supporting the entire community. Let’s take the time to listen to them, recognize them, and provide them with the resources they deserve.
April will also give us the opportunity to celebrate National Volunteer Week, a special time to recognize those who keep our organization’s heart beating. Your generosity, your time, and your energy help enrich the lives of our community every day. Together, you embody change and strengthen the bonds that unite us. This year, we are investing in revitalizing our volunteer program, with more resources dedicated to engaging with our community across the Greater Toronto Area.
We will also use this time to celebrate Earth Day, a moment to reflect on our collective impact and the simple actions that help preserve our environment. Since gardening is a concrete way to maintain a fundamental connection with the earth, we will be allocating plots in our community gardens to CVA members.
The month of May invites us to pay special attention to our mental health, a cornerstone of our quality of life. In keeping with the values of kindness that guide us, we encourage you to take the time to listen to yourself, express yourself, and support those around you. Mental health thrives in an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and accepted just as they are—which is what we aim to create together at CAH.
It is in this spirit that we will offer activities and spaces for exchange to foster authentic connections and break down isolation. As our collective commitment reminds us, kindness and listening are at the heart of a strong and inclusive community.
We would also like to remind you that membership renewal for the Centre de Vie Active is currently underway. This membership is essential to continue benefiting from the activities, workshops, and services offered in French. It also provides concrete support for the vitality of the CVA and the continuation of its programming. It is important to note that this membership is separate from that of the Centres d’Accueil Héritage (CAH), each serving complementary objectives.
June is also Seniors’ Month, a time to recognize those who have shaped our community and continue to bring it to life. Throughout the month, we will reflect on how to help build truly inclusive communities and shift the narrative around aging.
June will also be an opportunity to mark National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) and to welcome Pride celebrations. Each year, these two key moments remind us of our commitment to reconciliation, while recognizing the richness of our diversity and the importance of creating and maintaining a truly inclusive and safe environment.
As we do every year, we will gather for our Annual General Meeting, to be held on June 24, 2026. This key moment in our organization’s life allows us to take stock of our achievements, share our strategic direction, give our members a voice, and renew our commitment to governance by and for Francophones.
Throughout these months, our activities—whether yoga, cultural gatherings, festive events, or community exchanges—all share the same goal: to promote overall well-being, both physical and mental as well as social. This spring, we invite you to fully participate in the life of the Centre, to take care of yourself and others, and to continue building together a warm, inclusive, and dynamic community.
With all our gratitude and enthusiasm for the months ahead.
Fabien Schneider
Assistant Executive Director of CAH