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February 2021

Shop Durham Region
online marketplace is now live
The Region of Durham is excited to announce that the new Shop Durham Region online marketplace is live. The multi-vendor e-store allows shoppers to safely purchase products from multiple Durham-based businesses in a single transaction.

More than ever, shopping local makes a big impact on small businesses. Through this new online marketplace, residents can safely explore 600 local products in a single shopping experience and collect purchases through contactless pick-up—making it easy to support local and stay safe. More than 200 local businesses have joined Shop Durham Region thus far and continue to add products for sale on the site.

To start shopping or to join the marketplace, visit ShopDurhamRegion.ca. Enhanced marketplace features will be rolled out in the days ahead, including the ability to shop by vendor. 
Black History Month virtual kick-off -
"Together We Rise Durham"
February 1 is the launch of Black History Month and Durham Region will be celebrating the theme "Together We Rise Durham". The month-long (and beyond) virtual festivities will be hosted on a number of social media platforms, and feature videos and messages that highlight the proud history of the Black community in Durham Region.

The 2021 Black History Month Committee is a partnership between DRPS, the Region of Durham, the Ontario Black History Society, the Canadian Jamaican Club of Oshawa and DurhamONE. For the entire month of February, the committee will be sharing unique online content to mark Black History Month.

As part of our virtual kick off, a video entitled "Together We Rise Durham" will be live streamed on YouTube on February 1 at 7 p.m. Featuring a talented group of performers, the launch video celebrates Black culture, community and allies.

Stay tuned on social media throughout February for more videos and messages:


Twitter: @RegionOfDurham & @DRPS 

 
The celebration will continue throughout the year. The 2021 Black History Month Committee will be hosting a year-long virtual book club to introduce and celebrate inspiring authors and books. Live, online discussions will occur with the authors and members of the committee. The public is encouraged to join. The first book discussion will be February 17 at 7 p.m. with Canadian icon Denham Jolly, author of "In the Black: My Life." Get reading! Details on how to RSVP and join the book club will be released soon.
Thank you for staying #DurhamStrong
While there is a long way to go in the fight against COVID-19, Durham’s amazing community spirit has remained constant. Your commitment to listening to public health advice, your resilience, and your unyielding spirit has been an inspiration. From the decorated windows and sidewalks, to the messages of thanks and respect for our front-line heroes, thank you for demonstrating the values that make us all proud to call Durham Region home.
Artist feature: Mina Daya
Mina Daya has nurtured a lifelong love of creative expression through painting and design. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, her art incorporates imagery of the nature and wildlife that she grew up surrounded by. Her love of beauty combines with her formal training at a Fine Arts College in Mumbai, India, to create work that is fuelled by passion and steadied by technique. She has been painting for more than 30 years. She has worked as an art teacher at a Montessori School in Pickering and is passionate about art education. Mina is a valued member of the Scugog Council for the Arts, Pineridge Art Council, and Ajax Creative Arts.
 
Durham Tourism was very honoured to work with Mina on our very own Muskoka Chair, which was inspired by the beautiful outdoors and wildlife found in Durham Region and highlights the new Durham Tourism branding. The Muskoka Chair project was presented by the Scugog Council for the Arts entitled, "Art You Can Sit On." Learn more about Mina and the project on the Durham Tourism blog
Physical activity is important for your health
The colder weather has arrived, but we’re all still doing our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by staying home as much as possible. There are still safe ways to be physically active outdoors in your neighbourhood. Remember to practice physical distancing and to wear a mask or face covering.

Try these low-risk ideas with members of your household:

  • Take a brisk winter walk/hike
  • Take your kids tobogganing
  • Build a snowman or fort
  • Find a trail that isn't busy and try snowshoeing
A photo of an art gallery.
Keep the kids busy while staying safe at home
With remote learning extended in Durham Region, the kids may need some new and exciting activities to keep them busy when the schoolwork is done.

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) has virtual exhibitions, art activities, digital publications and live public programming through Virtual RMG.

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) has crafts, experiments, games and stories to bring the outdoors in.

The Clarington Public Library has a collection of ePrograms to keep you busy and test your skills including crafts, science experiments, virtual escape rooms and more! All offered through instructional YouTube videos.

The Oshawa Public Library has fun activities for kids from art projects, printable activity sheets, scavenger hunts, story times, puppet shows, and a Star Wars online family escape game.
YDH brings the market to you so you can stay
safe at home
Tourism businesses in York, Durham and Headwaters (YDH) are working hard to get the very best products, food and experiences to your door. The YDH Virtual Market vendors are open for business with offerings for curbside pick-up or porch drop-off. Learn about their passions, try out some fun recipes, and virtually shop vendors nearest you.
Virtual fitness programs to keep you active at home
A new year brings new fitness goals. Although Ontario is under a stay-at-home order, Durham Region municipalities and facilities are offering virtual fitness programs to keep you active and energized.

For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day, visit DurhamTourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017. If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Durham Tourism.