What’s more compelling than a great story? How about a community coming together to tell a singular story with the breadth of many voices.
That’s the aim of 150 Neighbours, a recognition program that includes a photo documentary series led by the University of Toronto Scarborough to mark the momentous occasion of Canada’s sesquicentennial. Launching July 1, the social media-driven and crowd-sourced campaign will, over 150 days, feature 150 members of the community who are good neighbours, community and nation builders, past and present.
“The 150th anniversary of Confederation is an opportunity to come together and strengthen the bonds that unite our communities,” says The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
“150 Neighbours is a wonderful example of a project that will highlight the wealth and diversity of Scarborough’s cultural heritage. The year 2017 is going to be a memorable one; take advantage of it to share your story!”
The City of Toronto’s largest borough, Scarborough represents more than 20 per cent of the population. A popular destination for newcomers to Canada, it is one of the most diverse and multicultural neighbourhoods in the country.
“Scarborough is home to civic-minded community members whose unique and diverse stories represent all walks of life, and demonstrate the promising future of the Canada that’s becoming,” says Professor Bruce Kidd, Vice President University of Toronto and Principal, University of Toronto Scarborough.
“By telling personal stories as a community, residents will be part of something bigger. And by engaging our community members in the creative process, everyone involved has ownership. That amplifies the narrative of this uniquely Canadian location.”
150 Neighbours recognizes and acknowledges each individual, inspiring others by their contributions. Residents will be invited to contribute their stories directly online. Additionally local community organizations will organize storytelling events to celebrate good neighbours, and offer training for residents interested in developing their digital media storytelling skills.
“I am pleased to support the University of Toronto Scarborough’s 150 Neighbours initiative to highlight the individual stories of hard work, perseverance and passion that builds up our community,” says Gary Anandasangaree, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Rouge River.
“The diversity of Scarborough offers an array of unique experiences and untold stories of our neighbours and community members, and their contribution to our country as Canada celebrates its 150th birthday. Through the Canada 150 funding, our government is proud to support University of Toronto Scarborough and their endeavour to bring these stories to a wider audience and to inspire a new generation of Canadians.”
150 Neighbours is one of 365 community projects supported to date by the Government of Canada that are at the heart of Canada 150.