Welcoming Week, an annual event dedicated to celebrating diversity and fostering a sense of belonging within the local community, is back until September 17th. This event encourages residents to recognize and appreciate the people, places, and values that make everyone feel welcome, regardless of their background.
One of the standout events during Welcoming Week is “One Night in Kampala” featuring the Neema Children’s Chorus. The Neema Children’s Chorus, known for their captivating performances, travels across Ontario to raise funds for feeding and educating children in Uganda. Attendees at this event will have the opportunity to purchase authentic Ugandan clothing and crafts to support these fundraising efforts. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair or blanket, a picnic dinner, and your dancing shoes for a memorable evening of music and dance. “One Night in Kampala” is set for Thursday, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, just outside our studios in the Peterborough Square Mall Courtyard (340 George St North; moved inside if it rains).
Also happening during Welcome Week, the “New to You” Fall Giveaway, organized by the New Canadians Centre, invites donations of gently-used items such as clothing, household items, toys, and school and craft supplies. These items will be given away for free to newcomers to Canada who are in need. Donations can be dropped off at the NCC for sorting on Thursday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Friday from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, with the giveaway event taking place on Saturday between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm at the New Canadians Centre (221 Romaine Street).
Other exciting events happening include “Fun at the Library,” which features activities like story time on the trail and multilingual story sessions at the Peterborough Public Library from September 12 to 16. There will also be an open house event where residents can visit organizations like Employment Planning & Counselling (EPC) Peterborough, Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services, Innovation Cluster, Hospice Peterborough, and the Canadian Mental Health Association from September 12 to 15.
Additionally, on Thursday, between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, there’s a “Fridays for Future” sign-making session at the KWIC Centre for Education Youth Environment (EYE) at the Trent School of the Environment. This activity allows community members to create signs for the upcoming Fridays for Future Rally.
Welcoming Week in Peterborough promises a week of cultural celebration, community engagement, and support for newcomers, highlighting the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Don’t miss out on these fantastic events and the opportunity to connect with your fellow community members.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
