Connecting the Community

From Engineer to Poet: Mansour Noorbakhsh's Journey of Words - How Poetry Unites Cultures and Fights Repression

In this engaging interview, Mansour Noorbakhsh shares his journey from engineer to poet, explores the power of poetry in cultural and political activism, and discusses his upcoming anthology 'Where Words Defeat Bullets'.
Discover how poetry fosters intercultural dialogue, supports human rights, and unites communities across borders.
 
Click on these links to discover Mansour's writings:
Where Words Defeat Bullets – Asemana Books
In Search of Shared Wishes by Mansour Noorbakhsh | The FriesenPress Bookstore
One Hundred Nights of Yearning – Asemana Books

Supporting Developmentally Challenged Athletes: The HADC Story

In this inspiring interview, Diana Graham, a board member of the Hockey Association for the Developmentally Challenged (HADC), shares the organization’s mission, community impact, and upcoming golf tournament to support athletes with developmental challenges.
Discover how sports foster inclusion, independence, and community support for individuals with special needs.
 
Here's their website HADC Gladiators | HADC Gladiators Hockey
If you have an interest in their golf tournament please see their google form for registration and sponsorship information for the golf tournament.
https://forms.gle/AGhysAK1w8kvYqF96
 
Diana can be contacted at dgrahamhadc@gmail.com 905-717-8527

Unpacking Easter: Stories, Traditions, and Celebrations

Join us as we explore the significance of Easter, its history, traditions, and how different Christian denominations celebrate this pivotal holiday.
Our guest, David Kim-Cragg, shares insights into the story of Jesus' resurrection, the meaning behind various Easter customs, and the importance of interfaith understanding.
Please see St. Mathew's United Church website for contact info for David, and the details for their Easter services, including the April 5th, 7 am Easter Sunday Sunrise & Breakfast. St. Matthew's United Church, Richmond Hill

From Broadcasting to Ministry: Reverend Mini Choi's Creative Journey for Reimagining Church

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Reverend Mini Choi, the new minister at Richmond Hill United Church, as she shares her remarkable journey from broadcasting in Hong Kong to leading a vibrant faith community in Canada.
Discover how her creative background enriches her ministry, her vision for community renewal, and the power of art and music in faith expression.
Check out the church's website Richmond Hill United Church and Facebook page  Facebook

The Creative Caravan - Providing Mobile Workshops for Mental Well-Being

In this engaging interview, Jenn Silver shares her journey from corporate creative director to founder of the Creative Caravan, a mobile workshop business that fosters creativity, connection, and mental well-being across communities.
Discover how her innovative approach promotes social prescribing, mental health, and community resilience.
 
She can be reached at:
905 999-4149
jenn@thecreativecaravan.net
@thecreativecaravan_
 
Check out her website  www.thecreativecaravan.ca !
 

Unlocking Youth Potential with Toastmasters

This podcast features Gordon Wilson and Harry Zhang discussing the benefits of Toastmasters, especially the Youth Leadership Program, and how it helps young people develop public speaking and leadership skills.
Harry shares his personal experience and future goals, emphasizing the importance of communication skills for success.
Here's the information on this upcoming (starting March 28th) Youth Leadership program, happening in Richmond Hill. Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program | OnRichmondHill
 
Check out Toastmasters International
 

Coldest Night of the Year Provides Homelessness Support - A Community Call to Action

In this interview, Alex Cheng from Blue Door discusses the upcoming Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser, highlighting its importance in supporting homelessness initiatives in Richmond Hill.
The conversation covers event details, fundraising goals, community involvement, and the urgent need for affordable housing.
 
Please participate in whatever way you can Richmond Hill (Blue Door) - Coldest Night of the Year 2026 Canada
Check out all of the support Blue Door offers Home - Blue Door

Sangano: The Meaning of Community. From Rhodesia to Canada: A Life Journey

In this engaging conversation, Marj Andre interviews Norman Musewe about his memoir 'Sangano', which recounts his life journey from Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to becoming a pediatric cardiologist in Canada.
Norman shares the challenges he faced, including cultural reflections on family, the impact of adversity, struggles with despondency and alcoholism, and ultimately finding faith that transformed his life.
He also discusses the changes in Zimbabwe and his aspirations for a children's hospital, emphasizing the importance of caring for children as the future.
 
Here's the link to buy the book Amazon.com: Sangano: The Meeting of Things 
Here's Norman's web site Pediatric Cardiologist | Dr. Norman Musewe | Markham
Norman can be reached at moyo@normanmusewemd.com 
 
Here's the info on his Sangano Hospital project:
ww.sanganohealth.org 
 

Empowering Women, Particularly in Politics. Thoughts by Leah Taylor Roy.

In this engaging conversation, Leah Taylor Roy reflects on her political journey, her community engagement, and the importance of women's representation in politics.
She discusses the challenges women face globally, particularly in authoritarian regimes, and emphasizes the need for more female leadership.
The conversation also touches on the significance of discernment in today's information landscape and concludes with a hopeful vision for peace.
Here's more information and the link to purchase tickets for the March 6th Women who Lead | Liberal Party of Canada
To contact Leah, see her Linkedin profile  Leah Taylor Roy | LinkedIn

Exploring Ahmadiyya Islam and the Essence of Fasting in Ramadan

In this enlightening conversation, Marj Andre speaks with Sara Jamil, a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, about the significance of Ramadan and the practice of fasting.
Sara explains the origins of Ahmadiyya Islam, the spiritual and physical aspects of fasting, and the communal practices during Ramadan, including Iftar.
The discussion also touches on exemptions from fasting, the importance of self-control, and the reflections that come with the month of Ramadan, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
 
Sara recommends this for further reading Everything You Need to Know About Ramadan | The Review of Religions
And here is the official website - Ahmadiyya Muslim Community - Al Islam Online