The project held on September 13 and October 25 at Westside Baptist Church successfully brought together close to 30 participants per session, including grandparents with their grandkids, moms and their children, newcomer families, and youth. Building on the momentum from earlier events, the Cultural Exchange Fair/Zone was reintroduced this season in response to strong community interest and valuable feedback.
We responded to participants’ requests for deeper engagement by enhancing the event with youth-led storytelling circles and pop-up language corners. The program also integrated upcycled art and circular economy principles, making sustainability a core theme. Outreach efforts expanded to include new immigrant groups and underrepresented voices within the neighbourhood, helping to reflect the community’s evolving diversity.
A significant challenge was ensuring all age groups and cultural backgrounds could fully participate and feel represented. To address this, workshops were adapted so both children and seniors could contribute, such as collaborative craft tables and peer-learning zones. Pop-up language corners fostered informal language exchange, while storytelling circles allowed youth and elders alike to share perspectives, stories, and traditions openly.
Grandparents actively engaged with their grandkids during art projects, passing on skills and stories from their own backgrounds. This strengthened both family bonds and cross-generational respect. Mums and their children contributed energy and a welcoming attitude, helping younger participants feel at ease. Newcomer families showcased crafts and customs from their cultures, enriching the fair’s multicultural flair. Youth took on visible leadership roles, guiding storytelling sessions and supporting language exchanges—broadening their advocacy and organizational skills.
The rerun of the Cultural Exchange Fair amplified pride in cultural heritage, mutual learning, and friendship among attendees. Activities such as joint art projects and multilingual storytelling not only sparked curiosity and creativity but also bridged generational and cultural divides.
Participants expressed excitement about future iterations of the fair, with many noting how upcycled crafts and hands-on activities helped them see value in sustainability and shared responsibility. The event also served as a catalyst for ongoing cultural exchange and involvement in the neighbourhood.
With consistently positive feedback and greater demand for inclusive programming, organizers plan to continue expanding both the scope and reach of these fairs. By prioritizing accessibility, representation, and sustainability, the project is helping Westside residents build a more connected, resilient, and joyful community.
