On September 22, 2026, York Region Children’s Aid Society welcomed staff, volunteers and foster parents to the Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall for a special day of appreciation, connection and celebration.
Centered around the theme of Growing Together, the event provided an opportunity to honour the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, compassion and expertise to supporting our Agency and the children, youth and families in our community. While no amount of recognition can fully express our gratitude, we hope this event served as a small token of appreciation for the meaningful impact our staff, volunteers and foster parents make every day.
The day began with a grounding Land Acknowledgement in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Week, providing attendees with an opportunity to reflect on the importance of reconciliation and our collective commitment to learning, respect and meaningful action.
From there, the fun began with a series of interactive activities designed to bring people together and strengthen connections. Attendees participated in, Split the Room, an engaging icebreaker that encouraged staff, volunteers and foster parents to learn more about one another through a series of fun and thought-provoking questions. Teams then put their creativity and collaboration skills to the test during the Marshmallow Tower Challenge, where they competed to build the tallest free-standing structure using only marshmallows and spaghetti.
Guests were also entertained by an interactive magic and mentalism performance by Johnte Black, whose mind-blowing tricks kept everyone guessing throughout the afternoon.
Of course, no celebration would be complete without great food. Attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch courtesy of Shelby’s Shawarma Newmarket, while spending time connecting with colleagues, volunteers and foster families from across the Agency.
A special highlight of the day was the recognition of 39 individuals and families who reached significant Years of Service milestones between January 1 and December 31, 2025. Honourees were celebrated for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service, recognizing their dedication, commitment and lasting contributions to our Agency’s mission. We extend our sincere thanks and congratulations to each recipient for their years of service and unwavering commitment to supporting children, youth and families throughout York Region.
Adding to the excitement, therapy dogs were on hand throughout the event, bringing plenty of smiles and providing a calming presence for attendees. The day concluded with a variety of raffle prize draws, adding one final element of fun to an already memorable celebration.
Most importantly, the event provided an opportunity to come together, strengthen relationships and celebrate the people who make York Region Children’s Aid Society such a special organization. The theme of Growing Together was reflected throughout the day as staff, volunteers and foster parents connected, collaborated, laughed and celebrated the collective impact of their work.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day a success. We hope our staff, volunteers and foster parents enjoyed this opportunity to connect, celebrate and be recognized for the extraordinary work they do. Their dedication and commitment continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, youth and families throughout York Region.
