Building Bridges Through Diversity: The Story Behind Kingston’s Diversity Dinner
On May 10, the 8th Annual Diversity Dinner, co-presented by the Canadian Colours Kingston Foundation and the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area, will once again bring together residents for an evening of food, culture, and community spirit. But behind this much-loved event is a deeply personal journey-one rooted in the immigrant experience and a desire to give back.
Jimmy Hassan, founder and organizer of the Diversity Dinner and the Canadian Colours Kingston Foundation, knows firsthand the challenges of adapting to a new country. “Being an immigrant, you go through different scenarios and challenges daily, adapting to new systems, embracing a new culture. It can be challenging after growing up in a different atmosphere,” he explains. For Jimmy, the journey to becoming Canadian was not just about personal adaptation but about embracing the responsibilities and opportunities that come with citizenship. “I don’t want sympathy as an immigrant or to be seen as an opportunist. I want to become a contributor, to give to this country and give my all, just as every Canadian is supposed to do.”
This sense of responsibility is what inspired the first Diversity Dinner in 2014, even before the Canadian Colours Kingston Foundation itself was established. “I wanted to build a bridge between communities, to let people know that I am not different from you. My way of doing things might be different, my language or accent might be different, but I can perform my duties and exercise my responsibilities,” Jimmy shares. He emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and opportunity: “You have to give immigrants the space to grow along with you and allow them to share with you who they were, and who they are now. Together, we can strengthen this culture and this society.”
For Jimmy, sharing a meal is the perfect way to foster understanding. “There’s nothing better than discussing things over food at the dining table. When you share food and your thoughts, it’s like being with family, talking about struggles, encouraging each other, and planning for a better tomorrow.”
Giving back is at the heart of everything Jimmy does. “I want to show the community my appreciation for the opportunity and the privilege I have been given as a Canadian."
As the Diversity Dinner continues to grow, Jimmy’s hope is that it remains a family tradition, one that sends a thank you note to the community each year and inspires others to build bridges through diversity.