By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Families gathered at Sherbrooke Elementary School on Sat., Apr. 12 for a festive morning of games, gifts and grassroots networking as part of Family Day, a half-day event organized by Townshippers’ Association and Université de Sherbrooke leadership students. The initiative aimed to connect English-speaking families in the area with local community services—and each other.
The event ran from 8 a.m. to noon and was tailored specifically to families with children aged 2 to 12. Children received free gifts, participated in arts and sports activities, and snacked on treats provided by organizers. But the focus went well beyond fun: it was also about forging community ties and raising awareness about English-language services in Sherbrooke.
“We know that English-speaking families often feel isolated or unaware of what resources are available to them,” said Emily Côté, a Townshippers’ program manager who spearheaded the event. “Many organizations offer services in English but have websites only in French. We wanted this to be a space where people could connect, ask questions, and feel less alone”.
In total, 11 organizations took part, offering information on everything from senior care and tenants’ rights to arts programming and youth support. The event was also an opportunity for the medical students involved to learn more about the community they may eventually serve as physicians. “The leadership program is about making future doctors more familiar with local resources,” Côté explained. “It helps them connect with the people they’ll work with and not just see themselves as people who know ‘just medical stuff’”.
