If you are looking to get closer with your neighbours, you can do what the Dunsmuir Neighbourhood Association did.
The group hosted a block party on
Oct. 22 after applying for a grant from the Vancouver Foundation.
Their objective was to host a fall neighbourhood event which follows their ethos “to promote a sense of belonging and connection within our area — a chance for neighbours to meet and show pride and harmony with each other and their community.”
The group told the Record that they hope to encourage other neighbourhoods in Mission to organize themselves and put together small events.
The Dunsmuir Association sent out newsletters via email, posted the invitation on social media and distributed 300 flyers to the houses in the Dunsmuir community. Over a hundred residentsof all ages and abilities strolled through the Tenth Avenue cul-de-sac during the three-hourevent, including a visit from RCMP Const. Harrison Mohr, Mayor Paul Horn, Coun.Carol Hamilton, new councillor Angel Elias, and Couns. Jag Gill, and Ken Herar. There werepumpkin carving and decorating stations, a welcome area with treats and crafts, a boothwith emergency preparedness booklets available in multiple languages, a play area and a long lunch table where free pizza, Timbits, iced tea and hot chocolate were distributed.
“What did we take away from this event? We learned that when people in a community come together with a common goal, great things can be accomplished,” said association president Pascale-Sara Frenette. “Many people whovolunteered and attended the event were very excited and appreciative of the opportunity, with lots of positive feedback about wanting to be part of a similar event in the future.Some of the challenges we faced were mainly weather related. The poor air quality due toforest fire smoke made it challenging for volunteers to distribute the flyers. Rain was alsoforecasted for the day of our event, so volunteers had to work hard to find enough pop-up tents to provide shelter.”
Since their last Block Party in July 2022, the City of Mission has implemented aNeighbourhood Spirit Program, which waives specific fees for small events. This implementation helps to reduce barriers for groups planning similar events.
READ MORE: Carving pumpkins
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chris.campbell@missioncityrecord.com
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