TAKING A BIG BREATH OF COMMUNITY
Author: Cyndi Crowder
Cyndi has lived in the Quinte region all her life. She co-authored the book “Growing up Quinte” with her father, Jack Evans, and believes firmly in the power of community.
This past Saturday was a breathe of fresh air. A breathe of community.
Downtown Belleville hosted the “Savour The Chill” Soup Contest. The Family-fun event brought our community together with spoons on hand. It was great to see so many enjoying a crisp but sunny day!
There were fires to warm up around, marshmallows to toast and even the Snow Queen and Princess made an appearance!
By the way, did I mention the soups? Cheeseburger soup, Split pea, broccoli with bacon and cheese, roasted tomato basil to name a few. The Winner was Chilangos with their Caldo Tlalpeno, a traditional Mexican soup of chicken and vegetables.
I conversed with strangers on the soups to be checked out, listened to the chatter of family and friends, patted the heads of happy dogs and took in a big breathe of community.
But there was more to come! In the evening I volunteered for Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), a fundraiser for local charities that support the homeless, hurting and hungry. The funds raised would be directed to our local Shelter, Grace Inn. This was the first time Grace Inn has acted as host and they did an amazing job.
Now I’m not new to this rodeo, having been involved with CNOY in a variety of roles over the years. But I hit the Gold Ticket this time. My job was to drive around in MiCkey, my Mini Cooper all warm and cosy with the tunes playing and a hot chocolate on hand.
So with flags flying I zipped around the route feeling like a pace car honking and waving at all those Yellow hats bobbing along ensuring everyone was having a good, safe walk.
You Go Yellow Hats! You Go My Community!
In all there were 34 teams made up of 165 walkers and $61,000 was raised in support of Grace Inn! How amazing was that!
When a unified body of people, a Community, get together to support and connect with one another the world can be changed. Now, more than ever, the world needs Community and connection.
Thank you Downtown Belleville. Thank you Grace Inn. For letting me breathe fresh air.
