Speaker series event focuses on community responses to hunger, poverty and essential needs
The City of Kitchener, in collaboration with the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre (WRSBC), hosts a free monthly speaker series called SDG Talks. The series explores the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and how we can create a more socially and environmentally sustainable planet. This year’s theme, Community of Difference Makers, highlights individuals and organizations advancing environmental stewardship, community building and social entrepreneurship.
Join us for our final SDG Talk of 2025 on Tuesday, November 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the SDG Idea Factory, 2 King St. W., Kitchener. The panel will focus on SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
This powerful conversation will invite us to explore how we can build a future where no one is left behind. This session will discuss how communities are responding to urgent needs through creativity, compassion and resilience, whether through food, shelter, income or opportunity. This will be an evening to reflect on what it means to meet essential needs in ways that uphold dignity, equity and care, guided by a knowledgeable group of panelists including:
-
Hadley Phillips, Volunteer Coordinator at the Cambridge Food Bank. Hadley leads the recruitment, training, and engagement of over 300 volunteers each year, empowering them as essential partners crucial to the Food Bank’s mission of building health and belonging through food, education, and advocacy.
-
Martin Asling, founder of Yes in My Backyard, which advocates for more housing, a greater variety in housing types and more social housing, all with the goal to make housing more affordable in Waterloo Region.
-
Ann Asabia Olutade, founder of Women of Grace International, TKTEE Foods, Midat African Caribbean Market, and Bold Steps Consulting. Through these initiatives, Ann helps address food security, support newcomers and provide economic empowerment to women and families across Waterloo Region.
The talk will be facilitated by Ritika Shrimali, Coordinator of the Civic Hub program at the Social Development Centre Waterloo Region. A passionate community organizer who works closely with local grassroots partners at the Hub, Ritika helps them access the infrastructure and support they need. Her perspective will bring valuable insight to this important discussion.
Join us for an evening of thoughtful conversation, networking, and light refreshments. All are welcome to attend this free event but registration is recommended.
While this is the last formal SDG Talk of 2025, we will be hosting our annual Eco-Friendly Holiday Market to showcase and support local businesses who align with the SDG Goals. Join us on December 12 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Victoria Park Pavilion to enjoy an evening of holiday shopping while supporting local entrepreneurs.
To learn more about November's SDG Talk, visit SDGIdeaFactory.ca or register to attend on the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre’s website.
Contact Us
City of Kitchener
200 King Street West,
Kitchener, Ontario
Telephone: 519-741-2345,
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
mailto:info@kitchener.ca