Inside the Circle – June 16, 2026

FIFA World Cup

• When: June 12-July 2, 2026
• Details: The FIFA World Cup will take place in Toronto for these dates, around the BMO fields at Exhibition Place, Lakeshore, Gardiner, and the Downtown Core. Expect spillover congestion and traffic into King and Queen St., as well as in the Downtown West area. (Look below for specific game days.)

FIFA World Cup Game Days

• Wednesday, June 17 – 7 p.m.
• Saturday, June 20 – 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 23 – 7 p.m.
• Friday, June 26 – 3 p.m.
• Thursday, July 2 – 7 p.m.

World Cup Fan Festival (Downtown Viewing Zone)

• When: June 11-July 19, 2026
• Details: Expect local road closures, crowds, and busy TTC subways, streetcars, and buses in the Downtown Core. Cars may not be allowed in certain zones, so plan alternative routes in case. (10k-20k person crowds per day.)

South by Southeast Festival

• When: June 17-20, 2026
• Details: Nathan Philips Square and streets nearby will be congested and very busy.

Toronto Jazz Festival

• When: June 21-30, 2026
• Details: Yorkville and Downtown area will have extra traffic and be very busy.

Pride Festival Weekend

• When: June 25-29, 2026
• Details: Downtown will be affected. Parts of Yonge St. and Church St. will be closed. (Thousands of people for the parade.)

• When: Wednesday, June 24 | 5pm – 9pm
• Where: The Warehouse Venue | 35 Carl Hall Rd #2, North York, ON M3K 2B6

It’s Indigenous History Month. Watch Becoming Nakuset (video above – 13 minutes). This video tells the story of Nakuset, a survivor of the Sixties Scoop, as she finds her identity and community.

To support your safety and meet requirements, Circle of Care provides free CPR training and free N95 Mask Fit testing through our vendor.

Your CPR certificate is valid for 3 years, and your Mask Fit must be renewed every 2 years.

How to Register

Text 647-496-5189 with:

• Full name

• Email

• Training location

• Preferred time

or call 905-272-9214 or register online using the button below.

Registration closes 7 business days before the session.

Important Reminders

• Arrive 15 minutes early.

• After booking, tell your Service Coordinator if you need schedule changes.

• Choose a time when you do not have client visits.

• Your schedule will be blocked as Unavailable for the training.

• You will be paid after completion:
  • CPR: 3 hours
  • Mask Fit: 1 hour

• Payment appears on your paystub as “Miscellaneous.”

Stay safe at work by choosing the right footwear. Proper shoes help prevent slips, trips, and falls in client homes.

Remember:

• Wear closed-toe, non-slip shoes.
• Choose water-resistant shoes when needed.
• No sandals, high heels, or shoes with holes in client areas.

Bonus – Save on Shoes! You can save 30% on Skechers through Perkopolis:

• Online: www.skechers.ca (Use promo code: SKXDPERKOP30)
• In-store code: G8S

Caring for others can sometimes feel overwhelming. You can get free, confidential support with Frontline Wellness, made for health-care workers in Ontario.

You can:

• Talk 1:1 with a professional.
• Join group sessions to share and learn.
• Access services in English and French.

Learn more about how this service can help you.

Have questions?

• frontlinewellness@waypointcentre.ca
• 705-549-5144 | 1-877-341-4729 x 5000

Please note: This is not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, call 911 or Talk Suicide Canada (1-833-456-4566).

Need to see a doctor without leaving home? Maple Virtual Healthcare lets you and your family talk to Canadian doctors and nurse practitioners 24/7, anywhere in Canada.

Get help for:

• Same-day care
• Prescription renewals
• Ongoing health issues
• Mental health support

Savings with Perkopolis:

• 10% off monthly plan
• 30% off yearly plan

Need help signing up for Perkopolis?

1. Go to perkopolis.com
2. Enter your work email address or personal email address.
3. Look for an email from Perkopolis with a link to complete your registration. If you used a personal email address, you will need your member ID code (CC + your employee ID); e.g. CC12345

The Green Space Festival is back at Barbara Hall Park from June 24–28! Celebrate Pride Month with free, all-ages fun—everyone is welcome to come together and join the festivities.

Free events for everyone:

• June 24: Starry Night
• June 25: Disco Disco
• June 26: One World
• June 27: Lipstick Jungle
• June 28: TreeHouse

There are also ticketed events available, such as brunch and special shows. Money from these events helps support programs at The 519 for 2SLGBTQ+ people, including newcomers, kids, families, and seniors.

It’s Pride Month! Join a free online workshop and learn about how queer communities support each other through care, connection, and chosen family.

• When: June 23, 2026 (10:00–11:00 a.m.)
• Where: Online

You will learn:

• How to build supportive relationships.
• Ways to care for yourself and others.
• How community helps us stay strong.

Looking for a simple meal this summer? Try these fresh and healthy recipes:

• Grilled Corn and Pepper Salad – A colourful, tasty summer side dish.
• Chicken Souvlaki with Dill Tzatziki – Grilled chicken with a fresh lemon flavour and creamy dip.

We are pleased to welcome the following new PSWs to Circle of Care: 

• Venues Fletcher
• Baby Jean Fronda
• April Flores
• Alisha Ricketts
• Manroop Kaur
• Rozzenni Vinalon
• Sarah Okpapi
• Tia Tyrell
• Ashanti Bernard
• Vera Falodun
• Ovuoke Agatemor
• Esther Lokko
• Ann Mwangi
• Anna Joy

Each week, we’re proud to recognize the PSWs who are celebrating their work anniversaries. Every anniversary—no matter the number of years—represents the dedication, compassion, and commitment you bring to supporting our clients and community. Thank you for the important role you play at Circle of Care. This week’s list includes PSWs celebrating work anniversaries between June 14-20.

Congratulations to the following PSWs on their years of service with Circle of Care:

June 16

• 12 Years: Viktoriya Rodina

June 17

• 7 Years: Helen Kidane, Zakiyya Mohideen

June 18

• 8 Years: Leisy Alonso Real, Josephine Remocal, Arlene Santos, Tusiwen Sumarjo, Marilou Torricer
• 14 Years: Josefina Cull, Isabel De Vera, Luisa Simmonds
• 21 Years: Emelda Alcantara

June 19

• 1 Year: Abigeal Agogo, Maizie Bielak, Wardat Mohamed, Stella Oladipupo, Leonida Pambid, Samickshya Shrestha
• 3 Years: Pat Emma-Esekhile, Joriz Lavandero, Marissa Rubico
• 14 Years: Liza Aquino

June 20

• 2 Years: Cynthia Abingwa, Pauline Atenyi, Shayamalee Roberts
• 4 Years: Abdulla Rhma Amira, Julieta Baptista, Melody Cajanding
• 18 Years: Merga Akassa, Adelina Karas

Individuals celebrating milestone anniversaries (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 years) will receive a one-time cash award to their pay cheque at the end of the quarter. Payment amount will depend on service length.

High Five for PSW Alfreda Plaza

“Alfreda is doing an amazing job. We truly enjoy having her.” – Client’s Family

High Five for PSW Ilya Rayzberg

“Ilya has made a wonderful impression. We quickly saw such a great connection—enjoying activities together and bonding in Russian. It feels like we’re watching a different man, and we’re so grateful for her care and compassion.” – Client’s Family

High Fives for PSWs Ginalyn Enero, Michelle Stern, Carol Baker, & Leo Gradente Moso

“We truly appreciate the professionalism, patience, respect, and compassion shown by all four PSWs. Their attention to detail and approach to care make a meaningful difference.” – Client

High Five for PSW Charmi Raj

“Charmi is amazing at her work. She is very gentle, and I’m extremely happy with the care she provides.” – Client

High Five for PSW Patricia Tsolis

“I’m very happy with Patricia’s care.” – Client

High Five for PSW Stella Oladipupo

“Stella is doing an amazing job. I wanted to recognize her for her excellent care and support.” – Client

High Fives for PSW Team

“My regular and replacement PSWs are incredibly dedicated and go above and beyond. They make the most of every visit and are always asking how they can help—I’m so grateful for their support.” – Client

High Five for PSW Funmilayo Ojeladun

“I really like Funmilayo and really enjoy her visits.” – Client

High Five for PSW Yordanos Meresie

“Yordanos is great and very caring.” – Client

High Five for PSW Annie Morillo

“Annie has been very patient and helpful throughout my recovery. Thank you for your support and care.” – Client

Has someone gone above and beyond at work? Give them a High Five!

The High Five program lets you publicly recognize staff members for their outstanding work. High Fives will be posted in your weekly Inside the Circle newsletter.

To give a high five, just click on the button below or use the link in the rotating banner on the Portal home page.

Please note: We do not accept anonymous submissions for this program. High Fives must be submitted by an individual person, whether they are a staff member or member of the community.

Have a question? Submit your questions or feedback anonymously below!

Please note that it may take us longer to provide some answers. If your question hasn’t been answered yet, we will get back to you as soon as we can.