On Monday, February 20th, Moncton Cares organized the Taste of Diversity event at the YMCA North in Moncton, Canada, to celebrate Family Day. The event was a great success, with participants from over 20 countries coming together to share their culture, traditions, and cuisine. The event drew in a crowd of over 150 people on the day.
The event was attended by several notable guests, including Moncton’s Mayor Dawn Arnold, Greg Turner, and Ginette Petitpas Taylor, a member of parliament representing the riding of Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe. Their presence at the event emphasized the importance of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural exchange in our communities.
Moncton Cares organized the Taste of Diversity event as an opportunity for participants to share a dish from their home country and learn about the culinary traditions of others. The range of food on display was truly impressive, with dishes from spicy Indian curries to savory Italian pastas to sweet Filipino desserts, and everything in between. The variety of food showcased the rich cultural diversity of the Moncton community.
In addition to the food, there were other activities to keep participants engaged. The event started with a singing of national anthems from different countries, which was a great way to showcase the diversity of the community. It was a heartwarming moment to see people from different backgrounds come together and sing in unison.
The event also provided an excellent opportunity for networking, particularly for immigrants who may be new to the community. Participants were able to make new connections and exchange ideas, which could lead to future collaborations and partnerships. It was also an opportunity for newcomers to learn about the resources available to them in the community, such as language classes, job training, and cultural events.
Moncton Cares is an organization dedicated to helping newcomers integrate and feel welcome in New Brunswick. In addition to organizing events like the Taste of Diversity, they offer a range of services to support newcomers, such as language classes, job training, and settlement assistance. By providing these resources, they are helping to ensure that newcomers have the tools they need to succeed in their new home.
One of the highlights of the event was the henna station, which was run by a young volunteer. Henna is a traditional art form from the Asian subcontinent, in which designs are drawn on the skin using a paste made from the henna plant. The young volunteer was skilled at this art form and was able to create beautiful designs for participants. This was a wonderful opportunity for guests to experience a new cultural tradition and learn about its significance.
The event also featured a speech from an African newcomer who shared their personal experiences and reflections on their heritage. The speech was a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating Black heritage, as well as the challenges that many newcomers face when settling in a new country.
Overall, the Taste of Diversity event on Family Day was a great success thanks to the efforts of Moncton Cares. By promoting integration, retention, and fostering cultural exchange, they are helping to create a more vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community in New Brunswick.
Moncton Cares is an organization that is dedicated to helping newcomers integrate and feel welcome in New Brunswick. They do this by offering a range of services, such as language classes, job training, and settlement assistance. In addition, events like the Taste of Diversity provide a platform for newcomers to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging in their new community.
In conclusion, the Taste of Diversity event organized by Moncton Cares on Family Day was a wonderful celebration of cultural diversity.