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w w w .insidehalton.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, July 7 , 2 0 1 7 | 4 HMC Connections celebrates Multiculturalism Day by Nathan Howes Oakville Beaver Staff The Halton M ulticultural Council (HMC Connections) recognized the im portance of diverse cultures by celebrating M ulticulturalism Day, Friday Jun e 30. More than 2,500 people attended the gathering at Sixteen Mile Creek Sports Com plex and enjoyed the free hotdogs, cultural gam es and activities at the different booths, face painting and a bouncy castle in the children's area, as well as m ulticultural entertainment. In attendance at the event were Oakville MPP and Ontario Labour M inister Kevin Flynn, Oakville MP Joh n Oliver, Oakville North-Burlington MP Pam D am off and Burlington MP Karina Gould, as well as HMC Connections' board of directors m em bers and m ore than 100 volunteers and staff. HMC Connections is a com m unity-based settlem ent agency providing program s and services to im m igrants and refugees. Staff and volunteers w ork to give individuals the opportunity to participate in their local community. "Sharing culture and understanding each other is im portant -- both on a local and a global scale. We need play time together and we need to be out in the com m unity T f j " * ' _vrP K i f H I iB * 1 1 J _j fy f i . -jL , : , '· together, learning about each other, asking questions, sharing the jo y and privilege of living in a w elcom ing and peaceful community," said Kim Jenkinson, HMC Connections executive director. The opening ceremony included a blessing of the land from First Nations representatives, along with a traditional dance, while seniors from the Oakville Jiu- The Halton Multicultural Council (HMC Connections), above, recognized the importance of diverse cultures by celebrating Multiculturalism Day Friday, June 30. At left, Suzan Manaa, left and Sultana Chehaib, right. | submitted photos Jiu Association dem onstrated tai chi. There w as also a youth Instagram scavenger hunt, a turban-tying contest and plenty of m usic with singing and dancing. "Diversity is strength and Halton is a diverse, w elcom ing and inclusive community," said Jenkinson. For m ore inform ation and photos, visit w w w .hm cconnections.com . People can also view m ore photos on HMC Connecctions' Facebook page at w w w .facebook.com /HaltonM C. Authentic Montessori at its Best - For Ages 18 mo .-12 yrs. · A n e m p o w e rin g c u r r ic u lu m th a t en gages c h ild r e n · In d iv id u a l fo cu s to d e fin e y o u r ch ild's le a r n in g · C o m m u n ity a tm o s p h e re th a t m a k e s s tu d e n ts fe e l in c lu d e d a n d v a lu e d · C re a tiv e e x p re s s io n a llo w s y o u r c h ild to e x p lo re th e ir o w n in te re s ts a n d ta le n ts Bhandari Family Dentistry returns to Oakville BRING iN YOUR FAMILY FOR A CHECK-UP AT OUR NEW MODERN CLiNIC Dr. Bhandari is an advocate of oral health with Customer care is our core concern. Whether you're looking for general maintenance, regular check-up treatments or cosmetic dentistry, we can help. Give Dr. Bhandari a call to book your appointment or consultation. 31 years of experience. He and his team pride themselves for their professional and comprehensive approach to dentistry. Dr. Bhandari has proudly worked with a number of celebrities throughout his career, helping them maintain their red carpet worthy smiles! DR. Bh a n d a r i B S c D IH D D S This patient went from a consultation to finished teeth in just a couple weeks! We can change lives... Call us to set up your free consultation. REGISTER TODAY! Space is limited for September! C C M A DR. ViNEET BHANDARi B S c D IH D D S F A IR V IE W G L E N MONTESSORI SCHOOL Monday to Friday 7:30 - 5:00. Evening and S aturday ap po intm en ts available. 905.634.0781 · f a ir v ie w g le n .c o m Palermo Professional Centre 2 5 2 5 Old B ro n te Rd., S u ite 4 7 0 O akville (at Dundas Street) · w w w .b h an d arid e n tal.co m