The holidays got off to a great start when traditions from around the world of the globe came together at Toronto Community Benefits Network for the annual Christmas Festive Mixer.  This, of course, is one of the many holidays the TCBN celebrates. And Christmas matters a lot to this organization which promotes equitable economic inclusion, workforce development, as well as neighbourhood and environmental improvements.

TCBN has been doing a holiday mixer with board members, staff, friends, and Alumni from NexGen Builders program for the last four years. “It’s a chance to get our Mentees and Mentors together to connect and celebrate the season,” said Rosemarie Powell Executive Director.

Also on hand were partners and friends of the network. It includes fun activities like the annual gingerbread house-build which pits seasoned Carpenters against veteran Bakers. This year was no exception, and in case you were wondering, the Bakers won. But hey, it

was all in fun and since everyone got to bring home their creation, everyone was a winner.

The celebration took place at the organization’s headquarters located at 2 Champagne Drive in North York.

The celebration was just as much fun as always; but maybe it was a little more since it was held under better COVID protocols for the first time in the last few years. In addition to the gingerbread house building, there was the decorating of the Christmas tree – partygoers in groups of ten helped decorate the tree and make new friends.

The highlight of the evening was of course the arrival of Santa accompanied by one of his reindeer.

The evening fare included some great traditional foods like samosas, curry goat, jerk chicken with rice beans washed down with homemade sorrel, and top that off with a slice of Black cake for dessert.

Whatever your holiday traditions, please enjoy being surrounded by friends, family, joy, and laughter.

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