Get involved

Save the date

The fourth annual Neighbourhood Summit is on November 9. Come together for thoughtful conversations, connecting with neighbours and light food and refreshments. Stay tuned for more details.

Date: November 9 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Location: Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex Community Pavilion

This event is supported by the Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

Time to apply!

The next Neighbourhood Matching Fund (NMF) deadline is coming up on October 17. Apply to receive up to $7,500 in matched funds to support neighbourhood projects. Need inspiration? Neighbours have used the funds to support movie nights, live music at neighbourhood markets, park projects and more.

Learn more about the Neighbourhood Matching Fund.

More ways to get involved

• Starting on October 1, REEP Green Solution's Zero Waste Challenge encourages residents of Waterloo Region to try to fit all their single-use waste into a mason jar for 7, 14 or 30 days.

• The Temporary Resident Services Survey is now open! Fill out this survey to help develop a resource for migrant workers in Waterloo Region.

• Waterloo Region Community Legal Services is hosting a Poverty Reduction Fall Forum to address systemic issues that continue the cycle of poverty and the criminalization of individuals living in poverty.

• The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion has informational and educational resources online.

• Check out the Rainbow Community Calendar to find details on SPECTRUM's groups and events.

• WR Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis is a volunteer-led group focused on helping displaced Ukrainians fleeing war and arriving in Waterloo Region.

Get inspired

See what's happening across Waterloo and find inspiration to make your neighbourhood a little more awesome. We can support your idea with things like grants and equipment. Interested? Just hit reply to this email.

New artistic creations

Fence art is bringing creativity, beauty and connection to Beechwood Park neighbourhood! Through the creation of a mural-like wooden pictorial of the creatures that live in the area, the art project illustrates local heritage and the natural environment. Artist Denise Strong worked with members of the community to strengthen the bonds between neighbours and create pieces that reflect the diverse community. This butterfly is a sneak peek of one of the art pieces!

Learn more about the Artists in Neighbourhoods program that supports artist and neighbour collaborations. 

Connections are popping up

Lincoln Village West neighbours enjoyed an outdoor movie this August with the help of a Neighbourhood Matching Fund grant! Popcorn was available for a tasty movie snack and neighbours of all ages came out to watch the show. 

Interested in applying for up to $7,500 to support your neighbourhood event? Apply before the next NMF deadline on October 17.

To celebrate kind neighbours, we have randomly selected a nominee to win a $25 Uptown Waterloo Gift Card. Congratulations to Connie V - your gift card has been sent in the mail! Thank you for all you do to make Waterloo a special place to live.

Is there someone doing awesome near you?

We want to recognize people who do great things, big or small, in their neighbourhood. Nominations will be accepted year-round, and every nominee will receive a thank you package and be entered into a random draw to win a $25 gift card. The next draw is happening in the winter.

Get in the know

Thank you to community garden volunteers

As fall approaches, we would like to say thank you to all of the dedicated community garden volunteers. Community gardens activate public spaces, provide fresh produce for neighbours, and are important spaces that support neighbourhood connections.

Learn more about the community garden program online.

How-to guides are here to help

Despite sharing common spaces, connecting with neighbours in large buildings can be challenging. 

Learn more about how to create connections in multi-unit buildings.

Check out our other useful how-to guides.

More things to know!

• September 22: HIP Developments is hosting a free drone show at the Waterloo Park Bandshell. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. there will be a live DJ, food vendors, and more. Drone show begins at 8 p.m.

• September 23: The Lumen Festival is an exciting festival where light, art, and technology meet. This free, family-friendly and all-ages event is happening on Saturday, September 23 from 6 to 11 p.m. throughout uptown Waterloo.

• September 23: Gidinawendamin/Ska’nikú•lát 20th Annual Pow Wow is happening at the Columbia Ice Field at the University of Waterloo.

• October 1: The Mayor's Octoberfest Market is on from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Waterloo City Hall parking lot.

• October 19: Movies in the Parking Lot is back! This event has limited space and spots are on a first come first served basis. Attendees can arrive anytime after 7:30pm and movies will begin after the sun sets.

• Check out the new Cipher|Decipher exhibit at the City of Waterloo Museum.

• Enjoy the warm fall weather and explore public art across Waterloo. Visit the public art maps and plan your day!

• Check out this article about Canada's first national bike map and how it will help cyclists.

• The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion has informational and educational resources online.

• Learn more about reporting Hate Incidents or Discrimination: involving Islamophobia, Racism, Anti-Immigrant Sentiment and religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.

• Immigration Waterloo Region shares information on community support in solidarity with Ukraine and supporting Afghan resettlement in Waterloo Region.

September Diversity Calendar

September 4: Labour Day (Canada)

September 6: Krishna Janmashtami (Hinduism)

September 10: World Suicide Prevention Day (International)

September 15-17: Rosh Hashanah (Judaism)

September 19: Ganesh Chaturthi (Hinduism)

September 19: Powley Day (Canada)

September 23: International Day of Sign Languages (United Nations)

September 24-25: Yom Kippur (Judaism)

September 25-30: International Week of Deaf People (World Federation of the Deaf)

September 26-27: Mawlid al Nabi (Islam)

September 29: Mid-Autumn Festival (East and Southeast Asia)

September 29 - October 6: Sukkot (Judaism)

September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day, Canada)

Source: Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion's Diversity Calendar.

Thank you for reading this edition of Neighbours helping Neighbours, a newsletter from the neighbourhoods team, with a focus on good news stories, important community updates, and local resources.

If you have ideas for resources to share or shareable stories of kindness, please send them to: neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca

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