Caregiver Appreciation Party – July 17, 2026
With my sincere appreciation to the Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program, I was able to successfully host my 2nd annual Caregiver Appreciation Party for caregivers in the Cedar Cottage neighbourhood on July 17, 2026. The generous financial support from NSG made it possible to create a warm, welcoming, and relaxing gathering where caregivers could take a break, socialize, enjoy good food, and simply have fun together.
The event was promoted through emails to caregivers, personal invitations, and posters placed throughout the neighbourhood. More than 25 caregivers and guests participated, although a few guests were not present in the group photo.
We enjoyed a wonderful variety of food and refreshments, including Japanese sushi, mango cake, hot dogs, chicken wings, vegetable salad, mixed fruit salad, stuffed pita, Chinese-style fried vermicelli, a cheese platter, deli rolls, virgin mojitos, coffee and tea.
As appreciation, every participant received a small gift. We also had a lot of fun playing bingo with a caregiver theme, with winners able to choose additional prizes. The bingo prizes included chocolate bars, bags of pistachio nuts, relaxing music CDs, books, hand and body lotions, crocheted flowers & poppies, etc.
The party was filled with laughter, delicious food, games, and meaningful conversations. Most importantly, it gave caregivers an opportunity to relax and spend an enjoyable time with others who understand the responsibilities and challenges of caregiving.
The participants were extremely appreciative and shared how much they enjoyed having the opportunity to step away from their daily responsibilities, socialize, and have a relaxing afternoon with fellow caregivers. Many expressed their hope that we would continue the tradition and hold another caregiver appreciation party next year.
Seeing the happy faces, hearing the laughter, and receiving such warm and appreciative feedback from the caregivers was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me how valuable these opportunities for connection and community are. The generous support from Neighbourhood Small Grants not only helped make this event possible but also helped create meaningful memories and strengthen connections among caregivers in the Cedar Cottage community.
I am truly grateful to the Neighbourhood Small Grants program for supporting this initiative and helping us celebrate and honour the caregivers in our community. This experience has inspired me to continue organizing the Caregiver Appreciation Party annually so that caregivers can feel recognized, appreciated, and connected.
Thank you again, Neighbourhood Small Grants, for the generous financial support, and Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House for the party location!
Debbie Henderson
