Ideas & inspiration blog

Volunteers create positive change. They strengthen our city, support neighbours, and help build inclusive communities through shared action. Sometimes we might only think of volunteering in terms of a formal role like assisting with an event, supporting a program at a community centre, or just earning high school volunteer hours. 

“One of the things I love to see is people sitting all around, in the shade, on the grass, in lawn chairs, just enjoying the event and taking in everything that's going on, ” Myrtle Mitton smiled remembering the Southdale Community Carnival, an annual neighbourhood event hosted by Immanuel Pentecostal Church. 

In Downtown Kitchener’s Civic Centre neighbourhood, something special has taken root: a community‑built sensory garden and woven willow sculpture created through shared learning, creativity, and healing. When neighbours Jessica and Andrew approached LoveMyHood with the idea of building a space that could bring people together after loss, they imagined a place where nature, art, and connection could flourish side by side. Over the past year, that vision has grown into Veradis’ Garden.

Last winter, as the days grew shorter and the nights a little darker, something magical happened at Admiral Park. Neighbours came together to brighten the season with a dazzling light display and a cozy evening of hot chocolate under the stars. 

When winter settles over Kitchener, the city’s neighbourhood rinks come alive as spaces where neighbours connect, families play, and lifelong memories are made. These outdoor rinks are a cornerstone of the city’s winter recreation program, offering free access to skating and a chance to embrace the season in a uniquely Canadian way. 

For the organizers, the Sun and Set Volleyball Tournament and Community BBQ was a love letter to their neighbourhood. They grew up in Chandler and describe the Community Centre as the central hub, where youth with shared experiences come together, have fun, and feel at home.

On a sunny summer evening this summer, neighbours gathered at Timm Park for an exciting step in the creation of the Neighbourhood Mosaic, a LoveMyHood mural project designed to reflect the spirit of the local community. Project leads, staff and community members came together to share ideas and stories, helping shape a piece of art that will soon brighten the park with colour and meaning.

We spend a lot of time driving and sometimes we drive a little too fast. Avery, a Cedar Hill neighbour became more aware of this while on maternity leave.

In late May of 2025, something special happened on Samuel Street—a neighbourhood get-together that brought people out of their homes and into conversation, fun, and community spirit. 

A passionate group of residents at the Beyond Housing Community, off Bridgeport Road, transformed an underused green space into a vibrant learning hub for kids, gardeners and those who just like to visit. With support from the LoveMyHood program, City staff helped with planning and funding, but it was the residents who led the way!