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Re-Launch of Our Door is Open to Everyone Window Sign Campaign

CK Pride and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Relaunch “Our Door Is Open to Everyone” Window Sign Campaign
CK Pride, in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, is proud to announce the relaunch of the Our Door is Open to Everyone campaign, a visible community initiative that affirms inclusion, safety, and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and visitors across Chatham-Kent.
Originally launched with cardboard signage, the campaign has been refreshed in 2026 with durable window clings and stickers that reflect CK Pride’s updated name and new logo, making it easier for businesses, organizations, and public spaces to visibly demonstrate their commitment toContinue reading

CK Pride and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Relaunch “Our Door Is Open to Everyone” Window Sign Campaign
CK Pride, in partnership with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, is proud to announce the relaunch of the Our Door is Open to Everyone campaign, a visible community initiative that affirms inclusion, safety, and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and visitors across Chatham-Kent.
Originally launched with cardboard signage, the campaign has been refreshed in 2026 with durable window clings and stickers that reflect CK Pride’s updated name and new logo, making it easier for businesses, organizations, and public spaces to visibly demonstrate their commitment to welcoming and affirming environments.
The window clings were designed by Joel Emery and produced locally by CutiePatootieStudios, supporting community-based creatives while ensuring high-quality, long-lasting materials suitable for storefronts, offices, and public-facing spaces. This project is supported by Council Ward Funding, through a partnership between the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and Hydro One.
The Our Door Is Open to Everyone window clings signal that a space is one where people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions are respected and supported. Participating locations are encouraged to reflect this commitment not only through signage, but through everyday practices rooted in dignity, equity, and inclusion.
“Visibility matters,” say the Board of Directors at CK Pride. “In a community as diverse and geographically large as Chatham-Kent, these window clings offer a simple but meaningful way to signal safety, allyship, and care. For many people, especially youth, newcomers, and those navigating rural isolation, seeing that sign can make the difference between entering a space or walking away.”
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent continues to support the campaign as part of its broader commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion, and community safety. The relaunch aligns with ongoing municipal efforts to foster welcoming public spaces and strengthen trust across communities.
Window clings and stickers will be available to local businesses, community organizations, and municipal spaces. Participation in the campaign is voluntary, and CK Pride encourages participants to engage with the campaign thoughtfully and authentically.
Organizations interested in displaying an Our Door Is Open to Everyone window cling can contact info@ckpride.com, or pick one up from Bill's Place, Community Space, 48 Centre St. during drop-in hours. They will also be distributed at Municipal Centers and CK Public Library branches.
Website: Free Food Resources in CK
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Employment and Social Services program has created a website with information for people who may need food assistance, including resources like:

food banks

little free pantries

soup kitchens

food voucher programs

drop-in/outreach services.

Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/EmergencyFood or scan the QR code above to go to the website.
These services are here to support individuals and families in our community. Whether you're in immediate need or looking for ongoing assistance, there are options available to help you.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Employment and Social Services program has created a website with information for people who may need food assistance, including resources like:

food banks

little free pantries

soup kitchens

food voucher programs

drop-in/outreach services.

Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/EmergencyFood or scan the QR code above to go to the website.
These services are here to support individuals and families in our community. Whether you're in immediate need or looking for ongoing assistance, there are options available to help you.
Homelessness Response Toolkit

Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K) has designed a Homelessness Response Toolkit for local businesses, organizations, and area residents better understand and engage with local homelessness response efforts. The goal is to provide practical guidance, reduce stigma, and encourage compassionate and informed interactions with individuals experiencing homelessness.
The kit includes a quick reference postcard with information on who to call in specific situations, including phone numbers for outreach services, sharps clean-up, shelter, and other essential resources, ensuring that businesses and community members have immediate access to support when needed.
Digital copies can be accessed at www.reachoutck.com/resources.

Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K) has designed a Homelessness Response Toolkit for local businesses, organizations, and area residents better understand and engage with local homelessness response efforts. The goal is to provide practical guidance, reduce stigma, and encourage compassionate and informed interactions with individuals experiencing homelessness.
The kit includes a quick reference postcard with information on who to call in specific situations, including phone numbers for outreach services, sharps clean-up, shelter, and other essential resources, ensuring that businesses and community members have immediate access to support when needed.
Digital copies can be accessed at www.reachoutck.com/resources.
Book Club: Unbound

Unbound Book Club.
For people who may feel bound by the lack of accessibility in our works, join to explore new worlds, unique stories and meet new characters through the word of books.
For young adults (18+) who have a disability or are an ally for the disability community.

Books chosen based on availability in both print and audiobook formats.
For more information contact 226-626-6585 or erin.genge@gmail.com

Unbound Book Club.
For people who may feel bound by the lack of accessibility in our works, join to explore new worlds, unique stories and meet new characters through the word of books.
For young adults (18+) who have a disability or are an ally for the disability community.

Books chosen based on availability in both print and audiobook formats.
For more information contact 226-626-6585 or erin.genge@gmail.com
Aug 14 - 21 2026: Canada's First Mega Mahayagya (Hindu Gathering)

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

In a historic first, the Bhutanese Nepali Community of Chatham-Kent is hosting the grand Shrimand Bhagwat Saptaha Gyan Mahayagya.
When: August 14 - 21
Where: Everest Convention Centre, 250 National Road, Chatham
This festival serves as a vital bridge to cultural connection, offering the general public a rare immersive window into the rich tapestry of Vedic Sanatan Dharma traditions as global religious leaders converge in Chatham-Kent to share teachings on peace, mutual respect, and community unity.
Volunteers needed.
Grand opening and ceremony Friday, August 15 from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. Experience a stunning, vibrant cultural procession.
Open to the publicContinue reading
In a historic first, the Bhutanese Nepali Community of Chatham-Kent is hosting the grand Shrimand Bhagwat Saptaha Gyan Mahayagya.
When: August 14 - 21
Where: Everest Convention Centre, 250 National Road, Chatham
This festival serves as a vital bridge to cultural connection, offering the general public a rare immersive window into the rich tapestry of Vedic Sanatan Dharma traditions as global religious leaders converge in Chatham-Kent to share teachings on peace, mutual respect, and community unity.
Volunteers needed.
Grand opening and ceremony Friday, August 15 from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. Experience a stunning, vibrant cultural procession.
Open to the public daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
For more information contact: bnccommunity@gmail.com or 226.971.1461
August 1: Emancipation Day & Month

August 1^st is Emancipation Day in Canada, and the month of August is Emancipation month in Ontario.

Emancipation Day commemorates the Abolition of Slavery Act, which became law on August 1, 1834, marking the end of the institution of slavery within British colonies, including Canada.

While people often associate chattel slavery with the United States, Canada also has a history of enslavement of People of African descent and Indigenous Peoples. In fact, the first known Black person in Chatham-Kent was enslaved.

A 1793 Act to Limit Slavery in Upper Canada had already prohibited bringing enslaved people intoContinue reading
August 1^st is Emancipation Day in Canada, and the month of August is Emancipation month in Ontario.

Emancipation Day commemorates the Abolition of Slavery Act, which became law on August 1, 1834, marking the end of the institution of slavery within British colonies, including Canada.

While people often associate chattel slavery with the United States, Canada also has a history of enslavement of People of African descent and Indigenous Peoples. In fact, the first known Black person in Chatham-Kent was enslaved.

A 1793 Act to Limit Slavery in Upper Canada had already prohibited bringing enslaved people into Upper Canada, however, the 1834 Act went further to lay the pathway to free more than 800 000 people of African descent throughout the British Empire. For most enslaved people, the Abolition of Slavery Act only resulted in partial liberation, freeing children under the age of six while still requiring others to continue serving their former enslavers for four to six years as apprentices. The Act confirmed Canada as a free territory for enslaved African Americans, though, which led to thousands of people of African-descent arriving in Canada from the United States between 1834 and the early 1860s, including in what is now known as Chatham-Kent.
Although the institution of slavery was ended, Black communities continued to experience racism and discrimination in Canada. And no formal apologies or compensation has ever been offered to the people or descendants of those enslaved.

Emancipation Day has been celebrated on or near August 1^st each year by Black communities and supporters since 1834. The day was formally recognized in 2008 by Ontario and by Canada in 2021. Ontario also recognized August as Emancipation Month in 2021. Today, Emancipation Day and Month are a time to celebrate the end of slavery, but also to raise awareness about and commit to advancing racial equity.

Activists in Chatham-Kent and Chatham-Kent's Council vocally supported Member of Parliament Majid Jowhari's motion to designate August 1 as Emancipation Day in Canada, including through a formal motion of support sent to local Member of Parliament and all House of Commons representatives.

Local Emancipation Day Events:
Visit the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History website for 2026 Emancipation Day events.
Events are free. Registration via EventBrite is encouraged but not required.
August 1, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., 29251 Freedom Road, Dresden
Enjoy a program of live entertainment, inspiring speakers, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities. Lunch available for purchase. Seating is available or bring your own chair.

Learn more:
Buxton National Historic Site & Museum
Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum
Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History
Chatham-Kent Tourism – Black History
Canadian Museum of Human Rights
Government of Canada