Our Community Blogs share stories from across our work with equity-deserving communities, highlighting AHC programs, partnerships, and community-led initiatives in action. Through reflections, updates, and success stories, we showcase how culturally responsive programming and inclusive service delivery support individuals and groups to strengthen wellbeing and build capacity.
Alongside program insights, you’ll find community success stories and testimonials that reflect the impact of collaboration, participation, and grassroots leadership. Together, these blogs offer a practical and people-first look at how communities are advancing their own wellbeing and prosperity, with AHC walking alongside them as a partner.
It all started with a simple goal — bringing people together to build a stronger and more connected Edmonton. What began as a small community gathering has now grown into something much bigger: a citywide movement for inclusion, collaboration, and shared purpose, uniting residents, organizations, and leaders across the city.
Hosted by the Community Development Unit at Action for Healthy Communities (AHC), the Building Inclusive Communities Forum has become a key Edmonton community event where people come to learn, share, and take action together. Every year, it brings grassroots groups, nonprofits, and public institutions under one roof to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and strengthen collective efforts to make Edmonton a more inclusive and welcoming city. The forum also highlights best practices in community development, encouraging long-term collaboration and civic engagement.
The 2025 forum, held on October 8, focused on one key message — we are stronger together. When communities share goals, their impact grows. This year’s event gave participants the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and explore creative ways to build stronger community ties across Edmonton. Participants learned how collective action and coordinated efforts can amplify the work of grassroots organizations and improve outcomes for diverse populations, including immigrant and newcomer communities.
Over the years, AHC has noticed that many grassroots organizations work toward similar goals but often do so independently. This can make it more difficult to share resources or build long-term partnerships.
The forum addressed this challenge by encouraging organizations to collaborate, pool resources, and co-design solutions. Throughout the day, several examples of these partnerships were showcased, demonstrating how collaboration leads to more sustainable community impact. By sharing knowledge and experiences, participants learned practical strategies to strengthen programs, expand outreach, and engage more residents in civic participation and inclusion initiatives.
The keynote address, delivered by Dr. Bukola Salami from the University of Calgary, was titled “Building Belonging Through Inclusion and Civic Engagement.”
Dr. Salami shared that while immigrants make up 23% of Canada’s population, many still face barriers such as language challenges, lack of mentorship, and limited representation in civic spaces. She emphasized that belonging is essential to mental health, community well-being, and long-term social inclusion. Her message encouraged everyone to co-create programs with communities, promote civic education, and celebrate cultural identity as the foundation for inclusion and belonging in Edmonton’s diverse neighborhoods.
This year’s forum featured inspiring presentations from:
Their stories were organized around four key themes:
A major highlight of the day was the panel discussion, “Strengthening Civic Engagement Through Grassroots Capacity Building.” Panelists explored how empowering community leaders helps boost civic participation and makes decision-making more inclusive and representative of Edmonton’s diversity. Attendees also had the opportunity to network with other community development practitioners, sharing insights and strategies to improve engagement in local initiatives.
The 4th Annual Building Inclusive Communities Forum was more than just an event — it was a celebration of what happens when people come together with a shared purpose.
As Edmonton continues to grow and diversify, one message continues to shine through: When communities work together, everyone belongs.
Action for Healthy Communities thanks all participants, speakers, and community partners who made this year’s forum a success. By continuing to collaborate, share knowledge, and support grassroots organizations, Edmonton is building a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient city for everyone.
Community is all about building meaningful connections with past and future generations. For the Tunisian Women's Society of Alberta, it has made it its mission to bridge the intergenerational gap among community members, combating disconnection and isolation while fostering a sense of belonging among them.
In 2023, with seed grant support from AHC, the Tunisian Women Society of Alberta organized a series of events that brought together children, youth, and seniors. These gatherings celebrated the rich culture of Tunisian culture, including folklore story readings, literature and poetry sessions, traditional Tunisian music (Malouf), language and dialect lessons, and historical narratives delivered in the Tunisian dialect.
These initiatives help preserve Tunisian culture, providing children with experiences of common folklore stories, literature, poetry, and historical narratives in the Tunisian dialect. For the community, learning the value of oral storytelling, which is a hallmark of Tunisian culture, is especially important in this digital media era.
The expected outcome of this initiative was clear: to build community connections, strengthen bonds, and preserve Tunisian heritage for future generations through the knowledge and lived experiences shared by senior community members. While the Tunisian community embraces their home in Canada, they remain rooted in their cultural history and identity.
But this is only the first step in a longer journey to preserve their heritage. The next step is providing additional exciting activities to inspire the next generation, including:
These efforts have not only enhanced community connection and support but also sparked interest among youth and children to learn more about their culture and heritage.
While they navigate their lives in Canada, the community remains deeply rooted in their traditions, which has brought immense joy to our seniors and all community members, helping them feel a strong sense of belonging in their new homes. This holistic approach enhances the cohesion of the community, ensuring that the beautiful tapestry of Tunisian culture continues to flourish in Canada for years to come.
Action for Healthy Communities Entrepreneurship Supports Program, in collaboration with Explore Edmonton, proudly showcased 54 diverse, owned small businesses at the K‑Days 2025 Pop‑Up Marketplace on July 18-20, 2025.
Over three exciting days, our passionate entrepreneurs presented a diverse range of exclusive products and services, including delicious foods, handmade crafts, creative fashion, art, wellness items, toys, and professional services, each reflecting their unique culture, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. More than 764,000 attended KDays this year, helping our entrepreneurs showcase their products and services in front of many eager onlookers.
The marketplace presented a captivating selection of exclusive products and services, reflecting the culture and creativity of our local entrepreneurs. Attendees were delighted by:
Each vendor contributed to a rich and diverse tapestry, enhancing the marketplace with their unique offerings and backgrounds. We want to thank the following vendors for joining us at this year's Kday Pop up Market:
This year’s marketplace was a tremendous success! Our vendors were enthusiastic, achieved strong sales, gained valuable exposure, and proudly represented their communities.
This year’s event yielded numerous success stories that were both inspiring and encouraging:
Beyond business success, this experience reminded us that empowering newcomer entrepreneurs goes far beyond economic growth, it’s about embracing diversity, fostering innovation, and creating meaningful community connections.
Check out all our vendors who participated this year!
If you are a small business owner interested in learning more about the Entrepreneurship Supports Program, visit .Entrepreneurship Supports Program – Action for Healthy Communities
On July 26, the Community Development Unit (CDU) at Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) hosted its second quarter Mini-Community of Practice (CoP)—a vibrant gathering of community leaders, grassroots organizers, and changemakers committed to advancing equity and inclusion across Edmonton. The event was filled with energy, curiosity, and meaningful conversations that brought people together around shared goals for collective actions.
The first segment of the session focused on the City of Edmonton’s Anti-Racism Grant, offering participants valuable insights into the program's five funding streams. Attendees learned about eligibility criteria, the role of a fiscal agent, and best practices for developing strong, outcome-focused applications.
Facilitators provided hands-on guidance on preparing realistic and relevant budgets, encouraging groups to align their proposals with community needs. The interactive format gave space for questions, idea-sharing, and peer learning—fostering a supportive environment where emerging and experienced community leaders could learn from one another.
As a result, several organizations left the session feeling confident and motivated to pursue funding through different streams. Many expressed interests in collaborating on joint proposals—an encouraging sign of the collective spirit the CoP aims to build.
The second part of the Mini CoP featured dynamic breakout sessions centered on three key themes:
1. Cultural Connections in Community Building
2. Empowering Voices for Social Change
3. Thriving Together Through Collaboration
Participants were grouped based on their organizational focus and areas of interest, which allowed for deeper dialogue and more targeted discussions. The sessions provided a safe and open space for sharing lived experiences, challenges, and strategies for building inclusive, equitable communities.
Through this collaborative process, groups explored how their work connects to broader systems of change. They shared stories of resilience, identified common barriers, and brainstormed ways to amplify impact through partnership and innovation.
These conversations not only deepened participants' understanding of community needs but also sparked ideas for future initiatives. As a next step, groups will reconvene to present their findings and recommendations during a collective session—creating a shared knowledge base that can inform planning for the 2025 Inclusive Community Forum.
The day concluded on a warm and joyful note with a multicultural potluck, where attendees bonded over traditional dishes from their home countries. The diverse menu included:
This culinary exchange was more than just a meal—it was a celebration of cultural richness, a way to honor each other’s heritage, and a delicious reminder of how food brings people together.
The second quarter Mini CoP was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities come together to share knowledge, support one another, and take collective action. It provided a space not only for learning and capacity building, but also for forming connections that will carry forward into future collaborations.
As we continue to build momentum toward the 2025 Inclusive Community Forum, stay tuned for more updates, resources, and opportunities to engage. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more inclusive Edmonton. For more information, please contact us at communitydevelopment@a4hc.ca
In August 2025, Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) hosted our annual Casino Fundraiser at Pure Casino Yellowhead. This unique and important opportunity was only made possible by the generosity of our volunteers. This wasn’t just a fun night out; it was a purposeful, well-coordinated effort to raise essential funds that help us keep delivering programs and services to the diverse communities we serve.
Casino fundraisers are a special opportunity in Alberta for nonprofits like ours. The proceeds from these events significantly contribute to our funding, help launch new initiatives, maintain ongoing programs, and reach even more individuals, families, and communities in need. While the atmosphere may feel like entertainment to casino guests, behind the scenes is the dedication, focus, and teamwork of volunteers that make the event a success.
Over two days, our volunteers filled every role needed—from handling chips and monitoring tables to greeting participants and ensuring accurate counts. Each shift required attention to detail, adherence to rules, and a high level of integrity. Volunteers arrived early, stayed late, adapted to schedule changes, and learned the ins and outs of the casino environment. They didn’t just “help out”—they took full ownership of their roles and made sure the event ran smoothly.
We were especially moved by the flexibility and dedication our volunteers showed. Some rearranged personal commitments to step in, while others took on long or late-night shifts without hesitation. Their willingness to work together, adapt on the spot, and maintain a positive spirit created an atmosphere of both professionalism and camaraderie. It’s this kind of commitment that truly reflects the heart of AHC’s mission.
The impact of the Casino Fundraiser reaches far beyond those two days. The funds raised go directly into our free programs—whether that’s helping newcomers settle into their new lives, offering youth and family activities, providing small business support, or creating spaces where people can connect and grow. Funds raised are turned into opportunities, resources, and tangible change in the lives of newcomer and equity-deserving individuals and communities.
Events like this remind us that an organization’s strength comes from its people—those who give their time, skills, and energy for something bigger than themselves. Without our volunteers, there would be no Casino Fundraiser, and without the fundraiser, many programs would lose vital support. Every single person who participated played a direct role in sustaining our programs and services.
We thank all our volunteers for their generosity and dedication to our mission in building healthy communities across Alberta. We look forward to working together and to continuing to build healthy communities across Alberta.
AHC offers many ways to get involved to help our communities. Whether you’re looking for a one-time commitment like the Casino Fundraiser or a regular role in ongoing programs, events, or administrative support. Volunteering with us means giving back, making a lasting difference, building new skills, and connecting with community-focused people. Visit our Volunteer Opportunities page on our website to learn more and apply.
"Dimana ada kemauan, disitu ada jalan" — “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
This Indonesian proverb reflects the heart of entrepreneurship and food entrepreneurship alike. In cooking, as in business, success often depends on creativity, perseverance, and passion — the ability to make something exceptional from humble beginnings. For Nurul Komariyah, owner of Satay Madura, this saying perfectly captures her journey of turning a love for Indonesian cuisine into a thriving Halal restaurant and catering business in Edmonton.
With the guidance and support of Action for Healthy Communities' (AHC) Entrepreneurship Supports Program (ESP), Nurul completed comprehensive business training, interactive entrepreneurship workshops, personalized one-on-one counselling, and mentorship for small business owners. These programs helped her formalize her concept, register her business, and pilot catering services at AHC workshops and networking events. Her story is a true example of small business success — showing that with determination, guidance, and community support, anyone can build something meaningful.
What makes Satay Madura special is its authentic flavors and rich Indonesian heritage. From savory, marinated chicken satay grilled to perfection to the aromatic spices in Bali Delight, every dish is crafted with traditional recipes and quality ingredients. Signature items like RisolRisol, a classic Indonesian snack, highlight the creativity and cultural depth behind each plate. Through bold spices, authentic preparation, and attention to detail, Satay Madura delivers a genuine Indonesian dining experience that stands out in Edmonton’s vibrant culinary scene.
Through an AHC introduction to Explore Edmonton, Nurul secured a milestone placement as a certified Halal food vendor at KDays 2025. Her signature dishes drew strong customer interest, repeat sales, and glowing reviews. The milestone marked a breakthrough moment for her culinary startup, blending passion, perseverance, and opportunity.
Building on that momentum, Nurul showcased Satay Madura at Edmonton Food Taste 2025, increasing her brand visibility and achieving steady growth in both sales and profitability. Grateful for AHC’s support, she expressed her appreciation and offered to mentor other newcomer entrepreneurs interested in starting a food business.
With AHC’s ongoing mentoring, counselling, and business ecosystem connections, Satay Madura continues to expand its reach, securing new catering contracts and participating in more community events. Nurul’s journey exemplifies the essence of entrepreneurial success — proving that, as the proverb says, where there’s a will, there’s a way — especially when that will is fueled by culture, community, and cuisine.
AHC’s ESP helps newcomers and local entrepreneurs build sustainable ventures through free business training, mentorship, and counselling. Participants gain practical skills in marketing, business registration, financial management, and operations while connecting with a supportive community of peers and mentors.
Programs like these empower small business owners — from culinary startups to social enterprises — to turn their ideas into thriving businesses that enrich Edmonton’s local economy and cultural diversity.
If you’re an aspiring food entrepreneur, interested in launching a restaurant, or exploring ways to grow your small business, visit Action for Healthy Communities' Entrepreneurship Supports Program to learn how AHC can help you get started.
To support Nurul’s journey and taste authentic Indonesian flavors, follow Satay Madura on Facebook and Instagram.
Because when passion meets persistence, and community meets opportunity, there’s always a way forward — and sometimes, it tastes like home.
Action for Healthy Communities (AHC) is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our recent Workforce Participation Program graduates. These motivated participants successfully completed introductory training in hospitality and customer service, gaining the essential skills needed to excel in two of Canada’s fastest-growing industries.
Hands-On Training for Job Readiness
Participants in the program received practical training in workplace expectations, industry terminology, customer service strategies, and effective communication. This job readiness program helps newcomers build confidence and develop the professional skills necessary to thrive in fast-paced, people-focused environments.
Real-World Experience Through Employer Partnerships
Our employer partners provide valuable work exposure opportunities, allowing participants to apply their training in real-world hospitality and customer service settings. These experiences give graduates insight into daily operations, help them practice new skills, and foster connections with potential employers.
Building Skills for Career Success
Beyond technical training, the Workforce Participation Program enhances teamwork, communication, and understanding of Canadian workplace culture. Graduates leave equipped to navigate the local job market, expand their professional networks, and pursue rewarding careers in hospitality and service industries across Canada.
Celebrating Achievement and Future Opportunities
We proudly recognize every client who completed the program. Their dedication represents a significant step forward on their career journey, and we look forward to seeing them succeed in Canada’s growing hospitality and service sectors.
Congratulations to all our Workforce Participation Program graduates—your success inspires the entire AHC community.
In May 2025, Action for Healthy Communities proudly participated in the Black Child and Youth Wellness Conference in Calgary—an inspiring national gathering under the theme “Transforming the Lives of Black Children and Youth Across Canada” championed by Dr. Bukola Salami from the University of Calgary. This pivotal conference brought together practitioners, community leaders, educators, and youth advocates to engage in meaningful dialogue and collective action around the well-being, empowerment, and systemic support of Black children and youth across Canada.
AHC was represented across three key service streams: Child & Youth Programs, Settlement & Integration Services, and Mental Health Services. Each team contributed uniquely to the discussions on equity, culturally grounded supports, while exploring cross-sectoral partnerships aligned with the national project vision.
One of the most powerful takeaways from the conference was the collective commitment to building a national network focused on transformative outcomes for Black youth. AHC’s presence served not only to share knowledge and celebrate achievements but also to deepen collaborations that cut across public health, education, settlement, and mental wellness. Together, we are working toward a future where every Black child and youth has access to the supports, opportunities, and systems that allow them to thrive.
As we continue to deliver inclusive and equity-based programs, AHC remains committed to championing youth empowerment, newcomer integration, and mental health for Black communities in Alberta and beyond.
Over the May long weekend (May 17–18, 2025), the Himalaya Rocky Sports Club (HRSC) hosted the highly anticipated Ai Gurung Memorial Gorkha Cup 2025, drawing more than 700 players and spectators from across Canada. Supported by the AHC Seed Grant 2025, the event was more than a soccer tournament—it was a powerful showcase of women’s empowerment, youth leadership, and community connection through the universal language of sport.
A landmark moment for HRSC, this year’s tournament proudly introduced a Women’s Category. Two dynamic teams—Machapuchare FC and HRSC Everest Girls FC—took the field, demonstrating remarkable skill, sportsmanship, and determination. Their participation marked a significant step forward for women’s sports in our community and laid a strong foundation for greater representation.
To honour their contributions, HRSC, in partnership with generous sponsors and supporters, awarded $500 cash prizes, trophies, medals, and various giveaways to both women’s teams.
The event's success was made possible by months of dedicated planning and the tireless efforts of community volunteers, whose passion and commitment brought the tournament to life. Their behind-the-scenes work ensured a seamless, vibrant experience for all.
This year’s Cup holds special meaning as it is named in memory of Mr. Ai Gurung, a beloved community leader and passionate advocate for youth and sport, who passed away in 2023. In a thrilling final, the Gurkha Warriors FC from Edmonton claimed the championship title, with Border Boys FC from Calgary finishing as runners-up.
The most inspiring outcome of this tournament was the milestone achievement of women’s inclusion. With 24 women athletes taking part, HRSC demonstrated that with vision, persistence, and community support, bold goals can become a reality.
Together, we celebrated not just the beautiful game, but also equity, unity, and the enduring power of sport to bring people together.
On May 22nd, the AHC Soccer Program proudly hosted a friendly but competitive U13 boys' soccer match between the Kitaskinaw School team and AHC’s own U13 boys’ team. Held on the vibrant indoor turf of Commonwealth Recreation Centre, the event brought together 14 Indigenous youth and 19 newcomer youth in a spirited afternoon of sport, connection, and community building.
Now in its second year, this unique match continues to grow in impact and importance. This year marked a special milestone as it was the first time Kitaskinaw’s Athletic Director attended the event. His presence added a new level of energy and support, and he expressed genuine excitement at seeing his students thrive in this environment of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Before the game even began, the players from both teams were buzzing with excitement—eager to meet their opponents, represent their teams, and demonstrate their skills. After the final whistle, that enthusiasm remained strong, as youth from both sides reflected on the fun and challenges of the game. It was more than just a match; it was a shared experience that fostered learning about teamwork, healthy competition, and striving for excellence.
During the event, AHC staff had the opportunity to meet with the Athletic Director to explore future collaborations. Among the exciting ideas discussed were co-hosting an Indigenous Traditional Games event and expanding our partnership into the next school year to include more opportunities for cross-cultural connection and engagement through sport.
Events like this are a powerful reminder that soccer is more than a game—it’s a tool for community building, learning, and bridging cultures. AHC is proud to support newcomer and Indigenous youth as they come together through the universal language of sport.
Back in the summer of 2016, a simple conversation between Taekwondo instructor Raju Gadtaula and community volunteer Homan Gautam sparked the beginning of a transformative journey for many immigrant children. They noticed that numerous kids from immigrant backgrounds often felt isolated and struggled to find their place in the community. Fueled by a desire to change this dynamic, Raju and Homan envisioned creating a welcoming space where these children could not only feel like they belonged but also stay active and build the confidence needed to navigate their new environment.
With the support of a $1,000 Seed Grant from Action for Healthy Communities, their dream slowly came to fruition. They launched Martial Arts for Cultural Connections, a program that offered Taekwondo classes specifically for Nepali children between the ages of 5 and 14. However, what began as a series of martial arts classes soon evolved into something much more meaningful and impactful. The benefits of the program extended far beyond just learning kicks and punches. The classes provided the children with invaluable opportunities to gain confidence, forge new friendships, and develop important life skills like discipline and respect.
In addition to the individual growth of the children, the program also catalyzed the formation of lasting connections among parents. These adults, who shared similar backgrounds and experiences, formed a tight-knit community where they could support one another, share resources, and celebrate their cultural heritage together.
As the children trained, the bonds they formed within the classroom blossomed into lifelong support networks, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared experience that further enriched their lives. The atmosphere was one of encouragement and empowerment, allowing kids to thrive not just in martial arts but in life as well. Fast forward to today, and those once shy and uncertain kids are now thriving young adults, full of potential and purpose. They continue to cheer each other on as they navigate the challenges of school, university, and the various paths life has laid out for them.
Raju has evolved alongside them, now teaching over 70 kids per cohort, each one eager to learn not just martial arts but also the values of hard work, resilience, and community. He is dedicated to helping the next generation grow strong — physically, emotionally, and culturally.
The impact of Martial Arts for Cultural Connections has been profound, demonstrating how a small initiative can blossom into a vital lifeline for immigrant families. It stands as a testament to the power of community, the importance of inclusivity, and the lasting effects of mentorship. Raju and Homan’s collaboration has not only changed the lives of many children but has also fostered a sense of pride and belonging that continues to flourish within the community.
At the heart of every thriving community are its elders—quietly resilient, deeply wise, and the living memory of culture, tradition, and history. For the Eritrean Canadian Multicultural Association (ECMA), this truth has always been a guiding force.
Building on the success of its youth and family initiative in 2023, ECMA has launched a second major effort—this time focused on uplifting, engaging, and reconnecting Eritrean Canadian seniors. With continued support from Action for Healthy Communities (AHC), and close collaboration with its Community Development Unit (CDU), ECMA introduced the “Forget Us Not” initiative: a program designed to promote connection, well-being, and dignity for elders within the community.
Last year, ECMA, in partnership with AHC, launched a vibrant youth and family initiative. Through weekly Saturday language classes held at AHC, children connected with their Eritrean heritage while learning valuable skills to navigate life in Canada. At the same time, parents were supported with tools and resources to better engage with their children's development. These sessions became more than just learning spaces—they fostered belonging, pride, and cultural continuity. The overwhelming community response demonstrated a clear demand for culturally grounded programming.
In 2024, ECMA turned its attention to the community’s elders. Through intimate coffee ceremonies and community conversations, a consistent message surfaced: many seniors were seeking meaningful ways to stay socially active, mentally engaged, and physically well—but lacked opportunities to do so.
The “Forget Us Not” initiative was born directly from these conversations. Weekly gatherings were designed around three core pillars:
With the support and guidance of AHC’s Community Development Unit, ECMA conducted a thorough needs and assets assessment rooted in community engagement. This collaborative process helped shape the initiative’s direction and identified new ways to create lasting impact.
Out of this emerged “Forget Us Not”—a heartfelt response to the voices of elders and a reflection of ECMA’s commitment to co-creating programs with the community, for the community.
ECMA views this initiative not as a standalone project, but as the foundation for a sustainable, long-term model of elder care and engagement. By partnering with local organizations, pursuing ongoing funding opportunities, and staying responsive to evolving community needs, ECMA is building an enduring structure that celebrates seniors as active, valued members of society.
Through this intergenerational lens, ECMA continues to show that when communities rally around shared values and mutual respect, real transformation becomes possible. From preserving cultural identity in young minds to restoring dignity in aging hearts, ECMA is nurturing a future where every generation is seen, supported, and celebrated.
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