Socializing with neighbours adds to everyone’s wellbeing and makes them feel connected.
So City of Chilliwack has put together a “Block Party Toolkit” to make it even easier for folks to organize neighbourhood gatherings under the Celebration and Activity Grant program.
The grants provide matching funds of up to $1000 for event organizers.
“Hosting a block party is great way to get to know your neighbours and make your neighbourhood an even better place to live,” said Mayor Popove. “Residents who feel connected to their community are more inclined to communicate with each other and look after their neighbourhood together, increasing safety and encouraging crime prevention, in addition to building neighbourhood pride.”
The grant program took off in 2017, providing funding and other resources to 21 block parties. Last year the grants supported 44 parties with several thousand residents connecting and talking to their neighbours.
“Block parties are a great way to boost a sense of belonging, get to know your neighbours and create safer communities,” according to the city’s latest release on the program.
The City’s Celebration and Activity Grant offers matching funding for neighbourhood events, including block parties, in order to encourage engagement and create connected communities.
The toolkit is a step-by-step planning guide for organizing events from start to finish. In need of some inspiration for a theme? Check. Ideas for activities? Check. Or maybe help organizing before, during or after the event? Check, check, and check.
The toolkit offers checklists, frequently asked questions (FAQs), suggestions and steps to ensure a successful event.
For more on to apply, or to download the free Block Party Toolkit, visit chilliwack.com/blockparty.
Anyone with questions about hosting a block party is asked to contact Ted Chu,
Community Coordinator, at chu@chilliwack.com or 604-793-2749.
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