By: Wendy Dyke
We are currently in the final push for our annual membership campaign. While many former members have already renewed their membership there may be a few who have not yet renewed. It’s not too late to renew for 2017/2018. Some people may question why they should renew or become a member of the Association and how do membership donations make a difference to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Membership donations enable Community Living Toronto to increase their capacity to provide services and supports beyond the scope of ministry funded supports. Membership donations enable us to reach out to people currently waiting for ministry funded services and to provide additional services beyond what is funded by the government to those who are currently receiving ministry funded supports. Regional Councils use the donations received to sponsor programs and workshops that are not funded by the government. These programs include Saturday literacy classes, Sibling Workshops, cooking classes, dinner clubs, and social recreational events such as Pizza/Bingo nights. Virtually all the listings in our newsletters regional upcoming events are funded through membership donations. Membership donations also go towards hosting parent/family information sessions with topics such as; Wills and Estate Planning, Presentations from the DSO, Transitional and Post 21 Planning.

Further to providing funding for additional services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, our membership provides the Association with clout to advocate for more funding for services and supports for the developmental services sector. The larger our membership is, the louder our voice is when we speak to our funders.
If you would like to learn more about membership to Community Living Toronto, please contact your regional membership coordinator.