International Children's Expo 2026 Celebrates Youth Excellence, Community Leadership, and Cultural Diversity

The International Children’s Expo 2026 Directors alongside Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe and Pickering Regional Councillor David Pickles, Photo Courtesy of Frame 24

Posted on June 22, 2026

The International Children's Expo 2026, organized by the Lucky Exclusive Foundation, was a remarkable success, bringing together children, families, community leaders, entrepreneurs, performers, and supporters from across the Greater Toronto Area for a day filled with inspiration, entertainment, recognition, and cultural celebration. Held at the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex in Pickering, the event attracted hundreds of attendees who gathered to celebrate the achievements of young people while supporting a charitable initiative dedicated to empowering future generations.

The Expo showcased a vibrant and engaging atmosphere throughout the day, featuring live entertainment, awards presentations, community exhibits, vendor showcases, and opportunities for families to connect and celebrate together. Guests enjoyed a wide variety of performances from talented singers, dancers, musicians, and entertainers who represented the diverse cultures and communities that make up the region. The continuous lineup of performances kept audiences engaged from morning until evening and highlighted the extraordinary talents of children and youth from various backgrounds.

The event also welcomed several distinguished elected officials who attended to show their support and offer their congratulations to the organizers, volunteers, participants, and families. Among those in attendance were Juanita Nathan, Member of Parliament for Pickering—Brooklin; Logan Kanapathi, Member of Provincial Parliament for Markham—Thornhill and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Red Tape Reduction; Neethan Shan, City Councillor for Ward 25 Scarborough—Rouge Park; Kevin Ashe, Mayor of the City of Pickering; and David Pickles, Regional Councillor for Ward 3 in the City of Pickering. Each dignitary extended their best wishes and commended the organizers for creating an event that celebrates children, encourages community involvement, and promotes cultural diversity.

Neethan Shan, City Councillor for Ward 25 Scarborough—Rouge Park addressing the audience, Photo Courtesy of Frame 24

Logan Kanapathi, Member of Provincial Parliament for Markham—Thornhill and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Red Tape Reduction addressing the audience, Photo Courtesy of Frame 24

One of the most anticipated moments of the day was the presentation of the Children's Icon of the Year Awards, which recognized five outstanding young individuals for their exceptional achievements, leadership, talent, and dedication. The recipients included Aarush Suren, Nathalie Bondoc, Erline Belardo, Surekha Ganeshathasan, and Rishi Sriskanthan. Each recipient has distinguished themselves through their accomplishments and commitment to excellence, serving as positive role models for other young people in the community. Rishi Sriskanthan, widely known as "The Rhythm of Rishi," was recognized for his remarkable musical talent and his ability to inspire audiences through his performances. Together, all five recipients exemplify the values of hard work, perseverance, creativity, and leadership that the Expo seeks to celebrate.

Juanita Nathan, Member of Parliament for Pickering—Brooklin presenting the Children's Icon of the Year Awards, Photo Courtesy of Frame 24

Visitors also had the opportunity to explore a diverse marketplace featuring vendors from a variety of industries and cultural backgrounds. Exhibitors offered sarees, toys, jewellery, fashion accessories, beauty products, community services, educational resources, and many other unique products and services. The vendor area provided local businesses and entrepreneurs with an excellent platform to connect with the community while enhancing the overall experience for attendees.

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the International Children's Expo 2026 was the leadership team behind the event. The Expo was supported by a board consisting of 25 women who played a vital role in the planning, coordination, and execution of the event. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to community service were instrumental in ensuring the success of the Expo and demonstrated the strength and impact of women-led leadership within the community.

The driving force behind the event was Jeya Jeyakanthan, Founder and CEO of the Lucky Exclusive Foundation. A respected entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader, Jeya Jeyakanthan has dedicated significant time and resources to initiatives that support children, families, and charitable causes both locally and internationally. Through her leadership, the Lucky Exclusive Foundation has created opportunities that encourage youth development, celebrate cultural diversity, and foster community engagement. The International Children's Expo reflects her vision of creating a platform where children can be recognized for their talents and achievements while bringing together people from all walks of life in a spirit of unity and collaboration.

As the event concluded, attendees, sponsors, volunteers, vendors, performers, and community leaders reflected on a day filled with inspiration, celebration, and meaningful connections. The International Children's Expo 2026 successfully achieved its mission of recognizing young talent, supporting local businesses, promoting cultural appreciation, and strengthening community bonds. With overwhelming support from the public and the dedication of the Lucky Exclusive Foundation, the event stands as another milestone in its continued commitment to empowering the next generation and creating lasting positive impact within the community.