With a multicultural collage of different types of music, dance, and customs, diversity was showcased and celebrated recently in Northumberland County, while also raising funds for the Northumberland YMCA.
The Municipality of Port Hope’s Memorial Park set the stage for the July 20th Northumberland Diversity Festival, which was presented by the county in collaboration with the Northumberland Hispanic Cultural Club.
The event was a celebration of multiculturalism and inclusivity for new Canadian citizens, residents, and visitors. The festival aimed to promote community spirit and embrace the many different nationalities within the communities of Northumberland.
There were a variety of live performances, food trucks, and activities for kids. YMCA Northumberland staff and volunteers offered guests the chance to participate in an Arriba fitness class.
“We’d like to thank Northumberland County, the Northumberland Hispanic Cultural Club, and Northumberland 89.7 FM for acknowledging the YMCA and championing donations to our Strong Communities Campaign during the festival,” said Eunice Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of YMCA Northumberland, in a media release.
“At the Y, we embrace diversity and inclusion, recognizing that our strength comes from welcoming people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Together, we create a community where everyone feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential.”
The YMCA collected donations that resulted in more than $1,200, which is being directed to the YMCA’s ongoing Strong Communities Campaign. The campaign aims to help change lives by offering special support programs and making YMCA services accessible to more people.
“Your donations made a difference in funding essential services like support for new mothers, mental health resources for youth, recreational programs, kids’ summer camps, swimming lessons, and health and fitness memberships for all ages. Moreover, the festival also served as a collection point for food donations to benefit Food4All, a vital organization committed to addressing food insecurity in the Northumberland region.”
The non-perishable food items were collected and donated to help support families in need after the event.
The Diversity Festival is an annual event in Northumberland.
“Partnering with the Hispanic Cultural Club to present the Northumberland Diversity Festival is about creating opportunities for people to learn more about the myriad cultures that form the fabric of our community, through the universal languages of food and music,” Dan Borowec, director of strategic initiatives for Northumberland County, recently told kawarthaNOW.
Festivities kicked off with a citizenship ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Capitol Theatre, which welcomed more new Canadians to Northumberland and surrounding communities. During the ceremony, participants took their oath of citizenship, marking their final step in becoming Canadian citizens.
“The Diversity Festival is a testament to the strength and unity of our community,” YMCA Northumberland noted. “It highlighted the importance of embracing cultural differences and demonstrated the power of coming together for a common cause.”
“As the community looks forward to future events, the spirit of unity and generosity showcased at the festival will undoubtedly continue to inspire and strengthen Northumberland County. Together, we have positively impacted the lives of those in need in our community.”
As a charity, YMCA Northumberland provides community services that have a positive impact on pressing social issues from chronic disease to unemployment, social isolation, poverty, inequality, and more.
