Three Gatherings in Montreal, Toronto and Edmonton

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At the Initiatives of Change Canada Consultation in Ottawa in November, some participants decided to create opportunities for local IofC groups to meet together on a regular basis. The following occasions have happened over the last couple of months.

The first is a Montreal - farewell to Lise Gagnon as she moves her home to Quebec City, a city where she and Laurent spent many years working as IofC fieldworkers.

Meet up before Lise Gagnon leaves for Quebec

Following Lise's desire to see several people close to her before she moves to Quebec City on February 2 with her son Jean-Michel, my wife Florence and I had the joy of welcoming twenty people into our home on Saturday, January 27 in the afternoon.

Those present included a family member, long-time friends, members and friends of Initiatives of Change from Montreal and surrounding areas, and Ottawa.

It was both a gathering for some and an opportunity to get to know each other for others. Everyone was invited to introduce themselves, to talk about how they know Lise and to talk about their experience with her and Laurent.

A big and delicious cake on which was written “Lise, Montreal loves you” was lovingly prepared by Elizabeth Slanke; everyone enjoyed the flavor of the cake.

The event ended with a word from Lise who thanked everyone for their friendship and their presence. She spoke about her personal experience, her engagement to Laurent. Several photos displayed on the walls illustrated various personal occasions and IofC activities.

It's only a goodbye ... 

Joseph Vumiliya

Next, a whirlwind visit by IofC’s Ottawa Administrator to Toronto along with her husband Andrew Drake

On their way to visit Andrew’s family, Mary Ella decided to pay a visit to Mell Walker and myself in Toronto. I thought it would be good for them to meet our Toronto IofC team. So, I organized a team meeting without them knowing to give them a surprise. But someone let the cat out of the bag, and they knew that we were having a meeting and they looked forward to meeting the team. It was a very pleasant meeting with the small group of eight, with three newcomers from Uganda. There was an atmosphere of openness, and each one shared their stories in great simplicity and honesty. There were moments of laughter, time for reconciliation and connection, appreciation for Mary Ella’s service and her achievements with IofC Canada. All this happened in the midst of enjoying a delicious Sri Lankan meal.

Mangalam Lena

Monthly Potluck Gatherings in Edmonton

The third event has come from IofC Board member, YiYi Datar in Edmonton making the decision to host monthly gatherings. The well known farm of Kilmagar, and owners, the Bocock Family, has become the venue for these lunches.

The lunches give an opportunity to reacquaint with each other, but also to introduce IofC values to new people in an informal setting.