Thousands of people watched the virtual Canada Day celebrations presented by the Halton Gujarati Seniors Samaj on Wednesday July 1, 2020. A non-profit registered in 2013, HGSS offers connection, care for one another, and a celebration of success, happiness, and life in Canada.
In this uncertain time, in which we are witnessing sides of humanity that both shock and disappoint us, we can look to the shining examples of generosity within our community. Laurie MacNab is one such person, whose work in Milton has designated her Volunteer of the Year in 2020. But MacNab’s affinity for charity work began many years ago.
On April 18, 2020 Deana Wilson greeted a large online gathering of guests. “I want to thank everyone for coming to join this Zoom live today!” The event in question, originally intended to be an in-person gathering, was a book launch for “Liam, Strong as a Tree.” The book celebrates the strength of her son Liam, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at just three weeks old.
Amidst the COVID-19 world pandemic, arts and culture quietly closed its doors to the public. As people were reeling from news of sickness, financial anxiety, and the inability to see or embrace their loved ones, institutions and organizations across the world cancelled classes, workshops, exhibits, and events. The arts community in Milton followed suit. During a time when people have lost jobs, and access to the things they need the most, the importance of arts and culture falls lower on the list of priorities.
Sunday, February 9th, 2020 kicked off the third instalment of Arts Milton’s community program, “The Friendship Project.” On this day, participants gathered to meet one another, and enjoy a casual afternoon of board games to break the ice.
Long-time residents of Milton will recall Super A Video – a beloved home video store once located in the plaza at the corner of Ontario Street and Derry Road. It was there amidst the movie stacks that the idea for the Milton Film Festival was born. MFF Lead Programmer Katie Pearce says that’s where current Festival Founder and Director Jennifer Smith first began dreaming of the possibilities.
In a city rife with various community events and fundraisers, Milton Show Choir offers a unique presentation at their Annual Open Mic Night. The jampacked event was held November 9, 2019 this year at the Royal Canadian Legion in Downtown Milton.
2019 marks the 10th Anniversary of Canada’s Culture Days program – a three-day nation-wide event which invites community members to participate in free, interactive arts and culture activities. For the past seven years, local non-profit arts group Arts Milton has hosted Milton Culture Days at the FirstOntario Arts Centre Milton.
On a breezy summer evening, participants of Arts Milton’s Friendship Project gathered at the Milton Sports Centre park for a picnic celebrating the completion of this year’s program. The Friendship Project, now in its second year, connects newcomers to Canada with community host families. Together the partnered families attend arts and culture activities together from winter to spring each year.
Miltonians may have enjoyed their last Canada Day festivities at the Milton Fairgrounds. After more than 20 years of providing our community with a yearly celebration, the Milton Canada Day Committee will be retiring in 2019.
Once joined together with the Milton Santa Claus Parade Committee, the two events split off once they gained traction within the community. Committee Member of 15 years and Sponsorship Chair Pat Rideout explains, “As each event grew, it was decided that they should be separate entities.” The event was first hosted at Rotary Park but quickly outgrew the space and moved to its current location at the Milton Fairgrounds.