Small Town, Big Respect: Community Respect Campaign Officially Launches in Centre Hastings
On August 27, 2026, the Municipality of Centre Hastings officially launched the Small Town, Big Respect: Community Respect Campaign, a six-week community-wide initiative dedicated to promoting kindness, inclusion, respect, and civic pride throughout our municipality.
The campaign was developed following discussions and direction from Council, recognizing the importance of fostering a positive, welcoming, and respectful community for all residents, businesses, organizations, volunteers, and visitors. Through this initiative, Council is encouraging everyone to play a role in building a stronger, more connected, and more inclusive Centre Hastings.
(Pictured left to right: Councillor Mike Kerby, Councillor Kevin McLaughlin, Summer Student Corral Convey, Councillor Judy Brant, Deputy Mayor Eric Sandford, Community Development Officer Brock Kerby and Mayor Tom Deline).
The Small Town, Big Respect Campaign invites residents, businesses, service clubs, sports teams, community organizations, and visitors to take the Respect Pledge and demonstrate their commitment to creating a community where everyone feels valued, welcomed, and respected. Throughout the six-week campaign, a variety of awareness and engagement activities will encourage positive interactions, celebrate community pride, and reinforce the values that make Centre Hastings a great place to live, work, and visit.
To help launch the campaign, youth participating in the Municipality's Summer Youth Drop-In Program took part in a special community engagement activity that put respect at the forefront. Youth painted campaign T-shirts featuring colourful handprints and the word "RESPECT" prominently displayed across the shirts.
The handprints represent the idea that every person has the power to make a positive impact through their actions. Whether it is showing kindness to a neighbour, volunteering in the community, supporting local organizations, welcoming newcomers, or simply treating others with dignity, every hand can help build a stronger community founded on respect.
The youth-designed shirts are a powerful reminder that respect starts with each of us. They also highlight the important role young people play in shaping the future of Centre Hastings and demonstrate how community values can be shared across generations.
Throughout the campaign, Council and municipal staff will proudly wear the youth-designed RESPECT shirts to promote the initiative and inspire others to become involved. Their participation reflects a shared commitment to fostering a culture of respect and leading by example within our community.
(Pictured left to right: Councillor Mike Kerby, Councillor Kevin McLaughlin, Summer Student Corral Convey, Councillor Judy Brant, Deputy Mayor Eric Sandford, Community Development Officer Brock Kerby and Mayor Tom Deline).
Residents, businesses, organizations, service clubs, sports teams, and community groups are encouraged to get involved by taking the Small Town, Big Respect Pledge and showing their commitment to building a welcoming and respectful community. To learn more about the campaign, access campaign resources, and download the Respect Pledge, please visit the Small Town, Big Respect Campaign webpage. Participants are encouraged to share their pledge, take photos as an individual or group, and tag the Municipality of Centre Hastings on social media to help spread the message of respect, kindness, inclusion, and community pride throughout Centre Hastings.
This campaign is for everyone. Whether you are a resident, business owner, volunteer, student, service club member, community organization, sports team, or visitor, your participation can help make a difference.
Council and staff are taking the initiative. How about you?
Join us in demonstrating that respect is more than a word. It is a commitment to how we treat one another and how we build the future of our community. Together, we can strengthen community connections, celebrate diversity, encourage positive interactions, and show what can be achieved when a community comes together with respect at its core.
Take the Pledge. Share the Message. Be the Difference.
Visit the Small Town, Big Respect Campaign webpage to download your Respect Pledge, access campaign resources, and join the movement today. Share your participation online and tag the Municipality of Centre Hastings on social media to show your support and inspire others to take part.
Small Town, Big Respect. Because respect begins with all of us.