A multicultural association is inviting community members to come mingle and learn about other cultures at its next monthly meeting in Newmarket on Saturday.
The Toronto Cultural Mingle Association welcomes residents of all backgrounds to come and meet others and share their culture at the event at Ray Twinney Recreation Complex Sept. 21 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The multicultural association was founded three years ago to promote cultural exchange and build an inclusive community where individuals from all backgrounds feel welcomed and empowered, according to organizers. They have about 200 members and would like to expand their reach to include people from various cultures in their group.
Gina Chai, director of the Toronto Cultural Mingle Association, said about 70 per cent of the group members are from the Asian community, however, they are holding the event in the hope that more people from other ethnicities will join the group.
According to data from York Region, immigrants made up nearly half, or 47 per cent, of the region’s population in 2016. Most of these individuals have lived in Canada for many years, while others are recent immigrants who arrived less than five years ago.
The fastest growth in the recent immigrant population was observed in the communities of Whitchurch-Stouffville, East Gwillimbury, and Aurora.
Members of the group are dedicated to fostering mutual respect and understanding through impactful programs and services that enhance the lives of residents in Newmarket and Aurora by creating opportunities for meaningful connections and providing support to seniors, newcomers, and low-income families to thrive in a vibrant, multicultural society, Chai said.
For more information about the group and to learn to get involved visit https://www.tcma1.com/.
