Ian Hill - LTBK Across Durham Region Overview
Strong partners, deep passion and a desire to build a brighter tomorrow, those were the things I'll never forget about Let Them Be Kids across the Durham Region.
A united group of community partners involved in a collaborative effort not often seen, combined with forward thinking community leaders and citizens produced memorable results.
From the first day of student workshops, I new something special was happening, young people committing not only to improve themselves but the world around them... The Business leaders breakfast and Public leaders forum attracted key community leaders, but most importantly produced a spirit that is leading to tangible results...
The workshops and seminars at The University of Ontario also had an impressive impact, with attendees committing to improve their workplaces and communities.
The community rally was marked by a family of new Canadians that grabbed the hearts of all attending, many of whom committed to help this one family feel welcome and wanted in their new home of Canada.
The day of the playground build was incredible, elected officials working to lay sod, community leaders building a slide, neighborhood residents working next to people from all across the region to build the desks and climbing structures. There was also the 60 students from the local university Barbequing for all, pick up trash and doing anything needed to help. All as little ones waited with anticipation as the adult "heroes" finished their work. Yes, it was amazing to watch and be a part.
In the end, hundreds of personal written commitments of what individuals will do to make themselves and their community better... new community partnership...
new community initiatives and, by the way a new playground! To the hundreds that participated and to the community partners that made it happen, great work!
You showed us all what can happen when a community comes together!
-Ian Hill, North America Chair, Let Them Be Kids
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