Christmas On The Bay has announced that their Spirit of Inclusion initiative was selected for the My Main Street Community Activator initiative and has received support for a mixed media performance showcase of talents by persons with disabilities (PWD) or diverse abilities, as well as the development of an accessible stage, and two new accessible vendor stalls.
The 2024 event, which takes place from November 28 through December 1, builds on its existing mandate to integrate inclusivity in all aspects of its four-day holiday market. This new initiative helps empower performers with disabilities. An important component of this project is the inclusion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training for volunteers who will be able to bring this knowledge back to the wider community.
“Events like Christmas On The Bay foster a sense of community pride, and engagement among residents and visitors alike. Bringing people together in celebration and festivity, the event encourages collaboration within the local community. Showcasing the talents of people with diverse abilities will help overcome some of the existing barriers and stigma that PWD face. This is key to building a strong and cohesive community,” said Kimberley Rogers, president, Christmas On The Bay.
My Main Street is built on the principle of supporting community economic development and creating vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods which will enhance the overall quality of life for residents while also promoting sustainable and inclusive community development. My Main Street is delivered by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), and supported by a Government of Canada investment through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Learn more about the My Main Street program at mymainstreet.ca.
“Christmas On The Bay is one of the many impactful place-making projects happening across Ontario’s main streets thanks to the federal government’s investment in My Main Street Community Activator projects. Place-making supports healthy, vibrant main streets and millions of Ontarians who live and work around them. The organizers in Meaford have been empowered to leverage community events on their main street to create a hub of social and economic activity, setting long term change in motion,” said Mary W. Rowe, CEO and President, Canadian Urban Institute.
Learn more about the event at christmasonthebay.ca.
