Photo credit: AAIHS
The City of Toronto has launched its 16th annual “Toronto For All” anti-racism public education campaign.
Toronto Today reports that this year’s theme is “We All Belong in Toronto.” The theme aims to discover the “common threads” that link the city’s residents.
The city launched a promotional video in which a group of diverse Torontonians stand in a circle and are asked questions, like “who likes cilantro?” and “who considers themselves to be an outdoors person?” A facilitator links up the strangers who learn they have something in common.
The group is then asked who belongs in Toronto, and they all raise their hands.
Mayor Olivia Chow said, “Every year, Toronto for All reminds us that our city is one of the most diverse in the world and that residents from all backgrounds are welcomed and celebrated here.
“This year’s campaign demonstrates that we have much more in common with our neighbours than we may realize at a glance and that through open hearts and conversation, we can discover the common threads that link us.”
City staff developed the latest campaign after consultations across the city. The city added that Toronto For All regularly partners with community organizations to generate dialogue.
Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik said, “We cannot take our diversity and acceptance for granted, and the Toronto For All campaign is a reminder that everyone is welcome in our shared home.”
With the public education campaign, the city said it has awarded $60,000 in micro-community grants to 12 local non-profit and grassroots organizations for projects and events that promote inclusion and belonging.
Other grant recipients include Mental Health for Refugees, Bhumi and Muslim Freedom Fund.
