With the Community Boost program, CAA Niagara helps local charities make an even bigger impact. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF CAA
COMMUNITY
Meet CAA Niagara’s 2026 Community Boost Recipients
The benefits go far beyond the cheque — here’s how two worthy local organizations are benefiting in big ways.
By Sarah Laing
When CAA Niagara awards a local organization a Community Boost, it’s so much more than a cheque for $10,000. It’s a boost in every sense of the word, amplifying the organization’s message and helping with the resources to propel their mission forward.
Just ask the Humane Society of Greater Niagara, one of this year’s grant recipients. Their work has never been more urgent. In 2025, they helped more than 4,400 animals. They also supported over a thousand people with affordable vet care and a Pet Food Pantry that assists people who are having trouble covering their pet’s food costs. But the need has outgrown their existing facilities. That’s why they’ll be putting their Community Boost toward modernizing their space.
“The impact of this grant will be felt not only by the thousands of animals who pass through our doors each year, but by the people whose lives are enriched by them,” says executive director Cindy Dunne. “Perhaps most importantly, this grant represents hope. Hope for the animals who will receive care in the years ahead. Hope for the families who will find support when they need it most. Hope that our community will continue to invest in compassion, connection and kindness.”
“The impact of this grant will be felt not only by the thousands of animals who pass through our doors each year, but by the people whose lives are enriched by them.”



In 2024, the Humane Society of Greater Niagara helped more than 4,400 animals. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF HUMANE SOCIETY OF GREATER NIAGARA
It’s a sentiment echoed by the second Boost recipient, Niagara Children’s Centre, which provides rehabilitation and support services for kids and youth with physical, developmental or communicative delays and disabilities.
For the organization, the impact of CAA’s Community Boost partnership is about more than money. “It’s a commitment to our vision and will help to increase our community presence and awareness, building a stronger and more inclusive Niagara,” says Pam Sharpe, director of development. Sharpe adds that this boost will help them provide essential programs to more than 6,200 young people. “We are so proud to partner with an organization that shares our dedication to helping kids shine.” CAA

CAA’s support will help Niagara Children’s Centre deliver much-needed programs to more than 6,200 young people. | PHOTO: COURTESY OF CAA


