Mayors Dinner – TWC Interactive

Developing A Social Medicine Hub

Joe Mancini June 5, 2026

Every day at St. John’s Kitchen we witness a drug crisis that continues to grow. We see sons and daughters, sisters and brothers lost to a drug trade that leaves lasting scars and horrific damage to body and psyche. We know it is a violation of human dignity and community solidarity. How can we respond to help reduce the level of poverty, the lack of connection, the lack of housing, the bitterness of being left to fight for one’s own survival?

Inclusion Through Opportunity

Michele and Rob Way June 5, 2026

The success of Hockey Helps the Homeless in Waterloo Region is driven by an incredible local committee—deeply passionate, generous with their time, and committed to this work. Their work and heavy lifting translates into supporting 6 local charity partners who collectively work hard to support those experiencing homelessness in our community.

Building Strong Social Infrastructure

Oluseun Olayinka June 5, 2026

Tonight, I would like to begin from somewhere a little unexpected, but very important to me, Africa. In many African communities, social capital is not just a concept, it is a way of life (Mbaya, 2011). It is the shared understanding that my wellbeing is tied to yours. Children are raised collectively. When someone is struggling, the community steps in. Belonging is assumed, not negotiated.

Fostering Inclusivity Through Community Enterprise

Cassandra Polyzou June 5, 2026

For over 20 years The Working Centre has been hosting Community Enterprise projects like Queen Street Commons Café, Recycle Cycles, Worth a Second Look Housewares and Furniture, and Computer Recycling to name a few. Community Enterprise projects are practical and productive examples of enterprise. They are active and working businesses that also focus on building community and inclusion.

Celebrating Places of Belonging at the 37th Annual Mayors’ Dinner

Solene Jollivet June 5, 2026

On April 11th 2026, we welcomed over 800 guests to celebrate the 37th Annual Mayors’ Dinner on the theme of Places of Belonging – The Heart of Inclusion. Set in the warmly lit Bingemans’ Mashall Hall with colourful flowers, plants and displays decorated throughout the space, we gathered to join in community and share stories. Highlighted among us were three extraordinary individuals who encompass the values of the work they immerse themselves in daily: commitment to inclusion, resiliency during change, and offering a warm welcome to others.

Places of Inclusion

Stephanie Mancini March 1, 2026

Gathering in public spaces helps to build community and awareness of one another – in our similarities and our differences. The Mayors’ Dinner, now in its 37th year, is a public gathering that brings 900 people together annually, to celebrate commitment to the common good, to gather, and to support The Working Centre. At this year’s Mayors’ Dinner, we will highlight community endeavours that foster the habit of supporting public places.

Gathering with Neighbours at the 36th Mayors’ Dinner

Kara Peters Unrau June 1, 2025

On April 5th, we celebrated the 36th Mayors’ Dinner in Marshall Hall at Bingemans. With over 860 guests, the room was at full capacity. This year our theme was Knowing our Neighbours. We gathered to celebrate the many ways people share themselves with our community, and to hear about building community and celebrating diversity and inclusion. We heard inspiring stories from Fauzia Mazhar and John Lougheed. We also updated the community on the construction progress and highlighted The Working Centre’s Making Home project at 97 Victoria.

Building Community with Our Neighbours

Joe Mancini June 1, 2025

Remarks by Joe Mancini at the 36th Mayors’ Dinner: There are so many people who are here tonight who contribute to The Working Centre. It is overwhelming to think about the deep generosity that has helped sustain TWC’s village of community supports.

Creating Stronger Connections Across Our Community

Fauzia Mazhar June 1, 2025

It is an honour to stand before you tonight to reflect on the power of community and the meaningful connections we can build. This gathering is a testament to our shared commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant Waterloo Region, where everyone feels they belong.

Spiritual Care in Small Things

John Lougheed June 1, 2025

One of my mentors in ministry was the late Father Bernie Hayes, of the local Roman Catholic community. I remember him saying in a wedding homily: “You know I’ve never been married…” and amidst the gales of laughter, with his great sense of timing, Bernie added: “But, I hear it is hard work…and worth the effort!” This remarkable gathering tonight reminds us all that building community is hard – and at times, fun! – work together, and is always worth the effort.

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