Today a group of junior youth from Stouffville visited Parkdale. Together, we did some cleaning in one of the spaces that we use throughout the week, bought some more plants for our garden plot, and talked about what The Dale is/does/stands for. And then we split into groups and walked around the neighbourhood.
As we walked, the group I was with was greeted by folks from the community, who welcomed these young people to Parkdale. A number of times, community members invited these new friends to come to our lunch on Monday. When the youth explained that they live in Stouffville, folks responded with something like “well, you’re always welcome!”
I love that this group was able to come and lend a hand at The Dale today. The cleaning needed to be done, the plants needed to be planted, and the water that was handed out needed to be consumed. And I REALLY love that this group experienced the warm hospitality of this community. The folks of The Dale reminded me and this group what it’s all about: welcoming the stranger.
joannacatherinemoon 