On Sunday, August 2, 2026, I hosted Creating Connection Through Light at my home in Trail, BC. Thanks to the support of the Neighbourhood Small Grants program, five of us gathered for an afternoon of creativity, conversation, and connection.
As this was a small, home-based gathering designed to encourage meaningful conversation and relationship building, it was not publicly advertised. Instead, invitations were shared by word of mouth to keep the gathering personal while remaining inclusive. Once participants had confirmed their interest, I created a WhatsApp group to coordinate the event, share logistics, and answer questions. Before the gathering, everyone was invited to choose their preferred Turkish mosaic lamp kit from two different designs and a variety of colours, adding a personal touch and creating excitement in the lead-up to the event.
Our group included women and one youth from South Africa, Chile, Switzerland, and Madagascar. Although each of us has a unique immigration story, we quickly discovered many shared experiences. While creating our mosaic lamps together, we talked openly about the challenges of settling in a new country, building friendships, adapting to different cultures, and finding a sense of belonging. We also celebrated the opportunities that immigration has brought to our lives and reflected on the strengths that come from our diverse backgrounds.
The relaxed, creative atmosphere made conversation flow naturally and allowed everyone to participate at their own pace. It was inspiring to see people connecting across cultures, encouraging one another, sharing laughter, and discovering common ground while working side by side. The afternoon demonstrated how a simple creative activity can become a catalyst for meaningful conversation and new relationships.
I also shared how this gathering had been made possible through a Neighbourhood Small Grant. Everyone expressed their sincere appreciation for the program and the opportunity it created for us to come together in such a meaningful way. Without this support, this gathering would not have been possible.
The afternoon concluded with five beautiful, completed mosaic lamps, new and strengthened friendships, and a greater sense of community. This project showed that even a small grant can make a meaningful difference by creating opportunities for neighbours to connect, learn from one another, celebrate cultural diversity, and feel more at home in their community.
