Community Potluck

 

Today I am grateful for and appreciate the significance of the "Community Potluck" arranged and organized by Shakhlo in collaboration with Thorncliffe Park Autism Support Network (TPSAN), Thorncliffe and Flemingdon Park communities. The community potluck was commenced with formal inauguration with a land acknowledgement in English and French, speech from Shakhlo, Rob Oliphant and speeches from community representatives to share their stories.  I recognize and comprehend a variety of pieces that were being proposed by the community potluck, for instance:

• Today I noticed and observed that a community potluck was a great way to celebrate differences, diversity and inclusiveness. Everyone was welcome regardless of their faith, race, culture, socioeconomic status, age, gender and even vaccination status. Everyone was respected and regarded for their presence. This potluck was connecting communities in a safe and protected way

• Community potluck was a family gathering, brought a favourite or traditional dish and meal sharing with the families. The dishes I witnessed and tasted were samosa, roll, pakora, namak pare, cheese pizza, BBQ (offered by TPSAN), Kabuli pulao, mandi rice, zarda, pasta, fish, dahi bare, a variety of chickpeas, vermicelli, sweet bun, pita nan, baked chicken, noodles, Hyderabadi tomato curry with rice, variety of salads, oranges, a variety of rice, cake, pastry, apple juice and at the end of the community potluck there were watermelons cut and served by volunteers. It was enough food and supplies for everyone

• The food was really aromatic,  remarkably delicious and tasty. This community potluck truly representing community and their favourite meals. I tried and tested every single dish and believe me it was a strong punch and kick of the flavour to the palate and delight for taste buds. I truly enjoyed the community potluck and its festivities 

• There were a variety of community representatives, Police and MPs to meet the community. I spotted and met in person with Nawal Ateeq from FCSS, Rob Oliphant MP, Shakhlo, Thorncliffe Park Autism Support Network (TPSAN) representatives, Flemingdon - Thorncliffe communities and a variety of community ambassadors and representatives

• Viktor Sarudi and Farhan Ali were from the police department, joined the community potluck. They answered every question, highly engaging, likable and friendly with the children. I noticed that their behaviour was welcoming and respectful with a variety of activities such as having photographs with children, police car voyages and tours for every child. It seemed that children were having two friends from the police department and I think that would definitely help children to gain trust and find hope in the police and their department. Viktor Sarudi and Farhan Ali spent quality time with children and today their contribution to the community potluck was beyond explanation. Both of them truly representing and portraying the police department

• A variety of games were played by children of all ages and mothers. While performing and engaging with games, everyone was excited, thrilled and delighted to win the first position. Tough competition for some. I sensed the enthusiasm, excitement and engagement while playing games. Children were delighted and happy with the balloons, clown and with gigantic bubbles

• Enthusiasm, energy and passion for community potluck were considerably evident and manifested by the excitement while sharing meals, playing games, meeting n greeting each other

• I discovered and noticed the strong ties and bonds in the community potluck. There was a giggle n chuckle, happiness, joy and pleasure. Everyone  enjoyed and valued every moment spent there

• Caring and sharing attitude was obvious. I personally enjoyed and be present with the moment. Indeed, this community potluck was connecting to the well-being of the community. I do encourage and promote these community potlucks as it is positively affecting mental health and wellbeing at this time of the COVID 19 pandemic

• Everyone was in healthy and positive thoughts, feelings, emotions and moods. Great feelings for being connecting with the communities and proud to be Canadian. Although it was a bit sunny and sweaty, however, the gathering was comforting, tranquillizing and relaxing in nature. Since the pandemic, it was my first community potluck and I discovered the balance and harmony in my mind, body and soul  

• This is my journey with the community potluck and today I appreciate being part of this gathering. The COVID 19 protocols were being practiced such as wearing a mask, hand sanitization facility on-site and somehow social distancing was evident

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask or comment below