Get involved

Organize a community planting event!

Help make your neighbourhood a little bit greener! Plant trees to enhance the urban forest and create habitats for pollinators in Waterloo.

Neighbourhood groups are invited to host planting events this fall at their neighbourhood park. The city will support you every step of the way and provide the trees and supplies.

Interested?

Host a community planting event.

Putting the spotlight on amazing volunteers!

More ways to get involved

• The Feminist Shift is hosting a virtual Network of Neighbours: Violence Intervention training. There are multiple training dates available in April.

• The YMCA of Three Rivers is looking for Board and Committee Members to join their volunteer leadership team. Apply by March 31, 2023.

• Volunteer to lead a Jane’s Walk, a citizen-led walking tour that makes space for people to observe, reflect, share, question and collectively reimagine the places in which they live, work and play.

• Are you part of an organization that provides support to local residents? Apply for the Waterloo Region Community Foundation Community Grants by April 2, 2023.

• WR Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis is a volunteer-led group focused on helping displaced Ukrainians fleeing war and arriving in Waterloo Region.

• Check out Immigration Waterloo Region's community calendar to access details about newcomer programs and community events in Waterloo Region.

• Check out Volunteer Waterloo Region for details on available volunteer positions.

Get inspired

See what's happening across Waterloo and find inspiration to make your neighbourhood a little more awesome. We can support your idea with things like grants and equipment. Interested? Just hit reply to this email.

Egg-cellent times with neighbours

Last spring, neighbours in Beechwood North planned an easter egg hunt for children in the area. It was an egg-cellent time to connect with every-bunny.

Want to plan an event to bring neighbours together? Consider applying for up to $300 through the mini grant for neighbours.

Skating into March Break!

The Lakeshore North Neighbourhood Association hosted a neighbourhood skate at the beginning of March. Neighbours were able to connect, enjoy a sweet treat, and get some exercise. What a fun way to kick start March break!

Photo Credit: Jennette H.

A neighbour shares:

"I would like to nominate Sharon because she is a very kind and generous person. Sharon has contributed to the success of community gardens in our area, generously giving her time and energy. She volunteered to water the garden beds even though she didn't have one herself! She also volunteered to water the garden at a local school for several weeks over the summer. She is truly a great neighbour and has helped to make the neighbourhood a really great place."

Is there someone doing awesome near you?

We want to recognize people who do great things, big or small, in their neighbourhood. Nominations will be accepted year-round, and every nominee will receive a thank you package.

Get in the know

Last chance to nominate a Senior of the Year

Nominations are still open for the 2023 Waterloo Senior of the Year Award!  Please consider nominating a Waterloo resident age 65+ who has made outstanding contributions to the community by March 31. 

Nominate a senior.

Have questions? Drop in at the Harper Branch, Waterloo Public Library, 500 Fischer-Hallman Road North on Monday, March 27, 1-3 p.m. An Age Friendly Waterloo volunteer will be happy to answer your questions and help you complete the nomination form.

Enter to be a Councillor for a day!

Gr.5 students are invited to tell us their one idea to make Waterloo an even better place to live. Eight winners will be selected to serve as Council For a Day and will get to spend the day with Mayor McCabe!

Apply by March 24, 2023.

Learn more about Council for a Day.

More things to know!

• March 21: Celebrate International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination at this event that showcases the breadth of the anti-racism work in our community.

• March 22 and 29: Supports for the Trans-Autism Community in Waterloo Region hosted by Spectrum and the Waterloo Region Family Network.

• March 23: Acting Up: Countering Racism in our Communities hosted by the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants.

• March 31: Transgender Day of Visibility (TVOD) Virtual Trivia Night by SPECTRUM and the Waterloo Public Library.

• March 25: Get Ready for Ramadan at Waterloo Public Library

• Learn more about reporting Hate Incidents or Discrimination: involving Islamophobia, Racism or Anti-Immigrant Sentiment and religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.

• Immigration Waterloo Region shares information on community support in solidarity with Ukraine and supporting Afghan resettlement in Waterloo Region.

March Diversity Calendar

March - Bangladeshi Heritage Month 

March - Irish Heritage Month

March - Women’s History Month 

March 1 - Zero Discrimination Day

March 1 - Self-harm Awareness Day

March 2 - Nineteen Day Fast begins

March 6 - Magha Puja Day

March 6-7 - Purim

March 7 - Chotrul Duchen

March 8 - Holi

March 8 - International Women's Day

March 15 - International Day to Combat Islamophobia

March 17 - Saint Patrick’s Day

March 20 - International Francophonie Day

March 20 - Spring Equinox

March 21 - International Day of Nowruz (Bahá'í/Iranian/Persian New Year)

March 21 - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21 - World Down Syndrome Day

March 22 - Ugadi

March 22 - World Water Day

March 22 to April 20 - Ramadan

March 24 - International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims

March 25 - International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

March 25 - Feast of the Annunciation

March 26 - Khordad Sal

March 26 - Purple Day

March 30 - Ram Navami

March 31 - International Transgender Day of Visibility

Source: Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion's Diversity Calendar.

Thank you for reading this edition of Neighbours helping Neighbours, a newsletter from the neighbourhoods team, with a focus on good news stories, important community updates, and local resources.

If you have ideas for resources to share or shareable stories of kindness, please send them to: neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca