Christmas Lights Campaign
Help create community in capitalcare centres
As the holiday season approaches, I wanted to reach out to you to ask you once again for your incredible support. Each year you show up for our residents and seniors in our CapitalCare centres. Your contributions make a difference! Over the years you have supported new equipment in the care settings, a wheelchair accessible van for outings, funds to replenish and reinvigorate family gathering spaces and gardens, and supported the very important programming that brings our centres to life. Your donations have created warm gathering spaces, joyful programs, and meaningful community connections for those living in our care centres. Thank you!
Leah Sarango, Executive Director
CapitalCare Foundation
Tiger Simpson, or “Grandpa Tiger”
Here is a story of a life that has had much joy and also, much hardship. As a resident at a centre for just over two years now, Tiger shared with us his story and his challenges. The times he wanted to give up. And this included the moment he first realized he could never go home to live again. This story has warmed our hearts, and we hope it does for you too.
At the Kipnes Centre for Veterans, like many of our CapitalCare centres, community can grow in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes, it starts with a cup of coffee—and a senior resident named Tiger.
When Tiger Simpson moved into long term care, he never expected to become the resident everyone turns to for encouragement, laughter, and leadership. But that’s exactly what happened.
Tiger Simpson, or “Grandpa Tiger” as the daycare children affectionately call him, has become the heartbeat of our home. A proud Navy veteran from Oshawa, Tiger served as a fire control technician, maintaining Canada’s naval equipment and protecting crews at sea. After his service, he built a family life full of hard work and joy—delivering ice cream by bicycle, running his own small business, and loving his partner, Laura, deeply.
A few years ago, Tiger’s life changed when he collapsed suddenly and lost much of his mobility. Moving into long term care meant leaving home behind. But here, Tiger found something new: purpose. He became the “go to guy” for residents—helping others adjust, inspiring participation in programs, and even leading the effort to reopen our beloved Bistro café, where friendships are renewed every day.
He decorates the halls for every holiday, hosts barbeques, and welcomes visiting children with candy and laughter. The kids wave and call out, “There goes Grandpa Tiger!” whenever they see him. Through his spirit, Tiger has turned recovery into community—and his story reminds us why compassionate senior care matters.
When you give to CapitalCare centres, you help ensure that seniors like Tiger have the support, programs, and spaces that make this community feel like home.
Home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling created by care, laughter, and connection.
P.S. Tiger says, “My heart is tied up with the Bistro.” Your donation keeps that heart—and the community around it—beating strong.
Please, make your gift today
Your generosity keeps the Bistro buzzing, the holiday lights glowing, and the sense of belonging alive for those who once served our country, as pioneers, veterans, farmers, industry leaders and hands on workers, creating community then… and now.