Hidden away in Montreal’s bustling city, the Grey Nuns Garden, with its stunning historic buildings that hold timeless magic and a prominent green space, offers a secret and calm area for Concordia students to relax and, occasionally, functions as a location for the community to come together.

The Peter McGill community council recently organized an Olympic Day in the Grey Nuns Garden, which was met with great success. Welcoming pink signs were situated in the surroundings with the inviting message: OLYMPIC DAY – FREE PIZZA! Families with children and people of all ages gathered on one warm autumn day to enjoy a variety of activities, snacks, bubbles, basketball and even yoga classes. This event was the perfect way to unwind and forget the stress of daily life. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of workers and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the Olympic Day. Their unwavering commitment to promoting unity and providing a range of activities for all who wished to participate was genuinely inspiring. Their efforts created an atmosphere of inclusivity and belonging, making everyone feel like an integral part of the community.

Community Engagement and Support:

The dedication and support of the community were clearly demonstrated during the regular meetings, where a close-knit group formed and enjoyed each other’s company. One individual who stood out was Tabatta, an active participant in these gatherings. She shared her experiences and explained how valuable these reunions are for parents with highly energetic children. After daycare or school, children often seem to have endless energy. For families where both parents work or there is only one caregiver, extracurricular activities provide much-needed relief for parents and an enjoyable form of entertainment for both parents and children. These meetings serve as a platform for parents to connect, contribute their opinions, and create a solid and supportive community.

I also had the pleasure to speak with Sabine Philippidès, the community liaison for the Peter McGill community council, who works to bridge the gap between the board and families, organizing events like apple-picking days and ice skating. While speaking, Sabine told me about the excellent idea of soon bringing back Parents’ Day, offering parents a valuable break in today’s busy times.

Continued Growth and Inclusivity:

As winter will arrive (sooner or later, sadly for some!), the team is committed to finding indoor spaces that could serve as a reunion hall. Continuing with the activities, come snow, rain, or hail is of enormous importance as these gatherings provide a medium for children to engage in extracurricular activities and encourage their development. Moreover, engaging in winter activities is essential for physical and mental health, vitamin D production, connection with nature, social engagement, building resilience, and appreciating seasonal diversity. Embracing winter’s opportunities can lead to a more fulfilling and enjoyable winter experience.

The Benefits of Community Connections for Children:

Community connections are crucial in a child’s growth, offering a sense of belonging, opportunities to learn about getting along with others, and a support network. Children gain confidence, build new friendships, and learn about different skills by connecting with extended family, friends, and people in their neighbourhood.

Neighbourhood Connections:

Being familiar with people in the community creates a sense of safety and friendliness. Simple gestures like saying hello or waving to a neighbour while walking or riding bikes can foster this connection.

Connections with Local Organizations:

Involvement in local organizations, such as sports clubs, music or art societies, orvolunteer programs, offers children opportunities to develop skills, pursue interests, and give back to the community. It also enables parents to connect with other parents.

It doesn’t matter your age or gender. Consider signing up for the newsletter to stay updated on upcoming events and be part of this vibrant community. The council organizes activities and helps with different matters the whole year around.

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