COMMUNITY

The group has quickly transitioned from an online only peer support group to in person, building relationships and friendships and participating in community events from tree plantings to volunteering help in maintaining Equal Ground Community Gardens. In the next couple of months members of the Paris, Ontario Gardeners are planning and organizing a series of ‘Green Talks’ where master gardeners or experts in specific topics will be providing gardening advice in both virtual and in person workshops.

“We believe that gardening is truly a revolutionary act It fosters our interdependence with nature, it decreases our dependence with the industrial food system, and it encourages trade and generosity,” said Celeste, inviting everyone with a similar interest to join the group With success growing in the Paris, Ontario Gardeners Group, Celeste and Ralph decided to start another group, The Paris Walking Group, once again inspired by their love of the outdoors and exploration

“One of Celeste’s favourite pastimes was hiking with her father in the mountains and trails of Argentina,” said Ralph, which Celeste confirmed to be true. “Yes, my passion was born back home (gracias, papi!). Decades later, when we moved to Paris, we could not believe the number of gorgeous trails we were surrounded by.” The Josephs used walking and trails as an outlet for their energy, built up during the long days of the pandemic. And there were not the only ones Everyone was turning to safe, outdoor entertainment.

“We saw that many locals were asking in different social media groups about a walking group in Paris and there was none Again, we turned to social media to our goal of starting to ‘create community,’ explains Celeste. Fast forward three years, the group has over 300 members, many of whom get together to enjoy a walk on a nearby trail or through our picturesque town Recognizing that not everyone is comfortable taking initiative or the lead, Celeste started organizing group walks and it worked beautifully.

Suddenly, I had a group of great people who have never met each other before, walking and chatting, smiling and planning to meet later for shopping in our local downtown stores or just for a coffee in the area. Poor Dog-Eared

Café, we have inundated them with our group members more times that I’d like to reveal, just stopping by there after a nice nature hike by Barker’s Bush or the Nith River trail, or just stopping for a quick slice of yummy pizza at Paris Pizza after a ‘neighbourhood walk’ by the pond in the south end. Everyone seems truly happy when we meet,” shared Celeste

If you’re interested in joining the group, there’s some great events coming up in the next few days and weeks: Jane’s Walk in Paris (both today and tomorrow, see community calendar for details), the Random Act of Kindness Chalk Walk, the Butterflies, moth, pollinators and wildlife walk, the Burford Historical walk, the Near and Dear Community Walk in Brantford (May 9th) to explore their community as part of the ABCD Symposium, the Run/Walk for Brantford’s family fun walk in support of Brant Community Healthcare System (June 23rd) and of course the Terry Fox Run/walk in Paris (September), among others Give the Paris Walking Group Facebook a like and follow for specific event details. Everyone is welcome to join.

“Our group is a reflection of our beautiful and ever evolving Paris community: all ages, genders and physical activity levels are welcome. Kids, strollers, and dogs are a great bonus. This is YOUR group. We hope you can join. We’d love to give you a warm welcome and wish you a happy walking,” say Celeste and Ralph.

Paris Walking Group members during the group’s earliest days. Escaping from isolation during pandemic to enjoy the company of new friends and the beauty of Paris was important for Group create Celeste Joseph (front).