Submitted. Abbotsford Community Services is receiving $7,000 in funding to help challenge racism and celebrate diversity. This organization is among 33 community groups throughout British Columbia working to address racism through the B.C. Organizing Against Racism and Hate (OARH)
program.
In total, government is contributing more than $217,000 to organizations like Abbotsford Community Services that have especially strong
connections to their communities.
Funding recipients have the power to engage and unite British Columbians under one common goal: to address racism in B.C. communities, one unique project at a time. Communities can use their funding for outreach, educational opportunities, workshops and anti-racism community events.
This year, the OARH network will also expand to include anti-racism networks in four additional B.C. communities: Richmond, Burnaby,
Vancouver and Surrey. This move will allow OARH to focus its anti-racism lens on both rural and urban communities.
The most ethnically diverse province in Canada, B.C. welcomes nearly 40,000 new immigrants every year. British Columbia’s Multiculturalism Act
was created in 1993 to recognize the diversity of British Columbians; encourage respect for our multicultural heritage; promote racial harmony;
and foster a society without barriers to inclusion.
“Anti-racism funding empowers small communities throughout the province
to work together to challenge racism and create positive change. By
embracing multiculturalism and fostering respect and inclusion, we can
ensure British Columbia’s rich, cultural mosaic continues to thrive for
future generations.” – Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for
Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism