After days of worship, learning, laughter, advocacy, dancing, games, and new connections, participants packed their belongings and began the journey home.
With bagged lunches in hand, youth, young adults, and those who accompanied and supported them headed back to their communities. Young global partners also began their longer journeys home. Leftover food from the gathering was shared with a nearby shelter supporting people who are unhoused, carrying the spirit of community beyond Collective itself. Financial donations were also collected for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, which works ecumenically to end global hunger.
One youth participant summed up the bittersweet feeling: “I wish there was another Collective happening next year!”
While Collective 2026 may be over, we know what was experienced there continues: new friendships, deeper faith, renewed courage, and the knowledge that we do not journey alone.
May all the youth, young adults, global partners, volunteers, and leaders go with courage, with peace, and with a deep sense of belonging.
May we continue to support one another, brace the sometimes difficult realities we face in this world, and (em)brace one another for collective impact.
Learn more about Collective 2026 here: https://www.collective-gathering.ca/
Follow them on Facebook here: https://bit.ly/Collective2026 and Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/collective_gathering_2026/
Find photos here: https://bit.ly/collective2026_photos
