Sharing stories can go a long way to building lasting community connections, especially when they serve a good cause.

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About 50 residents came together during Culture Days in Nipawin to make soup and share their stories at The Big Stir Soup Stories event held in October. While stories brought community together to foster new understanding, the event also supported stocking the community’s food bank’s freezer with 250 litres of chili for those facing food insecurity over the winter months. Information shared among participants also hoped to change the misconception that food banks primarily serve individuals on social services.

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Laura Nycholat, founder, Rise Up Community Foundation, explains that, while making soup, volunteers were invited to answer a series of questions on culture and community. Questions such as, ‘What is one thing you can do to influence culture and community?’ were intended to invite conversation and create change.

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“Awareness is the key to creating change. When folks write their answers it allows them to see different perspectives,” she says, “which also helps to show that we are all truly on the same page when it comes to culture and community. It allows us to learn from each other and find common ground.”

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She notes that participants were initially a bit nervous upon arrival, but as the event progressed, everyone grew more comfortable. “We appreciate it can be nerve-wracking to show up out of fear of judgement [but] sharing our cultures helps make diversity and inclusion our norms as a community. It adds value to our lives as we appreciate our various strengths.”

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One participant shared their experience, saying, “Instead of being alone, I was able to connect with people in the community and meet new people. We talked about our lives and where we came from. Various Christmas traditions circled the event.”

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Another participant said, “I need connection with my community for my well-being. I really appreciated coming together with different people from different walks of life!”

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Nycholat says, that the event helped young children, teenagers, people with disabilities, and families experience volunteerism, while fostering community connections centered on a meaningful cause. “It’s important residents understand that the food banks also help people from all walks of life to get through hard times,” Nycholat notes, “whether they’ve lost their job or have too many mouths to feed for a period, the food bank could help any one of us.”

She adds, “It’s a huge part of mental health and community. The volunteers were in a safe place to make chilli (or soup) among diverse community members. This opens their mind to working alongside different peoples and cultures in a positive way.”

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Many communities across the province continue to use Culture Days events as a great tool to unite and develop a sense of community. SaskCulture offers the Culture Days Hub Sponsorship (CDHS) , with funding from Sask Lotteries Trust Fund, for community organizers to work with partners to host several events during Culture Days. In 2024, approximately 39 hubs received the CDHS support, including the Rise Up Community Foundation in Nipawin.

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Other community partners for Culture Days in Nipawin included: Nipawin Chamber of Commerce, RBC, Royal Canadian Legion #120, and The Salvation Army