Muslim Association of Milton (MAM) held its 14th Annual Community BBQ on July 20, 2024 at Halton Islamic Community Centre (HICC), Located on 4269 Regional Road 25, Oakville, Ontario. It was a day where the scent of grilled delicacies mingled with the sounds of joyous laughter and heartfelt conversations, creating an atmosphere
ofunity and celebration.
“For me, this is the best night of the year, because I get to say Thank You, to all of you. Not just for being McDonald’s employees, but for being amazing students, amazing community members, amazing volunteers, amazing human beings and I get to celebrate that tonight” said Cam Binnie, owner of HJMAC McDonald’s. August 12th was Scholarship Night for the employees, and children of employees of McDonald’s restaurantsin Milton and Mississauga owned by both HJMAC and HSBIN. Cam and Amanda Binnie started HJMAC about 17 years ago. “One of the great things, is having your kids take over part of your business” says Binnie. On February 6th this year, Hannah Binnie their daughter bought 2 of the McDonald’s restaurants in Milton creating the new company HSBIN.
There are many interesting happenings around the Milton area. Vibrant outside activities can be seen especially during the summer months when citizens leave their cars at home or in a handy spot and spend their free time walking about, enjoying all that the town has to offer.
The Farmers’ Market attracts a multitude of citizens, many of whom rise early on Saturday Morning to buy fresh produce, meet friends, walk their dogs, listen to musicians, and also discover local artists,armed with paints and brushes painting au ‘Plein Air’. These talented people may be painting scenes at the market depicting swarms of local people around the colourful tents and shop fronts.
The annual event on June 19th recognized the volunteers at the Milton Seniors Activity Centre (MSAC). MSAC has more than 80 volunteers that help run programs, fundraising, food service and special events. Milton Town Staff said they could not operate the centre without the time and dedication provided by these volunteers. One highlight of the event was Miltonian Martha Shire receiving the Canadian Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers which is the highest honour an individual can receive for Volunteer Service in Canada. Martha has volunteered for Milton District Hospital, the Canadian Red Cross, Friends of the Orphans as well as her continued volunteer work at the Milton Seniors Centre. Councillor Sarah Marshall served as Acting Mayor today to give Martha her medal and thank the many other MSAC volunteers who were in attendance
ISKCON Milton successfully held the 5th annual Rathayatra, Festival of India, on June 29th in Milton at the Community Park by the Milton Sports Centre. The event, dedicated to Lord Jagannatha, Lord Baladeva, and Devi Subhadra, attracted a remarkable turnout of over 1000 attendees.The festival featured a vibrant procession that extended to Derry Road. The festivities commenced with a warm welcome to the esteemed guests of honor, including Mayor Gordon Krantz, MP Adam van Koeverden, MPP Zee Hamid, Town Councillor Kristina Tesser Derksen, and Regional Councillors Colin Best & Sameera Ali.Their presence underscored the local community’s commitment to cultural diversity and spiritual expression.
ISKCON Milton lovingly organized the Festival of India, which showcased an array of captivating cultural performances. Attendees enjoyed spellbinding classical dance performances, and the atmosphere resonated with ecstatic Kirtan, a ISKCON MILTON devotional chanting that deeply move dall devotees present.The event also had the privilege of being attended by the respected figure,Rick Di Lorenzo. ISKCON, popularly known as the Hare Krishna movement,holds a prominent place in the hearts of millions worldwide. With over five hundred major centers, temples,rural communities, and numerous community projects like FOOD FOR LIFE, ISKCON has become a symbol of spiritual love and devotion.Since its inception in 2017, ISKCONMilton has worked diligently to spread the message of Bhakti Yoga and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.HG Bhakti Yoga Prabhu, President of ISKCON Milton, expressed his gratitude to the community and highlighted the inclusive nature of their weekly gatherings. “We meet every Sunday at 410 Bronte Street South, Milton, and our doors are opento everyone in the community,” he said.“Our program provides an opportunity to learn about the lifestyle and culture of those who practice Bhakti Yoga and follow the Bhagavad Gita. We also serve a delicious multi-course vegetarian meal. Other programs include music,chanting, dance, spiritual discourse,and discussion.”To learn more about ISKCON Milton and it’s activities, please visit www.iskconmilton.com
BRUNCH FOR A CAUSE for Milton District Hospital Foundation.
On June 23rd the first Brunch for a Cause was held at the Italian Cultural Centre of Milton hosted by the All For One Survivors Foundation in support of Milton District Hospital Foundation.The All For One Survivors Foundation and members of the Milton Leone Family (Rita Leone & Tony Leone)invited a little over 100 people together to raise funds to purchase advanced medical equipment used in breast cancer screenings.Dr. Dalal Aziz a lead Breast Surgeon at Milton Hospital attended to talk about both the advances in breast cancer care as well as the need for new medical equipment. Dr Christine Nicholas also did a presentation on breast reconstruction surgery that is available at Milton Hospital and covered by OHIP Rita Leone shared her personal story of being a breast cancer survivor at Milton Hospital and the care she received from Dr. Aziz and her team.The event was well catered, musically entertained and superbly organized to the enjoyment of all that attended.
The Islamic Community Centre of Milton held a family friendly EID FEST on June 29th at their Masjid on 8069 Esquesing Line in Milton. The event was completed organized by youth members.“It was an honour and a privilege to thank and congratulate the organizers and everyone who supported the event”said MP Adam van Koeverden.“We are delighted to see our community come together in joy and unity for EidFest 2024. This event showcases the dedication and spirit of our youth, who worked tirelessly to make it a memorable day for everyone”said ICCM.The Islamic Community Centre of Milton is a Project of ICNA Canada.To learn more about them you can visit their website at icna milton.com
On June 15th at Granite Ridge Golf Club the Milton Autism group held a Charity Golf Tournament with many Milton residents volunteering and taking part.Milton Autism’s vision is to empower individuals with autism. They strive to create an inclusive society by providing support, resources, and services that enable individuals on the spectrum to reach their full potential.Through their efforts, they aim to foster acceptance, understanding, and equal opportunities for all members of the autism community.In addition to the Golf Tournament they also had some great raffle prizes donated by businesses to help raise funds in support of services for autism individuals and their families.“Thank you Milton, I would like to thank all our sponsors, donors,participants, partners, volunteers and organizers.
Together we were able to raise over $30,000 for autism in Milton! These funds will help fund and create recreational programs, support groups for caregivers, private movie screening sand many more initiatives for local families” said organizer Mustafa Sajid.
The Secret Gardens of Milton Tour is an annual event held by the Milton District Horticultural Society and is their main fundraiser.All proceeds go to growing Milton area gardens by purchasing plants,soil, mulch, and fertilizer. Planting and maintaining gardens are done by dedicated volunteers. The Milton gardens they help beautify so others may enjoy are:
Gardens on the tour included both large and small, urban and rural.The tour also partnered both Milton Gardens with Milton Artists. At the locations you could meet local artists,talk to them and also at some see them in the process of creating new pieces. For more information about the society you can visit their website at www.miltonhortsociety.com
The Community Foundation of Halton North (CFHN) is different in that its donors and local volunteers direct long term funds annually into the community, providing care-free philanthropy fexible enough for all charities. “It’s For Good For Ever, when we can give together”.