In this issue of Whitby Thrive…

☀️ Today’s Weather in Whitby 

 👶 Parental Quandary: The Diverging Paths of Child Care Accessibility and Affordability

 🦘 Whitby Shines: GoFundMe Recognizes Town Among Canada's Most Generous in 2023

🚔 Durham Unveils Ambitious Campaign Against Human Trafficking

 🚨 Mystery Unfolds: Durham Police Identify Deceased Woman Found in Bowmanville

 🪩 Triumph Over Adversity: Whitby's Emma Stones Returns Stronger with Cirque du Soleil

 🎄 Downtown Whitby Shines: Holiday Window Display Contest Brings Festive Cheer

 🥅 Generals Stumble in Guelph: Oshawa Falls Short with 3-2 Loss to Storm

 🏀 Durham College Athletes of the Week: Emma Bergen and Julian Hinckson Jr. Shine in Basketball Brilliance

 🏒 Shootout Triumph: Ontario Tech Ridgebacks Secure Thrilling 3-2 Victory over Nipissing Lakers

 📅 Whitby Events

Parental Quandary: The Diverging

Paths of Child Care Accessibility and Affordability

While the affordability of child care in Canada has improved, with a notable decrease in costs, the accessibility of such services has worsened, according to a recent report by Statistics Canada. Despite efforts to implement lower child-care fees, the challenge for parents lies in finding available child care, with a significant increase in those reporting difficulties. The federal government's commitment to $10-a-day child care by 2026 offers hope, but the uneven rollout across provinces and territories remains a concern.

Whitby Shines: GoFundMe Recognizes Town Among Canada's Most Generous in 2023

Whitby receives accolades from GoFundMe for its exceptional generosity in 2023, securing the eighteenth spot in the national ranking of donations per capita. With 8,400 recorded donations, Whitby showcases an average of 6.13 donations per capita, reflecting the town's commitment to philanthropy. Victoria, British Columbia, claims the top position nationally.

Durham Unveils Ambitious Campaign Against Human Trafficking

Durham embarks on a comprehensive human trafficking awareness campaign, deploying signage in key areas to deter and remind the public. Led by the Durham Regional Police Service CARE Team, the initiative, in collaboration with regional partners, aims to protect youth from the clutches of the sex trade. The campaign strategically places signs in identified "hot spots" following an analysis of human trafficking incidents. Statistics from the DRPS Human Trafficking Unit reveal increasing investigations and charges, highlighting the urgency of the awareness drive. For those seeking more information on human trafficking, the Durham Region Human Trafficking Coalition's website, stopHT.com, offers valuable resources. Individuals with information or inquiries related to human trafficking are encouraged to contact the Durham Regional Police Service Human Trafficking Unit at 905-579-1520, ext. 5600, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or the hotline at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 4888. Additionally, Victim Services of Durham Region can be reached at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 3400.

Mystery Unfolds: Durham Police Identify Deceased Woman Found in Bowmanville

Durham Police have identified Ericka Saunders as the woman whose remains were discovered in Bowmanville. The investigation is not treating her death as suspicious, but authorities are seeking information from individuals who may have interacted with her before the discovery. The remains were found during an unrelated search on November 28th.

Triumph Over Adversity: Whitby's Emma Stones Returns Stronger with Cirque du Soleil

Whitby's own Emma Stones, a trapeze artist with Cirque du Soleil, returns to her roots with the mesmerizing show 'Crystal' at the Tribute Communities Centre. Stones, who started as a dancer in Whitby, transitioned to acrobatics and overcame health challenges to continue her awe-inspiring performances. The Oshawa stop is part of a global tour that recently included New Zealand and Australia.

Downtown Whitby Shines: Holiday Window Display Contest Brings Festive Cheer

Downtown Whitby BIA collaborates with Visit Durham Region to launch a Holiday Window Display photo contest, capturing the festive spirit of local businesses. From December 4th to the 8th, coordinators will film window displays, promoting holiday shopping and community exploration. The video will be shared on Instagram, inviting participants to capture their favorite displays for a chance to win a $100 Downtown Whitby gift certificate.

Generals Stumble in Guelph: Oshawa Falls Short with 3-2 Loss to Storm

Despite an early lead, the Oshawa Generals fall short against the Guelph Storm, losing 3-2. The Generals showed resilience with a late goal, but the Storm's quick strikes in the second period secured their victory. The Generals continue their road trip, facing the Ottawa 67's mid-week and heading to Windsor and Sarnia over the weekend.

Durham College Athletes of the Week: Emma Bergen and Julian Hinckson Jr. Shine in Basketball Brilliance

Durham College recognizes outstanding performances by Emma Bergen and Julian Hinckson Jr., naming them the student-athletes of the week. Bergen's impressive basketball stats secure her position as the OCAA's leader in points per game. Hinckson Jr.'s remarkable shooting display propels the men's basketball team to victory. Both athletes showcase excellence in their respective games.

Shootout Triumph: Ontario Tech Ridgebacks Secure Thrilling 3-2 Victory over Nipissing Lakers

The Ontario Tech men's hockey team wraps up the calendar year with a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory over the Nipissing Lakers. Sean Ross and Jeremy Michaud contribute to the Ridgebacks' goals, while James White and Cullen McLean shine in the decisive shootout. The team will enjoy an extended break before resuming OUA action against the Carleton Ravens on January 5.

December 6th

• Autism Ontario Central East - Teen & Adult Art Class with Wildlife Academy - Virtual - 5:00 PM - https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=8913

• Charity Trivia Night in support of Sloane’s House Paediatric Respite & Hospice Care Center - Brock Street Brewing Company - 7:00PM - https://www.facebook.com/brockstreetbrewing/posts/743690554463590

December 7th

• The Nutcracker Evening High Tea Premium Experience - York Durham Heritage Railway

• Autism Ontario Central East - Teen & Adult Art Class with Wildlife Academy - Virtual - 5:00 PM - https://www.autismontario.com/civicrm/event/info?id=8913

• Christmas Light Show - Drive thru - Winter Festival - Ajax Downs Racetrack - 6:30PM

• Ben Bankas - Comdian - Yuk Yuks Oshawa - 8:00PM

December 8th

• Candlelight Tours at Lynde House Museum

• Christmas Light Show - Drive thru - Winter Festival - Ajax Downs Racetrack - 6:30PM

December 9th

• Booster Juice Grand Opening Brooklin, ON - 5530 Baldwin Street South

• Christmas Light Show - Drive thru - Winter Festival - Ajax Downs Racetrack - 6:30PM

December 10th

• Christmas Light Show - Drive thru - Winter Festival - Ajax Downs Racetrack - 6:30PM

December 13th

• The Nutcracker Evening High Tea Premium Experience - York Durham Heritage Railway

December 14th

• The Nutcracker Evening High Tea Premium Experience - York Durham Heritage Railway

Coming Soon!