About

Made in YQG began as a community support initiative during the pandemic and was created to help struggling small businesses, organizations and artists in Windsor, Ontario when they needed it most.

While conceptualized in 2020 – the project officially launched in late 2021 by sponsoring various local business giveaways and offering free social media promotion. By covering all costs associated with the collaborations and leveraging social media to maximize exposure, Made in YQG ensured that local businesses could gain meaningful support and digital visibility while being able to focus their resources on staying afloat. These giveaways not only helped boost engagement but also fostered a sense of community spirit, reinforcing the idea that Windsor-Essex thrives when we lift each other up.

Building on this foundation, Made in YQG continues evolving, dedicating itself to community support and collaboration. In late 2023, focus shifted towards storytelling video content (via Instagram @madeinyqg), exploring innovative ways to highlight local businesses and advocate for community causes. Through creative and unconventional approaches, the initiative continues to share the unique stories of Windsor-Essex, showcasing our unique local culture and fostering deeper connections within the community.

Meet @JakeKelza

I’m Jake Kelza, a passionate advocate for Windsor-Essex and the chaotic good behind Made in YQG.

Through creative projects, unconventional collaborations, and hands-on community work, I challenge the status quo by turning obstacles into opportunities. Whether it’s showcasing grassroots initiatives, amplifying local talent, or connecting people with resources, my goal is to inspire action and build a stronger community in YQG.

Despite not enjoying being in front of the camera or in the public eye and often having to navigate social anxiety, I feel a strong responsibility to continue this project and drive the change I want to see in the community. I am incredibly grateful for the platform I have to be able to showcase my community.

What does “YQG” mean?

While YQG is the airport code for Windsor, the term has since become synonymous with the Windsor-Essex region on social media. YQG is often used to represent not just Windsor but also the surrounding areas, including Kingsville, Leamington, Amherstburg, Tecumseh, Essex, Pelee Island, Lasalle, and Lakeshore Ontario.

What I do

• • Content Creation – Showcase Windsor-Essex & YQG through engaging visuals, interviews, and digital storytelling.
  • Community Collaborations – Actively facilitate partnerships with businesses, artists, and nonprofits to create impactful projects.
  • Events & Initiatives – Organize creative experiences that bring people together, like art exhibitions, fundraisers, and unique pop-up activations though Support YQG.
  • Support Local

What to expect from MadeInYQG.com

Made in YQG will always be about supporting local.  What started as a small effort during the pandemic has grown into a platform dedicated to storytelling, collaboration, and amplifying local voices.

While Instagram (@madeinyqg) has been the main way I share videos and updates, I’ve realized there’s so much more to these stories that doesn’t always fit into a short video or post. I’m excited to use this website as an outlet where I can go deeper, add context, and add a more journalistic approach to the content I create.

Moving forward, I’ll be using this site to:

• Break down the behind-the-scenes process of my Instagram videos
• Share in-depth stories about events, collaborations, and local businesses
• Give insight into community projects and the impact they create
• Document unique experiences that inspire me
• Highlighting grassroots initiatives, artists, businesses or organizations doing cool things
  • Whatever else I want to do

Collaboration Over Competition

My mission is to share opportunities, amplify voices, and build a stronger, more connected Windsor-Essex by working together.

By breaking down barriers and fostering partnerships, I strive to create opportunities for everyone to thrive. Whether it’s local businesses, organizations, artists, creators or other changemakers, I believe that creating space for everyone is vital because when one of us succeeds, our whole community benefits. I believe that real growth comes from collaboration, not competition.

Let’s collaborate

If you’re a local business, creator, organization, or changemaker looking to collaborate, stay tuned! I will have a form available soon for upcoming projects!

Check out other initiatives that I’m a part of! 

Support YQG (@supportyqg)

Support YQG is an impact-driven initiative collaborative project with Josie Elysia. Our goal is to empower Windsor, Ontario by leveraging our combined connections and resources and using them to positively impact our community.

Our focus is helping local businesses and organizations host unique community based events, provide access to local creators and media professionals, and offer opportunities to become more engaged in the community. By working together, we create opportunities for collaborations, student mentorships and are able to create meaningful impact and strengthen our community by fostering a culture of support and growth.

heART from the Streets (heartfromthestreets.com)

heART from the Streets is a grassroots art initiative that offers opportunities for marginalized artists, particularly those experiencing homelessness in Windsor Ontario Canada. They aim to destigmatize homelessness while providing a secure and nurturing environment, equipping artists with the supplies and a safe space to express themselves creatively.

The 1000 Burger Project is a collaboration between Made in YQG & Heart from the Streets which was inspired by a local influencer’s misrepresented donation claims (1000 burgers) to charity, a figure which was “only used to clickbait the videos” (his own words) – This project is dedicated to turning the influencer’s superficial gestures into an opportunity to genuinely support our homeless community.

This collaboration not only provided vital support but also amplified the voices of vulnerable individuals in the community who are actively subjected to exploitation (being filmed without their permission, monetizing their suffering, etc).

In 2024, HFTS hosted a series of mixed media art workshops in Windsor-Essex shelters, including H4 (Housing Homelessness Help Hub), the Windsor Youth Centre (WYC), and the Welcome Centre Shelter. These workshops provided a safe and supportive space for participants to explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills.

To further showcase their talent, artists had the opportunity to exhibit their work at Art Windsor Essex for the Community Display of “1000 Burger Project” in April of 2024 and again at Artspeak Gallery (Arts Council Windsor & Region) in August where over 250 pieces of art were displayed and participants had the option to auction their artwork, with all proceeds (minus unavoidable processing fees) going directly to the artists. Through these efforts, over $3350 was raised and directly benefited participants in our art workshops!

Heart from the Streets is a recipient of the City of Windsor 2024 Arts, Culture, and Heritage Fund (ACHF) grant.