Pickering residents who face financial, accessibility or other barriers to summer outings will get a chance to take in the Canadian National Exhibition for free this year.
The CNE has given the City of Pickering 1,000 complimentary admission passes, which the municipality is distributing through local non-profit organizations, community groups and public agencies, according to a City of Pickering news release issued Thursday.
The City said it is relying on partner organizations that have trusted relationships with the people they serve, so the passes reach residents who would benefit most from the opportunity.
St. Paul's on-the-Hill Community Food Bank is among the first organizations to receive passes, with additional passes being shared through eligible organizations across Pickering.
"Incredibly grateful"
We are incredibly grateful to the CNE for this generous contribution and for recognizing the important role municipalities and local community organizations can play in connecting opportunities with the people who will benefit from them most. In Pickering, we are fortunate to have strong, trusted partners who know their communities well and help us reach residents in meaningful ways. Together, we can help more individuals and families experience the CNE and enjoy a memorable part of the summer.
That statement came from Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe in the news release.
Lindsey Morrill, food bank director at St. Paul's on-the-Hill, said many of the families the organization serves are making difficult daily choices, and that chances to simply enjoy time together can be out of reach.
These CNE passes will give 100 families in our community the chance to create memories, have fun, and enjoy a special summer experience that they may not otherwise be able to afford. We are incredibly grateful to the City of Pickering and the CNE for recognizing the importance of supporting the whole family and for helping make these experiences possible.
Morrill made the remarks in the City's release.
Canada's largest annual event
The Canadian National Exhibition, held at Exhibition Place in Toronto, features rides, live performances, food experiences and interactive exhibits. According to the City, it welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors each year, making it Canada's largest annual community event and one of the country's best-known summer traditions.
The pass program is part of Pickering's stated commitment to reducing barriers to participation and creating more equitable access to experiences that support quality of life and a sense of belonging, the release said.
