Windsor hosts first Unity Summit

An event saw community services in Windsor-Essex gather in one place, giving greater access to residents.

A first-of-its-kind summit for Windsor brought together dozens of community resources on Sunday all under one roof.

More than 300 people registered for the Humanity First Unity Summit, held at the Caboto Club.

The event featured about 45 organizations, including charities, health authorities, and emergency services.

Dr. Nauman Iftikhar, the organizer of the event, told CTV News the goal was, in part, to help educate and inform people about the services in the community.

“I think collaboration brings my communication and brings, you know, evolution of everything which we do, and I think communication and cooperation is a key for everything,” he said.

At the beginning of the event, people spoke with medical professionals, learned more about resources in the region and even received some hands-on medical training.

As part of the day, events featured courses on basic life support, disaster relief and a medical assessment.

Basic testing, such as breathing, blood pressure and glucose, Iftikhar noted, are essential but can sometimes be forgotten.

“So, people will be having 1 to 1 Hands-On opportunity to learn how to do effective CPR, how to use an AED and know about their health and recommendations from the health professionals and know how to prepare for an emergency,” he said.

The day featured presentations from local charities, elected officials and emergency responders.

When asked about the challenges in society they hope to address, Iftikhar said they’re often related to ignorance.

“Working on our own…not outreaching everyone, not knowing the resources that we have, and not supporting one another,” explained the Windsor-based doctor.

Iftikhar hopes to make the summit an annual feature in Windsor-Essex.