Building Connections Through Food, Creativity & Wellness
With the support of the Neighbourhood Small Grants program, we organized two free workshops for Richmond residents in August 2026. Our goal was simple: to create a welcoming space where neighbours could meet, learn something new, and connect with one another through enjoyable hands-on activities.
Our first event was the Korean Strawberry Snowflake Crisp Workshop on August 23. Participants learned how to make Korean-style snowflake crisps using dried strawberries and other ingredients. Everyone was involved in the process rather than simply watching a demonstration. People shared tips, asked questions, helped one another, and, of course, enjoyed seeing and tasting what they had created.
Our second event was the Natural Multi-Use Soothing Balm Workshop on August 30. Participants learned how to make their own natural all-purpose balm and learned about its different everyday uses. The hands-on activity gave everyone an opportunity to create something useful to take home while chatting and sharing ideas with others around the table.
We welcomed approximately 10–14 participants at each workshop. We found that this group size worked especially well. It was small enough for us to provide personal guidance, but large enough to create a lively and social atmosphere. Some participants did not know one another before arriving, but as they worked together, conversations started naturally. There was plenty of laughter, sharing, and encouragement throughout both events.
One of our challenges when planning the project was choosing activities that would be interesting to different people while remaining easy for beginners to participate in. We prepared the materials ahead of time and designed both workshops so that no previous experience was necessary. This helped create an inclusive environment where everyone could feel comfortable joining in.
The most meaningful lesson we learned was that community connection can start with something very simple. It does not always require a large event. Sometimes, bringing 10 or 14 neighbours around the same table to make food, create something useful, talk, laugh, and learn together can be just as meaningful.
We are grateful to the Neighbourhood Small Grants program for making these activities possible. The funding helped us provide the workshops at no cost to participants, removing a barrier to participation and giving Richmond residents an opportunity to connect.
We hope these small moments of creativity and sharing will encourage stronger relationships and a greater sense of belonging within our community.
