More than 100 faith and community leaders gathered on June 28 to celebrate the retirement of Rev. Joanne Hedge, Co-Chair of the Interfaith Council of Peel (ICP), recognizing her outstanding leadership in advancing interfaith dialogue, mutual understanding, and community harmony. During the celebration, Rev. Julie Meacham was welcomed as the Council's new Co-Chair, continuing ICP's mission of fostering cooperation among diverse faith communities.

Held at Applewood United Church, the event brought together representatives from Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Zoroastrian, and Bahá'í communities. Among the guests were Venerable Chueh Fan, Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, and Wilson Yau, Head of the Localization Team, who joined Mayor Carolyn Parrish, City Councillors Stephen Dasko and Brad Butt, along with other community leaders, in honoring Rev. Hedge's dedicated service.

For more than a decade, Rev. Joanne Hedge has faithfully served Applewood United Church and has been a respected leader in the interfaith community. During her tenure as Co-Chair of the Interfaith Council of Peel, she led with compassion, humility, integrity, and a deep respect for diversity. Through her commitment to dialogue and collaboration, she fostered meaningful relationships among faith communities, promoting mutual understanding, building trust, and inspiring a shared commitment to serving the broader community.

The gathering reflected Peel Region's rich multicultural and multifaith community, with participants ranging in age from four to ninety-five, demonstrating a shared commitment across generations to building a more inclusive and compassionate society.

On behalf of Fo Guang Shan Temple of Toronto, Venerable Chueh Fan and Wilson Yau expressed their sincere appreciation to Rev. Hedge for her years of dedicated service and wished her a joyful and fulfilling retirement. They also extended their best wishes to Rev. Julie Meacham as she begins her new leadership role.

Mayor Carolyn Parrish and City Councillor Stephen Dasko presented appreciation awards to Rev. Hedge. The celebration concluded with three musical performances, offering heartfelt tributes and best wishes as she begins this new chapter of her life.