On the morning of Saturday, September 19, we were delighted to host CommuniTour, a free behind-the-scenes tour of four local charities making a difference in our community. Joined by GCF Fundholders, volunteers, and community members, we spent the morning walking through downtown Guelph, learning about the inspiring work taking place just steps from one another.
The day began at the GCF office, where attendees gathered over coffee and snacks before a brief introduction to GCF’s work and impact in the community. From there, we crossed the Old Quebec Street Mall’s hallway to the Guelph Arts Council office and exhibition space. Participants had the opportunity to explore the current exhibition and learn more about the organization’s role in supporting and celebrating arts and culture in Guelph, and their inaugural GRETA Awards taking place next year.
Staying in the mall, we visited the deceptively large Community of Hearts space. Upon entering, we received a warm welcome from their Saturday singing group. Attendees had the chance to see the many ways the facility serves the community, including its two kitchens, gymnasium, and gathering spaces, while hearing stories about the adults with developmental disabilities that they support and for whom they provide tailored programs.
We continued on our tour through downtown Guelph’s construction maze, until we arrived at the iconic and historic Royal City Mission church. We toured the lower level area, where participants learned about the organization’s work and the programs it offers. The presentation was a great reminder of some of the things they offer that we may take for granted, such as a place to safely store your belongings or a consistent meal shared with others.
Our final stop took place just across the alleyway, where the group gathered in front of the construction site where the new Guelph Public Library is being built. It was exciting seeing the building looking so close to completion as we discussed the development of the new library, 30 years in the making. During the presentation, the occasional vehicle slowly making its way down the laneway would prompt everyone to quickly move aside. This had us feeling like kids playing street hockey and was a funny and Canadian moment to close out the tour!
One of the most inspiring aspects of CommuniTour was the opportunity to hear directly from each organization about the causes they champion, the challenges they address, and the impact they are having every day. Visiting these spaces in person showed how so much meaningful work is all happening just steps from each other. Walking together with our neighbours, learning from one another, and seeing these spaces firsthand was an inspiring way to spend a Saturday morning together.
Thank you to the Guelph Arts Council, Community of Hearts, Royal City Mission, and Guelph Public Library for opening your doors and sharing your stories with us. We are also grateful to everyone who joined us for the tour and helped make the morning such a success. We hope to bring the event back again next year with a new group of community organizations to discover!
