ABOUT CCKF
The history of our beautiful city, Kingston, is as diverse as the people that call it home. Originally a French trading post named “Cataraqui”, it only became known as Kingston when the British took over in the mid-eighteenth century. Back then there were just three distinct cultures that were the overwhelming majority, but the range and prevalence of our demographics grow exponentially every year. Now our old city, sitting between the beginning of the St. Lawrence River and the mouth of the Cataraqui River is been a leading example of what it means to be Canadian and the cultural diversity that makes our true north strong and free.
The Canadian Colours of Kingston Foundation aims to continue to foster and promote the diversity, inclusion and equity that has made Kingston such a harmonious city for all Canadians. We believe that the diverse cultures and religions that make up our great city should be a source of strength. Equity goes hand-in-hand with Canadian values and that, regardless of background, beliefs, and culture, we all have the right to feel welcome and at peace with our neighbours. We can always celebrate and appreciate the individual cultural differences of our fellow Canadians and doing so is the true Canadian way. We created the Canadian Colours of Kingston Foundation to bring our different cultures together and build a city of understanding and communication by changing the narrative and understanding of true diversity.
MISSION & VALUES
CCKF’s goal is to create a community that understands, embraces and celebrates everyone’s cultural, religious and/or ethnic backgrounds to pass down the Canadian value of multicultrualism to the generations after us. This can only be done together, by accepting and following the Canadian values, culture, etc. we all share in this country. This will result in a community that is truly diverse with a strong connection to Canadian spirit.
Acceptance & Understanding
Tolerance and appreciation of our ethnic, cultural, religious, and identity diversity start with a “Hello”. By establishing open and honest channels of communication we can create a productive and ongoing dialogue that helps all who engage build a greater understanding and compassion for their fellow Canadians.
The Kingston area has one of the most diverse populations in the country, with a place of worship for tens of religions, dozens of spoken languages by hundreds of different ethnic backgrounds, and thousands of individual stories or histories.
While we may all be very different, we’re united in the belief that Canada offers the best opportunity for us and our families and we are all proud to be living in this country. When we open our hearts and minds to engaging with our fellow Kingstonians, we can all begin to see that in our Canadian pride, we are all the same. So the CCKF urges you to take the first step and say “Hello!” to someone new.
Learning & Growing With History
Just like ancient fables, the stories we can tell can teach us all. Everyone has their own history and customs, experiences that shape our beliefs and perspectives of what it means to be a Canadian. Many of us have a unique ethnic background with its own culture and we cannot be made to feel like it should be left behind or forgotten. Many others have a long history in Canada, with traditions that date back centuries, and those traditions should never be made to be forgotten.
Our traditions and beliefs are a valuable part of who we are, and our fellow Canadians can benefit from learning about our past and we can grow by learning about theirs. They present ways of thinking and solutions that you may never have considered before, enriching ideas that you never would have learned of otherwise. We all should learn from our fellow Canadians and work towards a greater country.
Our mission is to facilitate this experience and encourage the various individuals in our community to come together and share their experiences. Accepting and learning about the various cultures that make up our community. When we create a space for everyone to learn from and share with each other, we create the best version of our city and nation that we can, little by little.
A Forum For Guidance
When you first arrive in a new country it can be a difficult transition – even in a country as open and tolerant as Canada. You may not be familiar with the customs, the language, or the different beliefs and backgrounds that you can see in the country and that is ok.
Our foundation recognizes the challenges that new Canadians are facing and we aim to help bridge that gap. We want to be a place of guidance that will help you learn about what it means to be a Canadian in a city like Kingston. To connect you with your new friends and neighbours and feel that you are where you belong from day one.
It’s our goal to show you how to truly integrate into Canadian society and adopt its values, by helping our city be as welcoming as it can be. The road that brought us here and made us part of the Canadian family is different for everyone, but it has reached the same destination every time and now that we’ve chosen Canada as our new home, we need to help share its values with each other. That way, we can all become true Canadians
The Path Forward
One of the greatest things about Canada is that we can practice our customs and traditions freely. Canada is a country dedicated to multiculturalism and diversity in everything it does. It was founded on a belief that all Canadians, new and old, bring with them something valuable to share with the country. We believe that the rich and diverse cultural past of our ancestors should be celebrated and remembered.
The Colours of Kingston Foundation believes strongly in the importance of every story, belief, background, and individual that makes up our community. There’s no reason we can’t celebrate the customs and traditions of our ancestry in our homes and share them with our community. Those traditions can and should be valued, as that is the Canadian way.
Our country and city are a rich mosaic of cultural diversity that makes us stronger with each piece. We also have a strong Canadian value system which enables so many different cultures to live and together we create a brilliant and vibrant community to live in for generations.
NEWS & GALLERY
Celebrating Unity: A Night to Remember at the 8th Annual Diversity Dinner
We are thrilled to share the overwhelming success of the 8th Annual Diversity Dinner hosted by the Canadian Colours Kingston Foundation. Held recently in Kingston, Ontario, this memorable event brought together a vibrant tapestry of community members, local organizations, volunteers, and esteemed guests in a warm celebration of cultural diversity, inclusion, and community spirit. With over 400 attendees, this year's dinner was a beautiful reflection of Kingston's rich multicultural identity. The evening was filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful connections, highlighting the importance of coming together to learn, appreciate, and celebrate our unique backgrounds and shared humanity. Guests enjoyed an array of delicious dishes from around the world, carefully prepared and served with love and enthusiasm by our incredible volunteer teams. The diverse cuisine not only delighted our palates but also served as a bridge connecting cultures through the universal language of food. A highlight of the evening was the inspiring stories shared by speakers representing various communities, reminding us all of the strength found in unity and the richness gained through embracing diversity. Their messages resonated deeply, encouraging continued dialogue and action toward greater inclusion. Special thanks go to the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area, École secondaire publique Mille-Îles, and Conseil des écoles publiques de l'Est de l'Ontario (CEPEO) for their invaluable support and partnership, making this event possible. We extend heartfelt gratitude to our amazing volunteers whose dedication, hard work, and vibrant energy truly made the evening unforgettable. Your contributions exemplify the power of teamwork and community service. Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who attended, bringing openness, curiosity, and warmth, making the Diversity Dinner a resounding success. Events like these reinforce why we are committed to fostering inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued, and celebrated. We look forward to seeing you again next year as we continue to celebrate our beautiful, diverse community together! Warm regards, The Canadian Colours Kingston Foundation Team
COMING SOON: A night of connection, culture, and community!
The Canadian Colours Kingston Foundation (CCKF), in proud partnership with the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area (CFKA), École Secondaire Publique Mille-Îles and Conseiller des écoles publiques de I'Est de I'Ontario, invites you to the 8th Annual Diversity Dinner.
This year’s theme — Resilience Through Diversity — reflects the spirit of Kingston’s evolving community: one that celebrates stories, fosters unity, and empowers change.
What to expect:
🌍 Experience diverse cuisines from various cultures 🎤 Listen to inspiring stories from community leaders 💃 Enjoy cultural performances showcasing Kingston’s rich heritage 🤝 Connect with like-minded individuals who believe in inclusivityMark your calendar:
May 10, 2025 | 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
École Secondaire Publique Mille-Îles,1290 Wheathill St., Kingston, ON K7M 0A7
RSVP now (free but required): https://cfka.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/event?event_date_id=2091
Let’s come together to share stories, build bridges, and move forward—stronger and united.
#DiversityDinner #CCKF #CFKA #CommunityUnity #KingstonEvents #InclusiveFuture #TogetherWeGrow #ResilienceThroughDiversity
Our Goal: 100 Brand New Blankets
This year, the goal is to purchase and donate 100 brand new blankets to provide warmth and comfort to individuals struggling with homelessness. The community’s support is essential to achieving this goal and ensuring that no one is left out in the cold.
How You Can Help
The Blanket Drive is currently in progress, and donations are welcome! Here’s how you can contribute: 🧥 Donate a new blanket – Every donation directly helps someone in need. 💵 Make a financial contribution – Funds will go toward purchasing blankets for distribution. 📍 Spread the word – Share the initiative with friends, family, and on social media using #KingstonBlanketDrive.
Join the Movement of Kindness
The Blanket Drive 2025 is more than just a donation campaign—it’s about community, compassion, and making a tangible impact. With your help, we can ensure that Kingston’s most vulnerable residents have warmth and comfort during the harshest months of the year.
We will continue to update this blog as the initiative progresses, sharing milestones and success stories along the way. Stay tuned for more details on donation locations and distribution efforts!
To get involved or contribute, reach out to Jimmy Hassan or the Canadian Colours Kingston Foundation today.
Let’s spread warmth, one blanket at a time!
#BlanketDrive2025 #CommunitySupport #KingstonCares #CCKF #SpreadWarmth
PHOTO GALLERY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jimmy Hassan
Founder and President
Franchise Owner of Pizza Pizza at 705-277 Bath Road
Producer/Host Community Voices @YourTV (Cogeco)
City Counsellor, Trillium District, Kingston, Ontario
Deputy Mayor, Kingston, Ontario
Originally from Pakistan, Jimmy immigrated to California in 1994, moving to Canada in 1998. After living and working for several years in Montreal and Toronto, Jimmy and his wife settled in Kingston where he started a business, his family, and the Canadian Colours Kingston Foundation.
Cell: 613-888-6760 | Email: jimmyhassan@hotmail.com
Coordinator-CCKF
Rumit Sohal | Cell: 613-328-8764 | Email: rumit_sohal@yahoo.ca
OUR COMMUNITY
The Canadian Colours Kingston Community
CCKF’s membership represents a large portion of the Canadian community in the Kingston area. We share our beliefs with new Canadians, citizens who were born and raised, and the indigenous people who have occupied this land for generations before us. We want to continue to share these beliefs with our future generations of Kingstonians. Our strengths come from our differences and sharing these stories with one another will help us all grow and learn together while providing a path to empower and educate new and incoming Canadians. Canada is our home, and we share our experiences in order to further build out a strong, diverse community with strong connections to Canadian values.
CCKF hosts regular events, fundraisers, and community-led programs. If you are interested in learning more, getting involved or showing your support, check our NEWS & GALLERY section for updates.