“Hi, my name’s Lydia Di Francesco.
I live in Centretown and I’m a community leader here in the area.
So I’ve been, for the past four years, one of the main organizers for Italian Week Ottawa.
I’m part Italian and so it’s been a joy for me to reconnect with my community there and help support creating a super fun festival.
I’m also one of the admins for a Buy Nothing Group here locally.
Buy Nothing Group is a space where people can offer a gift of a service or an item and also ask for or receive gifts.
It’s a really great way to keep things out of the trash and out of the recycle bins and for people to save money.
We have a lot of new immigrants that are often looking for things and people willing to donate.
I love being a part of the group because it’s a great way to meet people that live in my neighbourhood and it’s also a great way for me to purge some of the items that I no longer need or acquire some items.
And it’s honestly such a great group.
Everyone is super generous and really kind.
And it’s fun to meet people even as I walk around and see friendly faces in the neighborhood.
They’re all very hyperlocal, especially here in Centertown.
We have four groups and so if that’s something that you’re not a part of, I definitely encourage you to seek out and join one of your local groups.”
Lydia Di Francesco
Community Leader
@lydiadifrancesco1
