A Touchpoint of Care: How a Corporate Gift Became a Lifeline for Seniors
Sometimes, a simple gesture can make a big difference. That’s exactly what happened when two corporate teams generously donated nine new wheelchairs to Circle of Care’s Adult Day Program (ADP). Our program provides engaging, supportive activities for people living with dementia or who are frail and elderly — individuals for whom comfort, mobility, and connection truly matter.
These new wheelchairs don’t just make it easier for participants to move around — they help make our program more comfortable, more interactive, and more fun. And when people feel more at ease and engaged, it helps them stay healthier, safer, and connected to their family and friends — and out of long-term care for as long as possible.
This story isn’t just about wheelchairs; it’s about community, compassion, and the difference that thoughtful giving can make.
It Started with a Call
It all started with a simple call from Joni Shiner, a volunteer at our ADP. Joni’s son, Mike, works for a company called Teambonders that organizes corporate team-building events. Through his work, Mike was introduced to Maple Leaf Foods (Poultry Division), a company hoping to make a meaningful donation. They generously donated the first three wheelchairs to Circle of Care.
Inspired by this initial act, Mike continued to facilitate connections between Circle of Care and corporate companies that were looking to make a difference. Recently, one of these businesses, LifeLabs built, funded and donated an additional six wheelchairs.
Along with the wheelchairs came a heartfelt message, “Thank you for giving us the incredible privilege of building this wheelchair for you. This has been so much more than just a project. It has been a shared journey filled with purpose, joy and connection.”
For Madeline D’Arpino, Supervisor at the ADP, these donations are deeply personal. “Every time a wheelchair arrives, it’s more than equipment—it’s freedom for our clients and peace of mind for families,” she says. “We’re incredibly grateful to be the recipients of these wonderful donations.”
What makes this story especially resonant is how naturally it reflects the power of thoughtful corporate collaboration—when social impact and giving align so seamlessly with a company’s values and people. It shows how organizations can work together to create pathways of lasting impact, where every act of giving becomes part of something bigger: a shared effort to build healthier, more connected communities.
A Family Connection That Comes Full Circle
Mike’s facilitation of these donations is a continuation of his family’s long-standing connection to the Adult Day Program. His father, Murray, spent five vibrant years at the ADP, where he loved playing trivia and made many friends. While Murray was at the ADP, Joni had the respite she needed for work and self-care, knowing her husband was receiving excellent support.
Although Murray now resides at Baycrest, the impact of those years at the ADP is still deeply felt. For Joni, the program meant her husband could stay at home longer — surrounded by family and a sense of purpose. That time together mattered profoundly to both of them, and to their family.
Mike’s involvement in building connections between Circle of Care and generous corporate partners is a reflection of that gratitude and understanding — of how much programs like the ADP can mean to families. Together, their efforts have helped create a true network of care, where compassion, community, and corporate partnership intersect.
Corporate Giving that Transforms Lives
Mike reflects on the experience with gratitude. “I will always think of Circle of Care and encourage the companies I work with to give back,” he says. His efforts show how a single act of generosity can lead to a lasting partnership, connecting corporate values with real, meaningful impact in society.
These gifts are part of something much bigger: strengthening an Adult Day Program that helps people stay healthy, engaged, and at home for as long as possible — a vital part of easing the strain on our healthcare system.
As our population ages, the demand for quality senior care continues to grow. Corporate support helps organizations like ours keep pace, ensuring that seniors have access to the programs, equipment, and services that enhance their well-being and independence.
Every wheelchair tells a story — not just of mobility, but of hope, connection, and the power of giving. When we support seniors, we’re not only changing individual lives — we’re building a ripple of kindness and care that strengthens the entire community.
