2024: Year In Review

It is with great pride and gratitude that I share New Dawn’s progress over the past year. This has been a time of growth and meaningful change, as we strengthened programs and services to better serve Cape Breton Island and build a stronger future.

At New Dawn, we believe everyone deserves a safe home, good health care, nutritious food, opportunity, and a place to create and connect.

Our housing programs, like The Village at Pine Tree Park and Eleanor’s Court, are helping people find safe and affordable places to live. Pine Tree Park now has upgraded, energy-efficient homes that families are proud to call their own.

Sustainability has always been a big focus. This year, we opened the Pine Tree Park Solar Array, a project with 1,800 solar panels that now power the entire community. This project has put New Dawn onto the national stage, making us a leader in sustainable energy solutions.

Our Health Care division continues to provide essential care to those who need it most. Through New Dawn Homecare and Pine Tree Park Care Home, we’ve delivered thousands of hours of care to seniors and people with disabilities. These services help people live with comfort, dignity, and connection.

The Meals on Wheels program has grown to deliver over 20,000 hot meals each year. More than just food, these visits provide wellness checks and friendly faces to those aging at home. This year, New Dawn introduced Meals on Two Wheels, an innovative step toward sustainability that allows more volunteers to deliver nutritious meals by bike, reducing our environmental footprint and connecting even more closely with the community.

Through the Cape Breton Island Centre for Immigration, we’ve welcomed hundreds of newcomers and international students to Cape Breton. These individuals bring new ideas, energy, and opportunities to our island. We are proud to help them settle, work, and thrive here on Cape Breton Island.

Eltuek Arts Centre has become a hub for artists, creators, and community groups. It offers studios, exhibition spaces, and cultural programming, creating a space where people can come together, share, and be inspired.

This progress hasn’t come without challenges. The Village at Pine Tree Park is a clear example of the challenges New Dawn faces in meeting urgent needs. These experiences remind us why this work is so important and why we need to keep pushing for solutions.

Looking forward, there is still so much to do. Sustainable energy, affordable housing, health care, food security, immigration support, and creative spaces are essential to building a stronger Cape Breton Island. With your support, we can keep making a difference. Every donation helps us deliver care, provide nourishing meals, and strengthen the programs that make a real difference in our community.

I would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Erika Shea, our CEO and President, for being recognized nationally as one of RBC’s Women of Influence. This recognition reflects her visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and the positive impact she continues to make for New Dawn and our community. We are incredibly fortunate to have her at the helm, guiding us forward.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank the incredible staff, volunteers, and partners at New Dawn. Your hard work and dedication make all of this possible. I also want to thank my fellow Board members for their time, leadership, and vision. Your commitment has been vital to moving this organization forward.

Finally, thank you to the community members we serve. Your trust and support inspire us every day.

The future is bright, and we are excited to continue this work with you—together.

With gratitude and optimism,

Kalie Wang, Chair of the Board, New Dawn Enterprises