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February is Black History Month in Canada

Celebrating 60 Years of Tim Hortons: A Canadian Icon

February 02, 2024

Did you know? Viola Desmond, a Canadian businesswoman and civil rights pioneer, is featured on the $10 bill. She played a crucial role in challenging racial segregation in Nova Scotia in the 1940s, making her a symbol of courage and resilience in Canadian history.

There is even a musical that celebrates the legacy of this civil rights icon. (Global TV)

LIVING
Black History Month: Celebrating Contributions Across Canada

As February unfolds, so does Canada's celebration of Black History Month—a time to reflect, appreciate, and honour the rich contributions of Black Canadians to the nation's cultural fabric. The theme for Black History Month 2024 is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.

Throughout the month, cities across the country come alive with events that showcase the achievements and resilience of Black Canadians. Cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and educational programs take centre stage, providing a platform to amplify Black voices and narratives. Check your local organizations to see if there are any events near you. 

TD Stories shares 16 events you can participate in for Black History Month across Canada.

In schools, teachers incorporate lessons about Black history into their curriculum, ensuring that students gain a deeper understanding of the significant impact Black Canadians have had on the country's development. Workplaces join the celebration by organizing workshops and seminars that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Canada's celebration of Black History Month underscores the nation's commitment to recognizing and appreciating the diverse tapestry of its people. It serves as a reminder that by acknowledging and embracing the contributions of all its citizens, Canada continues to foster a society that values equality and respect for everyone.

Canada Heritage showcases some of the significant contributions that Canadians of African descent have made to their communities and to Canada. (watch)

CANADA EH?
Things to do around you:

The Domaine Enchanteur, just an hour away from Montreal, you can skate or snowshoe the 15km icy trail through the enchanting forest and wildlife park. Open every day, even on public holidays, weather permitting from 9am to 5pm. Check it out.

The Ottawa Winter Jazz Festival is on from February 4th until the 13th! There will be an awesome line up of jazz artists that you can stream whenever you want! Explore the world of jazz at this special premiere starting tomorrow. Arts Court Theatre Get tickets!

Embark on a guided snowshoe hike around the serene shores of Astotin Lake in Elk Island National Park, Alberta. Feel the crisp winter air as you gracefully traverse the snow all while gazing at the twinkling stars overhead. Upcoming dates include February 3rd. 10th, 17th from 7-9pm. Get tickets!

Explore the excitement of the 2024 NHL All-Star Weekend in downtown Toronto, featuring three action-packed days of hockey competitions, memorable photo ops, and activities for the whole family. From February 1 to 3, join the thrill as iconic names like Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Thatcher Demkow showcase their talents on the ice. Here is all you need to know for your Weekend Breakaway with Destination Toronto!

Theatre enthusiasts, listen up! Beat the winter chill and catch The hilarious Book of Mormon at Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy a night of laughter and entertainment from now until February 11th. Get tickets!

Black History Month kicks off in Vancouver with a night of music and poetry. The Songs of Freedom concert will be held this evening, Friday, February 3rd at Vancouver's Christ Church Cathedral. Tickets still available

In several locations across the city, join the Sackville Snow Day Festival in Halifax, February 16th-19th, for a weekend of snowy fun! Skate, build snowmen, and catch the Big parade and fireworks. Warm up inside with even more exciting activities. Don't miss out on the winter celebration! Learn more.

TRAVEL
Lunar New Year Events Across Canada

Lunar New Year, on February 10th this year, signals the start of spring and the new lunisolar year. Also known as the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year, Tet for Vietnamese Canadians, or Solnal for Korean Canadians. It is one of the largest celebrations for Canada’s Chinese population, it is also celebrated by Canadians from Vietnam, Korea and Southeast Asia.

Since June 1, 2016, this celebration has been recognized as an official holiday in Canada. This Festive celebration unites families and in 2024, the Year of the Dragon promises heightened passion and enthusiasm.

Ottawa Chinatown's New Year Parade returns after the pandemic, celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Highlights include a mesmerizing Dragon Dance and enchanting Yangko dance. The parade starts near Preston Street, passing through the Royal Gateway, concluding near Bay Street. Join on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 10 am to 12 pm.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year Festival 2024 in Calgary on February 10 and 11, from 11 am to 6 pm at 197 1st Street SW. Enjoy dragon and lion dances, martial arts, singing, dancing, calligraphy, traditional crafts, local vendors, and a lucky raffle. Immerse yourself in the vibrant festivities and welcome the Year of the Dragon.

Chinatown Centre and Dragon City Mall in Toronto will host Lunar New Year festivities organized by the Chinatown BIA on February 10 and 11, 2024, from 11 am to 5 pm. Enjoy Mahjong competitions, Lion Dance, Chinese Folk Dancing, Orchestra, Zodiac Fortune Telling, and Lunar New Year cooking.

Celebrate the 50th Vancouver Chinatown Spring Festival on February 11, 2024, from 11 am. The festivities include dance troupes, marching bands, martial arts, and Canada's largest assembly of lion dance teams. The 1.3 km parade starts at Millennium Gate, traversing Chinatown, and concludes at Keefer and Abbott. (mycism.com)

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Celebrating 60 Years of Tim Hortons: A Canadian Icon

Tim Hortons, the beloved coffee chain that has become synonymous with Canadian culture, is marking its 60th anniversary with a series of exciting plans to honour this significant milestone

Tim Hortons at 60: A Canadian Legacy Brewed in Time
Synonymous with Canadian culture, Tim Horton’s is gearing up for its 60th-anniversary celebration, marking six decades of serving coffee and community. Established on May 17, 1964, in Hamilton, Ontario, the first Tim Hortons restaurant still proudly stands, symbolizing a rich history deeply woven into the fabric of Canada.

Global Reach and Local Roots: Tim Hortons' Enduring Legacy 
With nearly 4,000 locations across Canada and over 5,700 worldwide, Tim Hortons has not only become a local favorite but also a global phenomenon. The coffee chain's recent expansion into South Korea adds to its international presence, captivating taste buds and hearts around the globe.

50 Years of Impact: Tim Hortons Foundation Camps 
This year holds special significance as Tim Hortons Foundation Camps celebrate their 50th anniversary. Since 1974, these camps have provided support to over 315,000 underserved youth, reflecting Tim Hortons' commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.

Exciting Initiatives Unveiled for the 60th Anniversary 
As the countdown to May 17th, 2024, begins, Tim Hortons is set to introduce exciting initiatives across its locations throughout the year. The company has rolled out new packaging adorned with a Tims 60th-anniversary logo, featuring cups, donut boxes, and retro Timbit boxes. The reintroduction of classic donuts like the Dutchie, Blueberry Fritter, Cinnamon Sugar Twist, and Walnut Crunch adds a nostalgic touch to the celebration.

A Modern Nostalgia: Celebrating Tim Hortons' Past, Present, and Future 
The 60th-anniversary celebration aims to provide guests with a modern nostalgic experience, seamlessly blending nods to the past with a spirited celebration of Tim Hortons' vibrant present and promising future. Chief Marketing Officer Hope Bagozzi expresses enthusiasm for bringing back four historically popular retro donuts, inviting customers to relish the timeless flavors that have defined Tim Hortons over the years.

Here our Canadians most favourited Tim Hortons orders!

Top Hot Beverage: a Double Double Coffee (also known as, a coffee with 2 creams and 2 sugars) is so popular that the term itself was officially added to the Canadian Oxford Dictionary in 2004.

Top Cold Beverage: the famous Tim Hortons Ice Capp. Nothing tops this on a hot summer day.

Top Donut: the Apple Fritter, so good that Tim Hortons released an apple fritter cereal and ice cream flavour!

Top Timbit: the Chocolate Glazed - also so loved, they’ve got their own chocolatey cereal! (toronto.com)

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Meet the Canadian goalkeeper from the hit show Ted Lasso, bringing poutine and Montreal realness to his role

Known for his goalie moves on the hit Apple TV series "Ted Lasso," Moe Jeudy-Lamour is a Canadian actor from Montreal, Quebec. Jeudy was raised in Montreal to parents from Haiti and is fluent in English, French and Creole.

Despite completing a political science degree at Concordia University and dreaming of a future in law, Jeudy decided to pursue acting, a dream he had always felt to be unattainable. 

This dream took an unexpected turn when he got discovered by actor Orlando Jones while working at Future Shop in Montreal. This chance encounter turned his dream of acting into a reality. (CBC)

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