December 2013 Newsletter

December 2013 Newsletter To all of you who helped support our 3rd Annual Bowl-a-thon Fundraiser...Thank you! YOU helped us in raising almost $25,000.00 and we couldn’t have done it without you.

Common Ground Co-operative’s 13th Annual General Meeting On November 14th Common Ground Co-operative celebrated growth, development and innovation at its 13th Annual General Meeting, 80 people, including partners, volunteers, board members and supporters attended the event which was held at New College, University of Toronto. All who attended heard about the work we have accomplished over the past 12 months and to elect our 2013/14 Board of Directors. Thank you to New College, University of Toronto for donating the lounge at Wilson Hall for this event. Pictured L-R: Jennifer Hope, (Executive Director), Rasheeda Qureshi, Karen Curtis, David Halperin, Daniella Halperin (Partner Member), Jennifer Hunter (Board Chair), Abhishek Bhasin (Treasurer), Travis Dunning (Vice Chair) and Vishen Maharaj Photo: Joan Barnett

The Lemon & Allspice Cookery Celebrates 15 years in business On July 3rd, partners at the Lemon & Allspice Cookery celebrated a successful 15 years in business. This thriving social enterprise that started with the dream of one, turned into an opportunity for so many others and initiated the formation of Common Ground Co-operative, the Foundations Program, three Coffee Sheds and CleanABLE. As a celebration, Common Ground has published a cookbook that features the Cookery’s famous baked goods. This makes a great gift and helps to support our organization. The book can be found for sale at our Coffee Shed at Surrey Place Centre. They are going fast, so get yours today for only $20.00! The Lemon & Allspice Cookbook will be available for purchase at Common Ground events, the Cookery or any of the Coffee Sheds that we support.

CGC LAUNCHES A NEW WEBSITE & LOGO

A PEARL OF A FUNDRAISER! Partners supported by Common Ground Co-op and the staff at Surrey Place Centre were treated to some amazing Oysters at an intimate fundraiser for the Coffee Shed at Surrey Place Centre. Partners enjoyed a shucking demonstration where Partner Beecher, showcased his skills. Oysters sold out faster than could

On November 14, CGC launched a new website that includes more information about our services and supports and an option to donate, join the membership or purchase fee for service programs and workshops through our online shop.

be shucked; and the event was a huge success. Monies raised go toward the purchase of shelving units for the Coffee Sheds’ storage room. A special thank you to Rodney Clarke from Rodney’s Oyster Bar

Our new logo reflects the various shades of abilities of those that we support, and how all of us work together in constant motion. We hope that you’ll take some time to visit us by clicking on our new logo here!

and his son Beecher for donating their time, talent and Oysters!

Solid Ground Financial Literacy forCo-op providers who support individuals with developmental disabilities CommonTraining Ground Teach your clients the tools they need to be successful financially! Teams up with L’Arche Toronto SOLID GROUND, TRAIN THE TRAINER is a one day program that’s available to providers in the developmental sector. The program gives you all the tools you’ll need without the hassle of creating a program on your own. One day of in class instruction includes a light breakfast, lunch , teaching manual and a USB Flash Drive which contains:

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Navigating Bills and Expenses Budgeting and Saving Understanding Credit The RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan) Weekly and Monthly budget worksheets Interactive Jeopardy game Assessments and Tests Graduation Certificate

Contact us to find out about our 2014 session dates, registration costs and to sign up today!

Handouts Worksheets Teaching Slide Deck’s A Student Workbook

The program contains 11 modules that can be

Limit of 6-8 people per session

taught over four to six weeks.

Click the Solid Ground Button for more info!

Teaching modules include:  Introduction to personal finance  Benefits to being green (how recycling can save you money)  Setting Goals

This project was made possible with funding from

On behalf of all of us at Common Ground Co-operative, The Cookery, The Coffee Sheds & CleanABLE; we wish you a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

We look forward to another successful year in 2014!

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Donate to us in someone’s honour

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Contribute a lasting gift by donating to our Endowment Fund

Join the conversation!

Contact Us:

3A Banigan Drive, Toronto, ON M4H 1G3 416-421-7117 Nazrul Islam [email protected] Accountant www.commongroundco-op.ca 416-421-7117 ext. 202

Jennifer Hope Executive Director 416-421-7117 ext. 201 [email protected]

[email protected]