Neighbourhood event connects connects Doon South residents

Busy days of work, school, and activities can leave little room for simple things like stopping to chat with neighbours. That was the inspiration that sparked the idea for the Doon South Meet and Mingle. Mukul Verma, one of the event organizers, was speaking with a neighbour who organized the local Facebook group and was told that most of the members had never met in person.

“We all live in different parts of the neighbourhood, and there aren’t as many opportunities to connect in person.” Mukul said.  

Staff from the City helped with the initial event, and the organizers have continued to rely on their assistance to answer questions and help with special event permits. Another of the Meet and Mingle organizers, Venkat Mahalingam said they were looking for a way to support the event series. 

“As we were having this discussion, the City took note and told us about resources for groups like ours—and that’s when we first learned about LoveMyHood. We applied and were awarded the grant for the 2023 Meet and Mingle.”  

The Meet and Mingle organizers used the LoveMyHood Matching Grant to fund a rock climbing wall, a children’s train and more "for their annual neighbourhood summer event/gathering/party in Thomas Slee park" 

While the entertainment is amazing, keeping Meet and Mingle a free local event for neighbours to socialize, interact, and celebrate remains their core value. 

“I think that's the true value of this event. I can literally walk to the park to enjoy the entertainment, but piled on top of that is the opportunity to interact with neighbours,” said Venkat. 

Organizer Lydia Goswami said there aren’t many events of this size outside of the city core. As Meet and Mingle enters its sixth year, she has noticed increased excitement around the event.  

“I was going around to put up posters to spread awareness about the event, and a lot of people I handed out the posters to said, ‘Oh yeah, we know about Meet and Mingle. We’ll be there!’ It’s become a big deal for people in the neighbourhood,” Lydia said.