Hey! Psst. If you’re in the Halifax Regional Municipality, this is for YOU. I need you to read it and think on it. I am calling you to action.
I’m challenging you. And if you’re a reader who isn’t in the HRM, I encourage you to keep reading too. Maybe it will inspire you. And who couldn’t use a little inspiration on a beautiful Wednesday?
Have you heard about Share Thanksgiving yet? I wrote about it last year too. Last year it was a national program. This year, unfortunately the national program didn’t happen but that didn’t deter Nova Scotians. Engage Nova Scotia was the driving force being Share Thanksgiving in Nova Scotia last year and they’re doing it again this year. Because Nova Scotians are wonderful and welcoming people, that’s why.
Share Thanksgiving invites newcomers to our province to be paired up with welcoming locals to share in a Thanksgiving meal. It is an absolutely amazing experience that creates friendships, introduces immigrants and foreign students to our culture, and fosters a sense of community.
Last year, the response was absolutely amazing. We had so many people willing and eager to share their tables and their meals. And while most hosts participated out of a sense of welcoming and kindness and sharing over this holiday of plenty, most hosts actually came out of the experience with a deep sense of blessing and gratitude. I recently spoke with Laura Churchill Duke of Valley Family Fun who is so excited to make room at her Thanksgiving table again. Her experience last year was so positive. She told me that her family knows what it feels like to be welcomed in new places so she is incredibly driven to do Share Thanksgiving.
Last year there were approximately 70 newcomer families who were looking to be paired with Nova Scotians. And Nova Scotians responded just like you’d expect they would – with open, welcoming arms and full tables! This year there are approximately 140 newcomer families. And as Thanksgiving weekend draws close, they are still approximately 15 host families short in HRM.
So, while registration is closed for the rest of Nova Scotia, if you are in the HRM, please consider adding a couple extra chairs to your Thanksgiving meal this weekend. Please sign up ASAP – now – TODAY! – so that the best match can be made. I know that Engage Nova Scotia is hoping to wrap up matching by the end of the day.
As we come up to an election time when politicians are trying to divide us and cause us to be fearful of our neighbour, let’s come to Thanksgiving with open and welcoming hearts. Let’s do what we can to strengthen our communities and be the people that the world knowns Nova Scotians to be. We’re kind. We’re nice. We’re welcoming. And we know how to throw a good dinner party.
Need that link again? SIGN UP HERE to be an HRM Share Thanksgiving HOST!
(This post is not sponsored.)
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