This summer, the “Shared Plates & Shared Steps” aimed to foster connections, create a sense of belonging, and enhance social interaction among residents of the Westbowl community in Prince George, BC. To achieve this goal, a community potluck and a day trip to Purden Lake were organized. As the coordinator, my aim was to create a safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment where individuals and families from diverse backgrounds could come together to share a meal, participate in enjoyable activities, and build supportive relationships.
The planning process began with assembling a small team of community volunteers responsible for planning and preparations, such as selecting a suitable date and times that would be convenient for most residents. This group assisted me in procuring and organizing food and activities, handling communication, and coordinating transportation. We gauged interest by reaching out to the wider community and booked a community meeting centre along with an outdoor space for our events. Promotion was carried out through text messaging and word of mouth.
During the project implementation, two major challenges arose: a low initial response from residents and adverse weather conditions. To boost engagement and participation, informal pre-event meet-ups were organized to connect with potential participants and encourage them to invite friends. Additionally, due to rainy weather, we had to reschedule the events. For the planned initial hike, which had a particularly low response, we switched to canoeing, kayaking, and a small BBQ trip to Purden Lake.
A remarkable group of six enthusiastic volunteers played a vital role in the event’s success. Neighbours from different cultural backgrounds, with little to no prior contact, came together to plan and prepare meals. Their dedication not only made the event successful but also strengthened community bonds.
We had over 50 participants in both events combined, representing various nationalities, including Canada, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Zambia.
During the community potlucks, attendees engaged in a cardboard foosball game, played Uno and connected over food. Laughter and conversation flowed as families mingled, exchanged cultural stories, knowledge, customs, and experiences that fostered curiosity and mutual understanding. At the lake, these connections deepened as participants teamed up for canoeing, kayaking, and making micro BBQs. The shared experience of navigating the water fostered camaraderie, with both beginners and experienced paddlers encouraging each other. The combination of adventure and teamwork created lasting bonds among participants.
From this experience, I learned the value of adaptability and active engagement in community events. The potluck not only brought people together but also showcased our neighbourhood’s ability to blend diverse culinary traditions into one, as well as the community’s willingness and readiness to share their skills and talents with others, which deepened my appreciation for community-building efforts.
These events were successful celebrations of community bonds and teamwork, offering joyful experiences filled with fun activities, tasty food, and unforgettable memories. By turning strangers into friends, the gatherings demonstrated the power of community through collaboration in a relaxed setting. These activities also helped to break down biases that people might have held before the events against groups different from their own. This underscores the need for more community grants, such as the NSG, to foster positive change and create a brighter future for everyone through initiatives like Shared Plates & Shared Steps.
Thank you, NSG, for turning this initiative into a reality!
