Early in the pandemic, Canadians were asked to stay home and enjoy playing in their own backyard. For some, that meant being a tourist in their own community. For Durham Region residents, that might have meant cycling in Pickering Village, hiking near the leaning water tower in Orono or celebrating the vibrant live music scene in Oshawa. This is what the "Durham is Home" collection represents. 'Home' means a lot of different things to people in Durham. Durham is a collection of incredible communities, each with their own unique charm, quirks and personality. From one-stoplight villages to sail-boat lined waterfronts, Durham Region is a collection of communities each of their residents consider 'home'-a collection you really can't capture with one single phrase. Launched in May 2021, this collection came to represent the best of the region. It allows residents to tell their shared story of why Durham Region is a truly great place to live and showcase love of their home community. "To develop this collection, we focused on the local community' said Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Simon Gill, "finding and identifying those key attributes of each municipality in Durham and what makes it a great place to live and visit" Input from Durham Region residents, business and community champions was an important part of the process for designing the icons. The icons are distinct to the place they represent but are also playful, fun, exciting, friendly and versatile, appealing to people of all ages and cool enough to wear. These icons are featured on a wide variety of products, such as T-shirts, hoodies, baseball caps, tote bags, camping mugs, wine glasses and water bottles, all available in a range of colours. We can all become ambassadors and support the locally owned and operated tourism businesses of our region, helping to build back 'stronger. The pandemic has had disastrous impacts on the tourism industry; from destinations and restaurants, to independent retailers and event facilities. Durham Tourism launched this project as a component of our recovery strategy. By wearing our community, we can communicate to others that Durham is vibrant, diverse and caring. Proceeds from the sale of items that are earned by Durham Tourism will be invested into the recovery and restoration of our tourism dustry, ADVERTORIAL 'Durham is Home' collection sparks community pride and supports local tourism dustry, promoting the businesses, destinations and events that make Durham wonderful. And many of the products in the collection are made in Canada, and for most products, the designs are being printed onto items by a local business in Durham Region. No matter where you live in Durham, or where you call home, there is something that ties us all together--pride in our community To help you show off your community spirit, Durham Tourism is offering free shipping on all orders over $75 from July 25 to August 25, 2022. Get your very own "Durham is Home" items by shopping online at ShopDurhamTourism.ca. a Bottom Left: All or Nothing beer in Oshawa glass - credit Durham Tourism, Top: Collision conference - credit Invest Durham, Bottom: Ajax cycling T-shirt - credit Durham Tourism Ze0e 'y ysnBny 'Aepsiny, | yeenn stUL | GL Ready for your best Years x Experience the difference Chartwell provides - where social connections, exceptional services and dedicated staff can make your life better! Call or scan QR code to receive your "Let's get started" package. 1-844-727-8679 | Chartwell.com COLONIAL Whitby HARWOOD Ajax PICKERING CITY CENTRE Pickering WYNFIELD Oshawa BOWMANVILLE CREEK Bomanville CHARTWell retirement residences woo'uo|Benueyinp