How it started:
The Heritage Community Association initially started the project in response to Islamophobia in Canada and the United States. They created lawn signs so that people throughout the city could show their support to their Muslim neighbours and help newcomers feel welcome. The signs read “I’m glad we are neighbours” and the word welcome in many different languages. It is a simple phrase with a powerful message of acceptance and welcoming.
Our vision at the Regina Open Door Society is to build a welcoming community enriched by the diversity and strength of newcomers to Canada. So we have partnered with the Heritage Community Association to bring this project back to the community.
The sign includes the message “I’m glad we are Neighbours”, and the word “Welcome” in these languages:
- Filipino
- Hebrew
- Urdu
- Dari
- Farsi
- Malayalam
- Korean
- English
- Burmese
- Ukrainian
- Simplified Chinese
- Turkish
- Igbo
- Cebuano
- Arabic
- Nepali
- French
- Cree
- Ojibwe
- Saulteaux
- Michif
- Wolof
- Pashto
- Gujrati
- Serbian
- Croatian
- Amharic
- Marathi
- Spanish
- Punjabi
- Karen
- Ilocano
- Tamil
- Romanian
- Yoruba
- Tigrinya
- Italian
- Hindi
- Vietnamese
- German
- Twi
- Swahili
- Bengali
- Polish
“I’m glad we are neighbours” hoodie
In partnership with the Graphic Communications program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, we have transformed the iconic welcome signs into wearable works of art.
Our vision was simple yet profound—to embody the spirit of hospitality and carry it with us wherever we go. Together with the talented students, we crafted a design that captures the essence of welcoming streets, adorned with the word “welcome” in multiple languages. The heartwarming phrase “I’m glad we are neighbours” graces the hoodie’s center, embracing the welcoming spirit of our community.
Every detail has been meticulously crafted, including the tags that accompany these one-of-a-kind hoodies. Each tag is a testament to the passion and creativity poured into this collaboration, a small but meaningful touch that completes the experience.
We are beyond thrilled to share this extraordinary venture with all of you. The culmination of our efforts will be celebrated at the grand launch during the Cathedral Arts Festival. Mark your calendars, as these limited edition hoodies will be available in four vibrant colours: Blue, Green, Orange, and Black. With sizes ranging from small to 2XL, we have the perfect fit to embrace your sense of belonging.
