On the evening of December 10, 2023, the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre became a beacon of community spirit and festive joy during the "Jingle and Mingle: OMEF's Christmas Community Family Dinner Night." This memorable event saw around 60 neighbours and friends, including dignitaries like Oakville Ward 7 Councillor Scott Xie and generous support from local businesses, coming together to share in the warmth of the holiday season.
Amidst a delightful spread of home-cooked dishes showcasing the culinary prowess of our community members, the evening was further enriched by an engaging online Q&A session. This interactive game tested attendees' knowledge about OMEF's crucial mandates and offered fun facts about Oakville and Canada, making for a lively and educational experience.
As we celebrated the achievements of 2023 and eagerly anticipated the impactful initiatives planned for 2024, such as the new Career Buddy program, the Annual Charity Run, and a series of community engagement and fundraising events for Oakville Hospital, the event also became a stage for recognizing the exceptional contributions of our youth. Four outstanding young volunteers: Jeremy Zhang (remarkably, OMEF's youngest volunteer at just 10 years old), Mark Li, Emma Xu, and Victor Gao were honored as the "Outstanding Youth Volunteers of the Year," acknowledging their dedication and hard work in making a significant difference in our community.
It was a perfect opportunity for community members to deepen connections, for local business owners to engage with attendees, and for volunteers to be honored for their dedication. Set against the backdrop of our vibrant community, the night underscored the collective impact we can achieve, inviting everyone to participate in future events to continue fostering support and unity within our community.
