Across Newsletter May 2023

Message from Executive Director

我經常思考⼀個問題，「青年中⼼需要什麼設備？」最 後，我總是回到同⼀個答案，就是任何設備，只要年輕⼈ 能說出⾃⼰的故事，和讓他們聽到別⼈的故事。

時隔3年，回歸全實體的CityMosaic城市拼圖將於6⽉3⽇ 舉⾏，我的團隊和義⼯們正在⾮常努⼒地⼯作以準備好⼀ 切。策劃組決定將之前的極速遊改為深度遊。今年活動集 中在萬錦市進⾏，參加者可以使⽤⼿機上的應⽤程式步⾏

或騎⾃⾏⾞，遊⾛城市不同⾓落，享受有趣和互動的尋寶 遊戲。今年新增「真⼈圖書館」環節，多位真⼈圖書的主 ⼈翁，與參加者將會安排坐在寧靜的⾓落，分享他們在城 市中的知識和經驗。我真誠地相信，即使每天的⽇程排得 滿滿噹噹，也總有空間來聆聽觸動⼈們⼼靈的真實故事。

⽣活在加拿⼤，深⼊遊覽遠離市中⼼的城市可能是⼀項挑 戰。我們的團隊認識了許多有⼼⼈正在我們居住的寧靜社 區中默默耕耘，寫下⼀⾴⾴社區發展的歷史與⽂化，讓它 充滿活⼒和熱情，這是留給未來

定了我們不斷譜寫城市新篇章的使命感，給新來的⼈有歸 屬感。

我⼗分期待今次「慢」遊的城市拼圖，更期待遇到你。

Nicole Wong

代⼈的財富，也更加堅

Message from Executive Director

“What equipment do youth centres need?” is a question that crosses my mind frequently. In the end, I usually reach the same answer: Whatever the equipment, young people must have the ability to share their own stories and hear the experiences of others

On June 3, the in-person City Mosaic will resume after a three-year hiatus Our teams of volunteers are working extremely hard to get everything ready. In the past, we focused on providing participants with a speedy trip through the main tourist areas of downtown Toronto. This year, we shift focus to exposing participants to the rich cultural heritage of our own community, Markham. Participants use the program app on their mobile phones to locate hidden treasures throughout the city; then travel to these engaging activities on foot or via bicycle. During the event, we will also host our “Human Library” for the very first time. The protagonists of human books will be introduced to the participants They will sit down with the participants in a quiet corner and share their knowledge and experience in the city. I truly believe that there is always room to tell heartwarming true stories, even with jam-packed daily lives.

To create this event, the planning team met many lovely people who subtly work to preserve the heritage and culture of community development while also bringing enthusiasm and passion to the area where we reside The next generation will inherit this wealth, it also strengthens our sense of mission to keep beginning a new chapter in the city and gives newcomers a sense of belonging.

I am excited about this year's City Mosaic "in-depth" tour and I am looking forward to meeting you.

City Mosaic is back!

Prior to COVID, every year from February to May, most of the staff and volunteers would be spending most of their time on the annual big project: City Mosaic And this year, finally back to “normal”, a group of volunteers would spend time during their weekends doing site visits, researching, and chatting with business owners, to make sure that we are bringing a well-planned program for our participants.

This year City Mosaic, we are excited to be back to inperson with new elements! For the first time, we are exploring the City of Markham with two wheels! Participants can choose the format of how they would like to explore the city, either on foot or by cycling Thank you to all the volunteers that have dedicated their time to prepare for this amazing program! I look forward to seeing you at City Mosaic on June 3rd!

Tiffany Ore

Volunteer Sharings

I belong to the marketing team and I am responsible for the promotion of the social media accounts, including making an outline of the promotion plan, drafting content, video production, and social media account management

About the memorable moment, is one of our social media promotions, the Markham Bingo Challenge. In the plan, we would like to make some noise for the activity and interaction with Instagram users for attracting them to join. From my observation on Across’s Instagram, I found out that there are more and more people joining the Bingo activity and the number is out of my expectation. Some of my colleagues (I work in Markham) reflect that the bingo activity lists out some things that they never try and which make that they plan to do in the future. This is the most memorable moment for me.

I think CM is a good activity to let people explore more about the city and make connections with the community and people. Actually, I have just arrived in Toronto for around 3 months and I am not really familiar with Markham. There are many places in Markham I never visited. However, through shooting the promotion video, I visited Markham and I seem like I know more about Markham Besides, I have made friends and nice people through CM which is an unexpected bonus for me. I feel closer to Toronto and Toronto’s people because of CM. I hope the participant feels closeness after joining this activity

Michelle Ho

Volunteer Sharing con't

I'm currently volunteering for City Mosaic in both the marketing and program teams. In the marketing team, I produce photos and videos to promote the event and engage with the community. In the program team, my role involves planning and designing checkpoint tasks that participants will encounter during the event.

I remember when I first visited Markham for a site visit. As a new immigrant from Hong Kong, I was struck by the historic atmosphere and relaxed vibe of the township environment. Growing up in an urban area with many skyscrapers, it was refreshing to see a different side of Canada. This experience has made me even more excited to be a part of the City Mosaic team and contribute to showcasing the unique character and history of Markham to others

Overall, I have a very positive outlook on City Mosaic. I appreciate that the event provides a unique opportunity for people to connect with their community and learn about local history and culture. Being a new immigrant myself, I believe that supporting organizations that help newcomers feel welcomed and included is crucial I'm happy to be part of the City Mosaic team and to contribute to making this year's event a success.

Michael Ho