IDI GTA

Intercultural Dialogue Institute (IDI) is a charitable organization whose purpose is to promote respect and mutual understanding among all cultures and faiths.

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

✨ Concluding Our 2026 Public Heroes Recognitions ✨

As we continue our Public Heroes highlights, we close with individuals and a team whose stories remind us that service takes many forms — leadership, mentorship, compassion, teamwork, and community care.

🏅 Staff Sergeant Neil Rambharack – Toronto Police Service
With over 25 years of service, Staff Sergeant Rambharack leads the Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) Team at the forefront of community-based policing. His collaboration with Toronto Public Health and initiatives including Heather’s Corner and the Heather Rambharack Legacy Award reflect compassion, leadership, and commitment to public service. @TorontoPolice

🙏 Our thanks to Colin Stairs, Chief Transformation Officer.

🏅 Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Payton – HMCS York
With over 29 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class Payton serves as Coxswain at HMCS YORK, leading and mentoring over 400 members. Beyond military service, his volunteer work with Scouts Canada reflects dedication to youth leadership and community values. @HMCS_NCSM_YORK

🙏 Our thanks to Commander Paul Smith.

🏅 Team Award: Traffic Sergeant Peggy Horton & Provincial Constable Taylor Konkle – Ontario Provincial Police
Together, Sergeant Horton and PC Konkle led a large-scale Holiday Drive across Toronto and Whitby, mobilizing officers, businesses, and community members. Their efforts collected thousands of pounds of food, essential supplies, and over $7,400 in donations supporting shelters, youth, and families in need. @OPP_HSD

🙏 Our thanks to Chief Superintendent André Phelps.

With these final honourees, we conclude our 2026 Public Heroes highlights — but the impact of their stories continues far beyond the stage.

Thank you to all our Public Heroes for serving not only with duty, but with heart.

#PH2025 #15thAnniversary #FirstResponders #SocialCohesion #hizmetcares

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

For over a decade, the Public Heroes Awards has served as more than a ceremony; it has been a structured platform for recognizing service beyond the call of duty.

As a flagship program of the Intercultural Dialogue Institute GTA, it is dedicated to recognizing individuals and teams who demonstrate exceptional service beyond their professional responsibilities.

At its core, the program is guided by three key principles: altruism, dedication, and community service.

Each year, nominations are carefully reviewed in collaboration with public institutions to identify those whose contributions extend beyond their professional responsibilities and reflect a sustained commitment to the communities they serve.

Marking its 15th anniversary, this year’s program brought together representatives from first responder services, public institutions, and community partners across the GTA — highlighting not only individual achievements, but also the shared values that sustain trust and social cohesion.

We are also grateful to our partner organizations and community collaborators, whose continued support and engagement remain essential to the strength and impact of this program. @OPP_HSD @HMCS_NCSM_YORK @TorontoMedics @TorontoPolice @BramptonFireES

From the opening ceremony and keynote reflections to the award presentations, the evening reflected the purpose of the program: to make visible the often-unseen efforts that support our communities every day.

Through this initiative, the Intercultural Dialogue Institute GTA continues to provide a platform where stories of service are recognized, shared, and carried forward.

We now turn to the individuals behind this year’s recognitions.

We also extend our sincere appreciation for the special video message from The Honourable @fordnation and thank The Honourable @TeamKerzner and @MppGualtieri for their valued support.

#PH2025 #15thAnniversary #firstresponders #socialcohesion #hizmetcares

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

✨ Continuing Our Public Heroes Recognition ✨

Behind every recognition is a story — not only of duty, but of character, compassion, and service beyond expectation.

Today, we highlight the first group of our 2026 Public Heroes, whose work reflects the values at the heart of this program: altruism, dedication, and community service.

🏅 Superintendent Chris Josiah – Ontario Provincial Police
With over 29 years of leadership in major crime, intelligence, and regional command, Superintendent Josiah has shown outstanding commitment to public safety. Beyond policing, his work with NACCA, youth mentorship, and community programming reflects dedication to equity, inclusion, and stronger communities. @OPP_HSD

🙏 Our thanks to Chief Superintendent André Phelps.

🏅 Captain Ron Lyons – Brampton Fire & Emergency Services
With over 25 years of service, Captain Lyons has demonstrated leadership, courage, and compassion in protecting his community. Through mentorship and charitable initiatives, his work reflects integrity and selflessness. @BramptonFireES

🙏 Our thanks to by Chief Andy Glynn.

🏅 Carly-Ann Munns – Toronto Paramedic Services
As an Emergency Medical Dispatcher and Training Officer, Carly-Ann supports both the public and her colleagues as a vital “first-first responder.” Her involvement in peer support, youth initiatives, and food security reflects a lifelong commitment to service. @TorontoMedics

🙏 Our thanks to Deputy Chief Janice Baine.

🏅 Provincial Constable Walker Lewis – Ontario Provincial Police
From mentoring and northern deployments to leading the Keeping Ontario Warm initiative, Provincial Constable Lewis has demonstrated leadership, compassion, and commitment to inclusive communities. @OPP_HSD

🙏 Our thanks to Chief Superintendent André Phelps.

These Public Heroes remind us that service is not always loud — but its impact is deeply felt. #PH2025 #15thAnniversary #FirstResponders #SocialCohesion #hizmetcares

[Silvia Gualtieri @MppGualtieri]

I was pleased to attend the Public Heroes Awards hosted by the Intercultural Dialogue Institute GTA.

Since 2011, these awards have recognized the incredible work of police, fire, and paramedic services across the GTA, celebrating those who serve with excellence in one of the most diverse regions in the world.

Congratulations to all the winners. Your service reflects the very best of the Ontario.

#MPP #Mississauga #Mississaugaeastcooksville #inthecommunity #community

[OPP Highway Safety Division @OPP_HSD]

Last night, members of #OPPHSD attended the 15th Annual Police Heroes Awards Ceremony hosted by the Intercultural Dialogue Institute GTA @IDIGTA.

It was a wonderful evening of music, food, and meaningful engagement with community members.

Superintendent Josiah, Sergeant Horton, Provincial Constable Lewis, and Provincial Constable Konkle were recognised for their outstanding contributions and exemplary accomplishments in the areas of altruism, dedication, and community involvement. The awards were presented by Chief Superintendent Phelps of #OPPHSD.
#Community #PH2025 #WorkingTogether #OPPCommunityEngagement ^tk

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

On #EarthDay, we were honoured to be partner of the Interfaith Youth Forum, bringing together over 100 young people from diverse faith traditions 🌍

Grateful to @marywardcentre for their leadership, and to partners including @NileAcademy, TCDSB Indigenous Education, Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, and Green Ummah.

A meaningful space where dialogue inspired reflection, responsibility, and action for our common home.

#Interfaith #Dialogue #Youth #Toronto #EarthDay #hizmetcares

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

On April 13, we hosted the 5th session of our Scriptural Reasoning series on “Friendship” with the contributions of the @TorSchTheology.

Through selected passages from both sacred texts, participants explored the meaning of friendship as a relationship rooted in loyalty, mutual support, and spiritual connection. The discussion created a thoughtful space for reflection, dialogue, and deeper understanding across traditions.

We extend our sincere thanks to our facilitators and to all participants for their openness and engagement.

#ScripturalReasoning #InterfaithDialogue #Friendship #Community #IDI #Toronto #Dialogue #HizmetCares

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

This Easter, we celebrate hope, renewal, and the power of human connection.

May this season inspire peace, friendship, and understanding across all communities.

Happy Easter from IDI GTA ✨

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

Warm wishes from IDI GTA this Passover 🌿✨

As our Jewish neighbours celebrate this meaningful festival of freedom and hope, we join in recognizing the enduring values that bring communities together: compassion, resilience, and the importance of remembering shared histories.

May this Passover bring peace, happiness, and renewal to you and your loved ones. May your homes be filled with warmth, cherished traditions, and sweet memories around the table.

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

May Nowruz bring happiness, health, and success into your life.

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

A shared table,
warm conversations,
a memorable evening.

Our Friendship Iftar Dinner, held together with @holyblossom on March 17, once again reminded us how friendship and dialogue grow when people come together around the same table.

We extend our sincere thanks to Ontario Solicitor General @TeamKerzner , MPP @stephaniesmyth smyth, and Councillor @JoshMatlow for honouring us with their presence and making this evening even more meaningful.

We are also deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this beautiful evening possible.

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

Recap from our March 15 Student Friendship Iftar Dinner✨

An evening of friendship, connection, and shared moments with students from different backgrounds.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made it such a special night.

More than an iftar, it was a beautiful reminder that friendship grows through conversation.

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

A few beautiful moments from our March 13 Interfaith Ramadan Iftar Dinner.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of friendship, reflection, and shared blessings.

Special thanks to @MaryWard_Centre and the Office for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, @archtoronto , for their wonderful partnership and hospitality.

[Michael Kerzner @TeamKerzner]

As Ramadan draws to a close, I attended a local Iftar last evening organized by @holyblossom Temple and @IDIGTA.

Ramadan reminds us that each day we should welcome faith into our lives so that we can be more compassionate and tolerant of one another.

Now more than ever we must stand together in unity around the values that bind our country and province - friendship, respect and standing together!

#RamadanMubarak
#EidMubarak
@RabbiSCK

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

On March 8, IDI GTA hosted a Multifaith Iftar Dinner at Manor Road United Church in Toronto, welcoming 110 guests from diverse cultures and faith traditions.

As the evening also coincided with International Women’s Day, we shared roses with our women guests as a small gesture of appreciation. 💐 The program featured a peace-themed keynote talk and a mini peace concert, creating a warm atmosphere of dialogue, reflection, and friendship.

In times when the world often feels divided, evenings like this remind us that peace can begin in simple moments—sharing a table, listening to one another, and building genuine connections.

#Ramadan #Interfaith #Dialogue #Peace #Toronto #Hizmetcares

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

As we mark the Year of the Horse — a symbol of strength, determination, and progress — we look forward to the opportunities and positive momentum the year ahead will bring.

On behalf of Intercultural Dialogue Institute (IDI) GTA, we extend our warmest wishes to everyone celebrating across Canada. Wishing you a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year!

#HappyChineseNewYear #ChineseNewYear2026 #YearOfTheHorse #GoodFortune #NewBeginnings #hizmetcares

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

To all who are observing, #ramadanmubarak! 🌙

May this be a season of reflection, compassion, and shared humanity—bringing peace to our hearts, mercy to our communities, and hope to our common future.

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and meaningful month.

#ramadan #ramadan2026 #hizmetcares

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

We are profoundly saddened by the tragic attack at the school in #TumblerRidge. Our hearts are with the students, families, educators, and all those whose lives have been so deeply shaken by this senseless act of violence.

In a close-knit community, such loss is felt far beyond the school walls. We can only begin to imagine the grief, fear, and uncertainty facing families and neighbours as they seek answers, healing, and strength.

We extend our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and we hold in our thoughts all who are recovering or awaiting news of those they care for. We also express our sincere gratitude to first responders, healthcare workers, and all those who acted with courage and compassion in the face of this tragedy.

At this difficult moment, we stand in solidarity with the people of #TumblerRidge and with all Canadians, reaffirming our shared commitment to care, empathy, and the safety and dignity of every child and every community.

[IDI GTA @IDIGTA]

💖 Galentine’s Girls Night

An evening dedicated to friendship, connection, and celebrating the strength of women.

This special gathering brings women together in a warm and joyful atmosphere to share stories, laughter, and meaningful moments.

At Intercultural Dialogue Institute GTA, we believe that community is built through simple but intentional spaces where people feel seen, supported, and connected.

✨ Dress in red or pink, bring your energy, and join us for a night of togetherness and celebration.

📅 February 15
⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 North York

#GalentinesNight #GirlsNight #CommunityConnection #WomenSupportingWomen #IDIGTA #TogetherWeGrow