Latest news with #communityevent
CTV News
3 hours ago
- Sport
- CTV News
‘It's about community engagement'; First annual SOHO Soapbox Derby is smashing success
Dozens of families and residents of the SOHO neighbourhood lined South St. in London, Ont. for the first annual Soapbox Derby. You couldn't wipe the smile off nine-year-old Xavier Soares' face after winning the junior division of the first annual SOHO Soaper. 'This is the first time, like me racing an actual day,' said Soares. 'I had never raced in my life.' Dozens of families and residents of the SOHO neighbourhood (South of Horton Street) lined South Street in London, Ont. for the first annual Soapbox Derby. 062125 The 1st annual SOHO Soapbox Derby had 34 entries. (Source: Brent Lale/CTV London) 'We've encouraged kids and parents or companies to build soapboxes and we're rolling them down the ramp or using a push start down to the end,' said Mark Thomas, chair of SOHO community association. Soares' car, named 'SoHomie #1' crossed the finish line first in the championship heat. He edged out the 'Stanley Coupe' driven by Jack Rice of St. Thomas. 'It was good, he was catching up there, but I kept pushing through and never gave up,' said Soares. Rice, 14, had one of the more popular cars, built by him and his father to replicate the Stanley Cup. 062125 Jack Rice, 14, in his 'Stanley Coupe' which finished 2nd in the Jr. Division of the 1st annual SOHO Soapbox Derby. (Source: Brent Lale/CTV News London) 'The car's inspired by all the Canadian teams who pursue the Stanley Cup each year,' said Rice. 'Also, all the Canadians who win it because there's lots of Canadians on all the NHL teams. We had a local race in our neighborhood a few years ago, so we just rebuilt the outside, remodeled it into the Stanley Cup.' The first annual event had 34 entries. You could buy a kit from the organizers, but if you were building your own, they emphasized individual creativity. 'We got the 'Beaver Brigade' or the 'Soho Popo', just a bunch of different cars,' said Thomas. 'It's actually impressive. All we did was say, build it out of wood, and make sure you push the Canadian pride this year specifically'. Their goal is to grow the event each year as the SOHO area boom continues. 062125 London City Councillor David Ferreira takes a run down the South Street hill during the the 1st annual SOHO Soapbox Derby. (Source: Brent Lale/CTV News London) 'It's just about trying to build pride in this community and get community engagement,' said Thomas. 'We have a lot of people that live in SOHO. We call people that live here and do more, 'SoHomies'. Just kind of drive that home that you have to do more than just live. So, we're trying to get that message across to everybody.'
BBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bristol's Redfest postponed for sixth consecutive year
Organisers of a free community-run music festival have announced the event is being postponed for another Redfest, in St George, has been on hiatus since 2019- initially due to the Covid pandemic - but it was set to return this year. However, organisers have now confirmed the event will not take place again until the summer of Webb, from the organising committee, said "a slow start" and "struggles with recruitment" meant the team was "not in the right place to deliver the event safely". But residents will still be able to attend a day of celebration on the 26 July this year, with more details soon to be on Facebook, organisers said it would involve a "small series of events including a sound system event, dance workshops and performances, comedy and spoken word, and music" at venues on and around Church added: "Throughout the coming months, we'll be hosting smaller Redfest events in local venues."The free event is partly funded with a grant from Bristol City Council, and a mix of donations, income from the event and brand Webb added: "We didn't have sponsors in place this year, we tried but nothing transpired."He also said they would be looking to see how the festival could be brought back in the future, and said that could involve bringing in new directors.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Comfort Keepers® Hosts 7th Annual National Day of Joy Celebration in Benbrook to Raise Awareness about the Positive Impact of Caregiving
Local Community Invited to a Free Family-Friendly Carnival at the YMCA BENBROOK, Texas, June 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Comfort Keepers®, a leading provider of uplifting in-home care for seniors and veterans, is proud to celebrate its 7th Annual National Day of Joy on June 25, 2025. Established to shine a light on the transformative power of caregiving, this annual celebration takes place on the last Wednesday in June every year. For 20 years, Comfort Keepers of Fort Worth has served Tarrant & Parker counties empowering older adults to thrive, regardless of age or health challenges. The National Day of Joy is designed to encourage seniors to embrace life's everyday moments, remain active, and pursue their passions and interests. It also honors the compassionate caregivers who bring connection, purpose, and dignity to the lives of those they serve. To mark the occasion, Comfort Keepers of Fort Worth will host a free outdoor carnival for the entire community. Families, seniors, and caregivers are invited to enjoy food, games, and music at the Benbrook Community Center & YMCA (1899 Winscott Rd.) from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The office team will have tents and water stations set up on the grass. The National Day of Joy is being celebrated in over 50 Comfort Keepers locations nationwide, with a mix of in-person and virtual events designed to spread joy, raise awareness, and foster community connection, and also to inspire and nurture the caregivers who care for seniors. "We see the positive impact caregiving has every day … how being a caregiver to a senior is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have, it's about building trust, understanding their needs, customizing a plan, forming connections, and bringing joy to someone's life," said Scott Van Duinen, owner of the agency that has four offices across the area. "On this National Day of Joy, we encourage the community to join us, come together, be grateful and celebrate the beauty and richness of life's later chapters." Comfort Keepers of Fort Worth is a licensed, locally owned, independently operated home care agency; it is part of a nationwide network of offices that employs thousands of caregivers, affectionately known as Comfort Keepers®. "With Comfort Keepers by their side, families can navigate the complexities of aging with confidence, get assistance with their loved ones dealing with chronic illnesses, knowing that every moment is an opportunity to create cherished memories and embrace life," said James Kates, Director of Operations. "Comfort Keepers has made it their mission to not only help today's seniors with activities of daily living but to thrive and find joy." About Comfort Keepers® For 27 years, Comfort Keepers® has been "Elevating the Human Spirit" ℠ through in-home care that empowers seniors and adults to age in place with independence and dignity. With more than 600 franchise locations in the U.S. and Canada, Comfort Keepers has served hundreds of thousands of clients since its formation in 1998. Its caregivers offer personal care, dementia care, and companionship, all delivered through an interactive caregiving model. The caregivers are thoughtfully matched with clients to deliver uplifting in-home care and support to seniors through a customized plan; their approach fosters engagement, purpose, and joy. To learn more about Comfort Keepers or the National Day of Joy, explore caregiver job opportunities, or inquire about services, call us at 817-560-8085, visit us online at and/or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACT:Scott Van Duinenscottv@ 817-560-8085 (office) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
BBC News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Cream tea world record attempt for Stoke-on-Trent centenary
Thousands have signed up to attempt to break a record for the biggest cream tea party as part of celebrations to mark Stoke-on-Trent's 100th said they would be "making history" if efforts across multiple venues on 8 July were successful. Nicky Twemlow, director of communities for YMCA North Staffordshire, one of the organisations taking part, said the events would have to meet strict criteria laid out by Guinness World Records."You've got to eat all your scone and your cream and your jam, or you're disqualified," she said. "And you can only have tea." More than 10,000 people from more than 100 organisations, including businesses and schools, have already signed will take part at Stoke Minster, the Victoria Hall and Doubletree Festival Park to try to beat the current record of 667 people, which has stood for 10 years. Ms Twemlow, who also chairs community group Made in Stoke, said she hoped at least 800 would indulge to allow for anyone who might not quite clear their they will not count towards the record-breaking attempt, residents across the city are being encouraged to hold their own cream tea parties at the same time."The idea was that communities all around the city, or Stokies around the UK and the world, could all have a party together at the same time, in their own unique way, that just reflects our brilliant communities," said Ms the world record is broken or not, it will be a day to remember, said Ms Twemlow."It's a celebration of our city, our centenary and our community, which is just brilliant," she said. "It's going to be an incredible day - let's make history together." The Big Centenary Tea Party takes place at 11:00 BST on 8 July. Anyone who would like to take part can sign up on the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce website. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Torbay Pride 2025 aiming to celebrate whole community
The organisers of a Pride event in south Devon hope the gathering is "heart-warming and soul restoring" for marginalised Pride is taking place later, marking the third event since it returned to Torquay's streets in 2023 following a 10-year is a march from Princess Gardens to Torre Abbey Meadows starting at 12:00 BST, as well as live music, a dog show, an inflatable assault course and circus Pride trustee Will Emery said the free event was a celebration of the queer community but also a gathering for everyone. 'Fun day out' Organisers were hopeful a few thousand people would Emery said about 35% of comments on Torbay Pride's social media profiles were hate messages, but he believed events such as Pride could help change opinions."It may be different to what you think," he said."I hope it would be if you hold negative opinions about it, but it's not just people running around taking off their clothes and all the rest of that stuff."It's a musical event and a fun day out and a gathering of the community." Mr Emery said Torbay Pride had received a positive response since it returned in 2023."Based on the amount of turn out that you get, it really puts a dent in that whole feeling of the majority is against you," he said."When you are surrounded by crowds upon crowds of people screaming and shouting and singing along and enjoying an event that is queer in nature, even if they're not, it is very heart-warming and soul restoring."It reminds you that it's not as bad as it feels sometimes and it can be better and people are there for you."People who want to take part in the march were asked to start gathering at Princess Gardens at 11:00.
