Summer Community BBQ Brings 200 Neighbours Together
On a warm Saturday afternoon in mid-August, the smell of grilled halal burgers and fresh corn drifted across a park in north Oshawa as more than 200 neighbours gathered for Community Relief Network's annual Summer Community BBQ. What began two years ago as a modest cookout for a few dozen families has grown into one of the most anticipated community events in Durham Region, a celebration that proves the best foundation for a strong neighbourhood is a shared meal and an open invitation.
The event was entirely free and open to everyone, with no registration or qualification required. CRN's volunteer team arrived at dawn to set up tents, tables, a children's play area, and the all-important grilling stations. By noon, families were streaming in from across the region, many carrying blankets and lawn chairs, ready for an afternoon of food, laughter, and genuine connection. The menu featured grilled chicken and beef burgers, hot dogs, watermelon slices, lemonade, and an assortment of baked goods contributed by community members. Dietary accommodations, including halal, vegetarian, and allergen-free options, ensured that every guest could eat comfortably and without concern.
Building Bonds Beyond the Barbecue
While the food drew people in, it was the programming and atmosphere that kept them throughout the afternoon. A face-painting station operated nonstop for three hours, with a line of delighted children waiting for everything from butterflies to superhero masks. A soccer match organized by CRN's youth volunteers turned into a spirited but friendly tournament, while quieter activities like a community art wall, where attendees could paint or write messages of hope and gratitude, provided space for reflection alongside the celebration.
For CRN, these events serve a purpose that extends well beyond a pleasant afternoon. Many of the families who attended are also recipients of CRN's food relief and dignity kit programs. Community events like the BBQ create an environment where receiving support carries no stigma, where everyone is simply a neighbour enjoying a meal together. Several attendees who came as guests left with information about volunteering, and three local businesses made on-the-spot commitments to sponsor future events after seeing the impact firsthand.
A Tradition Worth Continuing
The feedback following this year's BBQ has been overwhelmingly positive. Volunteers reported conversations with newcomer families who said the event was their first opportunity to meet people in their neighbourhood since arriving in Canada. Long-time residents remarked that it felt like the kind of community gathering they remembered from years past but thought had disappeared. For seniors who attended, many of whom live alone, the afternoon provided something priceless: company, conversation, and the reassurance that their community has not forgotten them.
Planning for next year's event is already underway, with CRN exploring a larger venue to accommodate the growing interest. The organization is also considering adding a winter community gathering to complement the summer tradition, because connection and belonging should not be seasonal. If you would like to sponsor, volunteer at, or simply attend a future CRN community event, follow our news page for announcements or reach out through our contact form. Neighbours building community, one plate at a time.