MUSKOKA — Members of Muskoka’s multicultural community have connected in a new association.
The Muskoka Multicultural Association held its first event, a potluck dinner, on Feb. 27 at St. Thomas Anglican Church in Bracebridge.
Twenty people originally from China, Taiwan, Trinidad, Jamaica, Vietnam, the Philippines and Germany attended the dinner, said association project manger Phyllis Winnington-Ingram.
“I was just totally impressed with the turnout,” she said.
Association members brought dishes from their native countries and socialized.
The participants were very excited about the gathering and look forward to more events in the future, Winnington-Ingram said.
As a Bracebridge resident who has travelled extensively, Winnington-Ingram knows what it is like to be a minority in another country.
“I know what it is like not to know the language,” she said. She travelled to 19 countries by the time she was 21 years old.
Back home in Bracebridge, Winnington-Ingram has met many immigrants over the last few years. People often told her they felt lonely when they arrived and wanted a way to fit in to the community, she said.
After the meal and socializing the group came up with ideas for the future. A children’s event or a group cooking event could be planned. The association hopes to do another event near the end of April, she added.
For more information about upcoming events and to learn more about the association check out the website at www.muskokamulticulturalassociation.wordpress.com.