I am immensely grateful for the opportunity provided by the Neighbourhood Small Grant to bring to life an engaging and delightful project—the DIY Bath Salt Soak. The grant not only supported this initiative but also fostered a wonderful sense of community among the participants.
Organizing this event was an enriching experience as it brought together individuals from our neighborhood, enabling connections and introductions among both familiar faces and new acquaintances. Coinciding with what I believe was the Halloween weekend on October 29, 2023, some of the attending children embraced the festive spirit by adorning themselves in charming Halloween costumes. It was a delightful sight to witness their creativity and enthusiasm, adding an extra touch of joy to the event.
However, while the event itself was a success in many regards, it presented some unforeseen challenges. As a first-time organizer, I underestimated certain expenses, particularly regarding food costs, which exceeded the allocated budget. Additionally, unexpected travel expenses to Langley for necessary supplies further impacted the budget.
Regrettably, a number of cancellations due to attendee illness in the days leading up to the event reduced the anticipated turnout by half. Nonetheless, the individuals who did attend, particularly those with their children, expressed genuine delight and anticipation to use the DIY bath salt at home. Their enthusiasm was infectious and served as a reminder of the positive impact such community-driven initiatives can have.
Furthermore, as the event drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of enthusiasm among the attendees. Many expressed their eagerness for future gatherings, with numerous participants inquiring about the possibility of another event. Their enthusiasm and interest in participating again were truly heartening and reinforced the positive impact of community-driven initiatives.
In summary, despite the challenges encountered, the event was a tremendous success. The sense of camaraderie, the smiles on attendees’ faces, and the shared excitement over the project’s outcome were truly rewarding. None of this would have been possible without the generous support of the Neighbourhood Small Grant, for which I am sincerely grateful.
