Creating Alternatives Day Program

We’re beyond honoured to share some exciting news — we are proud recipients of the Accessibility Champion Award 🏆✨ The Accessibility Champion Awards recognize individuals and businesses that go above and beyond to create environments that are inclusive, welcoming, and accessible for all across Vaughan. To be acknowledged among so many inspiring leaders in accessibility is truly meaningful to our team! Accessibility has always been at the heart of what we do. It shapes how we design our spaces, how we build our programs, and how we show up for the individuals and families we support every single day. This award reflects the importance of removing barriers, amplifying voices, and ensuring that everyone has equal opportunity to participate, contribute, and thrive 💪 This recognition is not just about our organization — it represents the collective effort of so many people who make this work possible. Our dedicated staff who consistently go the extra mile, the individuals who inspire us daily with their strength and resilience, the families who trust us, and the community partners who continue to walk alongside us in building a more accessible future 💥 We are especially grateful to be part of a community that values inclusion and continues to push for meaningful change. While this award is an incredible milestone, it also motivates us to keep going further — to keep listening, learning, and improving how we support accessibility in everything we do. Thank you all for believing in this work and being part of this journey with us💙💚 #vaughan #accessibilityaward #community #accessibility

A Reminder of Why We Golf and Why Creating Alternatives Matters For many families, there comes a time when school ends, and the question becomes… what now? For adults with diverse abilities, the need for friendship, purpose, routine, safety, and community does not end at 21. In many ways, it becomes even more important. For over 27 years, Creating Alternatives has been more than a day program. It has been a second home for the individuals and families we support. When families are searching for support for their loved one, they are looking for more than a program. They are looking for somewhere safe. Somewhere, their son, daughter, sibling, or family member will be treated with dignity, kindness, patience, and respect. That is what Creating Alternatives has become known for. Our families tell us they feel safe here. They feel connected here. They know our staff truly care, and that for our team, this has never simply been a job. Over the years, we have celebrated milestones together, supported one another through difficult moments, built lifelong friendships, and created a true sense of belonging. On September 29th, we invite you to help us continue that mission. Whether you register to golf, dine, sponsor, donate, or simply help spread the word, your support truly makes a difference! Because everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, included, and part of a community. Event Details: ·        Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 ·        Location: Copper Creek Golf Club ·        Tee-off: 12:00pm ·        Cocktails & Dinner: 5:00pm visit our website at https://lnkd.in/eybsERac for additional information

There are moments that remind us why we do what we do and this was one of them. Standing alongside the individuals we support, sharing smiles, conversations, and pride in that moment… it meant everything. We were honoured to receive a $10,000 contribution through the Spirit of Generosity from the City of Vaughan, alongside Steven Del Duca. But this isn’t just about a cheque. It’s about what that support represents. It means more opportunities for people of all abilities to be seen, included, and celebrated in their community. It means more outings, more experiences, more connections and more moments like this one. At Creating Alternatives, inclusion isn’t just something we talk about. It’s something we live every single day, through the people we support and the community that stands behind them. To the Mayor and the City of Vaughan—thank you for believing in this work and in the people we serve. Your support helps open doors that truly matter. And to our participants—you are the reason these moments are so special. #CreatingAlternatives #InclusionMatters #Community #Gratitude SpiritOfGenerosity

Tonight was such a special night for the Creating Alternatives family💙💚 We are beyond proud to celebrate our very own Elena Bellicoso, who was recognized by the City of Vaughan as the 2025 Ward 2 Civic Hero. After nearly three decades as part of the Creating Alternatives family, this honour could not be more deserved. Elena reminds us of every single day what true inclusion, kindness, and community look like. She has a way of making everyone feel important, welcomed, and loved. Whether she’s sharing one of her famous hugs, cheering on her friends, helping others, participating in Special Olympics, or simply making people smile with her joyful spirit, Elena leads with her heart in everything she does. At Creating Alternatives, we often speak about belonging, friendship and seeing the person before the disability, and Elena lives that every day. She has built lifelong friendships, inspired staff, families and participants alike, and continues to show our community the power of compassion and connection. Thank you to Mayor Steven Del Duca and the City of Vaughan for recognizing such an incredible member of our community. This award a beautiful reminder that kindness, generosity and community spirit still shine brightly. Elena, we are so proud of you. Your Creating Alternatives family loves you dearly, and this recognition is a reflection of the joy and light you bring to so many lives💙✨ #CreatingAlternatives #CivicHero #CityOfVaughan #InclusionMatters #community

A huge congratulations to Dona Gallo on being recognized with Vaughan’s Women of Excellence Award! ✨ For over 15 years, Dona has been a true friend and passionate advocate for Creating Alternatives, always showing up with generosity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our community. Her impact goes far beyond words, and this recognition is so incredibly well deserved. We are so proud to celebrate you and all that you continue to do!

Dear Friends, We wanted to take a moment to share a reminder about Creating Alternatives and the important work this organization continues to do. As Co-Chairs of this year’s upcoming Creating Alternatives Golf Tournament (Tuesday, September 29th at Copper Creek), we are incredibly proud to support a cause that means so much to us. We are deeply invested in Creating Alternatives because we believe in its mission and the real, lasting impact it has on the individuals and families it serves. Our involvement goes beyond organizing an event—it reflects our genuine commitment to helping create opportunity, dignity, and positive change for those who rely on this program. Your support directly helps Creating Alternatives continue its vital work and expand its impact. Thank you for standing with us and for being part of a community that truly makes a difference. With sincere appreciation, Dave Santone & George Imbrogno Co-Chairs, Creating Alternatives Golf Tournament For more information visit https://lnkd.in/eybsERac

A huge congratulations to Nick from @aidaspinevalleybakery on receiving the Vaughan Volunteer Appreciation Award 🏆 This recognition is so well deserved. Nick, your generosity, kindness, and constant support never go unnoticed. You always show up for Creating Alternatives with such warmth and care, and the impact you’ve made in our community goes far beyond what words can capture. We are so grateful for everything you do and so proud to celebrate this moment with you. Thank you for being such an incredible part of our community 💙💚

We are thrilled to share some exciting news as we gear up for this year’s golf tournament. We are proud to introduce our 2026 Co‑Chairs, David Santone and George Imbrogno, the son and son‑in‑law of our founder, Phyllis Santone. For Creating Alternatives, the golf tournament has always been more than a day on the course. It’s a tradition rooted in community, generosity, and the vision that Phyllis set in motion years ago. Having David and George step forward to lead this year’s event is a meaningful continuation of that legacy. They bring energy, commitment, and a deep personal connection to the mission that drives everything we do. Event Details: ·        Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 ·        Location: Copper Creek Golf Club ·        Tee-off: 12:00pm ·        Cocktails & Dinner: 5:00pm Renowned On-Air Personality at Z103.5, Tony Monaco, will be joining us as the emcee for the evening. With his charismatic presence and unparalleled talent, Tony will undoubtedly elevate the event, creating an atmosphere of excitement and entertainment for all attendees. The tournament will tee off with an exciting round of golf at Copper Creek Golf Club, an ideal setting for meaningful networking, team building, and some friendly competition among industry leaders and dedicated supporters like you. After the final putt drops, guests will gather for a relaxed and enjoyable dinner featuring gourmet cuisine, entertainment, and a chance to celebrate the ongoing impact of our organization. Your support means everything. Whether through sponsoring, attending, or donating, your contribution helps drive our mission forward. Please visit our website at https://lnkd.in/eybsERac for more details. With Appreciation, The Creating Alternatives Team

Today we celebrate World Down Syndrome Day 💙💛 At Creating Alternatives, we are proud to support and uplift individuals with Down syndrome—championing inclusion, independence, and the unique strengths each person brings to our community. This day is a reminder to recognize abilities, break down barriers, and continue building a world where everyone belongs. Let’s celebrate differences, spread awareness, and choose inclusion—today and every day. #WorldDownSyndromeDay #InclusionMatters #CreatingAlternatives #CelebrateAbilities #Community

Dear Families,   We hope this message finds you well. As we look ahead to an exciting year, we are thrilled to share some updates with you.   Please Save the Date for the Creating Alternatives Golf Tournament and Dinner on September 29th, 2026 at Copper Creek Golf Club. This signature event brings together families, community leaders, partners, and supporters for a day of connection, friendly competition, and meaningful impact. More details, including registration, sponsorship opportunities, and event schedule, will be shared soon.   We have attached our 2025 Highlights Newsletter. It offers a snapshot of the progress we’ve made together, including key milestones, program achievements, and the growing impact your support makes possible. We’re proud of what we accomplished in 2025, and are even more excited about what lies ahead.   Thank you for your continued generosity and commitment. The Creating Alternatives Team