by Debora Spadafora

Created on: September 19, 2009   Last Updated: September 23, 2009

To devote a portion of one's leisure to doing something for someone else is one of the highest forms of recreation. Gerald B. Fitzgerald

There is no better way to show true spirit than that of getting to know your neighbours. It's a very small gesture that can go a long way in building a healthy community.

Getting neighbours together is not a difficult task by any stretch of the imagination. All it takes is initiative and good planning. One might say yes but what if your neighbours don't get along. All the more reason for planning such an event to build relationships.

One such way of promoting community spirit is having an open house when you first move into a new neighbourhood and inviting your neighbours over. This is the best way to get to know your neighbours and to introduce yourself to the community.

My husband and I moved to a small naval town in Nova Scotia, Canada a few years ago and since we were not only new to the community but also new to that Province, we acknowledged the advantages of getting to know our neighbours.

We organized a street party and invited everyone in the neighbourhood. During the day, there were families with children, then later on in the evening, the adults celebrated the evening with us. Much to our surprise, even the police dropped in for a bite and introduced themselves to us. This event opened many doors for us as it introduced us to many prominent people in our community.

Getting your neighbours together not only demonstrates your desire to be part of the community but it also establishes goodwill. A lot can be said for having good neighbours and the following incident demonstrates this point infinitely.

Six months after we moved into the neighbourhood and built our dream home, we were confronted by a bizarre situation. I was pursued by a stalker whose intent was to get to me and according to his threats eventually kill me.

Our lives were turned upside down as we tried to live with the constant threats and abuses. Had it not been for those wonderful neighbours, we would never have been able to keep our sanity. They were our eyes and ears throughout it all and were always there to assist us in whatever our needs. Their strength became our strength and helped us through this ordeal.

Again, I will reiterate, a lot can be said for getting to know your neighbours.

Another good reason for getting your neighbours together is to promote a bond within the community. If there is a need within the community, it can be met if everyone knew something about their neighbours. From this bond, a community can thrive. Yet all it takes is a big effort on your part and a little of your time.

There are many way to get your neighbours together. Have a barbeque, organize a games day, celebrate a birthday or anniversary. Most people like to feel thought of in a special way. Take the time to send personalized invitations out. Organize a meal that will appeal to everyone, by this I mean, take into account some people may be vegetarians so going the extra mile to address this issue will be greatly appreciated.

Think of the many times you've read of neighbours who came to their fellow neighbour's assistance in the case of a crisis such as child gone missing and neighbours rallied together to search for the lost child. But why wait for a situation such as this to get to know your neighbours. Make the move, take that step and get to know your neighbours now. Get them together and have a community you will be proud to say you're a part of.

I believe David Baird said it best when he said: We must assert that which already exists deep within us namely a sense of kinship with all those with whom we share this earth.

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