NSNS and CCBAG’s 2026 New Year Charity Concert On January 4, 2026, the Canada Children’s Broadcasting Arts Group (CCBAG)  successfully hosted its 2026 New Year Charity Concert in Toronto. Centered on the theme “Art Unites Us, Warmth Brings Us Together,” the concert marked a meaningful collaboration with NorthStar Special Needs Society (NSNS) , bringing children with autism and neurotypical children together on the same stage. Through music and performance, the event delivered

On December 5, our NorthStar families had an unforgettable afternoon at Scotiabank Arena, watching the thrilling NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the Charlotte Hornets! For many of our kids, it was their very first time seeing a live professional basketball game — and the excitement in the air was incredible. When the game began, the arena exploded with cheers. Our kids joined right in — shouting, clapping, and proudly supporting the home team, the Toronto Raptors. Th

On the journey of raising a child with special needs, every step forward is hard-won, and every spark of progress can change a life. The story of NorthStar begins with one such spark—and has since grown into a constellation of hope for countless families. Benny: Racing Against Time To the children at NorthStar, he is “Uncle Benny”—warm, patient, and reliable. To many families, he is a guide who is always racing against time. As a single father of a child with autism, Benny u

Why Buddy Up Matters Every child deserves a friend — but not every child is taught how to make one. Children with autism and other developmental differences genuinely want friendships, yet struggle to read social cues, understand boundaries, or communicate in familiar ways. These challenges often lead to misunderstandings, isolation, and painful rejection. Inclusion is more than sharing a space. It requires a supported environment, intentional activities, and peers who unders

In his very first hockey game, Asher scored an incredible eight goals!   This video looks so professional! Thank you, Asher’s mom, for capturing so many wonderful moments! After the match, he was overjoyed — and his mom couldn’t have been prouder: “He was so happy!” This remarkable progress is the result of NorthStar’s dedicated coaching team. Asher began his skating lessons in September of last year. At first, he was just a cautious beginner learning to find his balance on

Hockey is more than a game — it’s a way to build confidence, coordination, and friendships on and off the ice. Behind every successful session stands a dedicated coach who knows how to connect, encourage, and adapt to every child’s unique needs. In our latest video, you’ll see our specially trained hockey coaches  in action — guiding children through skating, passing, and teamwork drills designed for players with special needs. Each coach brings not only hockey expertise but

Our basketball class is for children with special needs, providing a safe and supportive space to learn, play, and have fun. Children practice dribbling, passing, and shooting with guidance from our caring coach, and play simple games that teach teamwork and cooperation. Basketball helps children build confidence, improve coordination, stay active, and make friends. Join us and watch our children have fun and grow on the court!

There’s nothing quite like the joy of watching children gain confidence and independence on the ice. Our hockey course is specially designed to be inclusive and supportive , giving children with special needs the opportunity to learn, play, and have fun in a safe and encouraging environment. In this video, you’ll see our skilled coach guiding each child through skating drills, puck handling, and teamwork exercises. With patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement, the

This morning, the NorthStar team was invited to join a community meeting in Richmond Hill with Pierre Poilievre , Leader of  The Conservative Party  of Canada. The event was held at Art Gala Inc. Pierre shared that he cares deeply about individuals on the autism spectrum, and that our mission strongly resonated with him. We were touched by the warm recognition from the community. Several MPs were present, and many of them smiled and said to us — “NorthStar is famous!” At Nort