July 2, 2009
Projects Build on Strong Foundation for Diversity

MISSION – More than $58,000 in provincial and federal funding will support two projects that promote multiculturalism and prevent and eliminate racism.

The Family Education and Support Centre in Maple Ridge will receive $29,769 for its Youth Unity program. This program will develop a multicultural youth council to promote cross-cultural understanding and cultural diversity.

“I believe that there is so much to be gained by embracing and appreciating the many different cultures in our communities,” says Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Marc Dalton. “These programs are a great way of promoting multiculturalism for our young people as well as exploring new and artistic ways of showcasing cultural diversity.”

Mission Community Services Society will receive $29,000 for a project titled, Making the Arts Connection. The project consists of book and film festivals, archival presentations and panel discussions to highlight Mission’s culturally diverse history and community.

“By providing this funding to Mission Community Services Society, our government is helping to create a sustainable future for culture and arts in our region,” said Abbotsford-Mission MLA Randy Hawes.  “This organization and artists play a vital role in enriching the culture of our province, bringing new, diverse talent to Mission that actively engages constituents.”

BC Anti-racism and Multiculturalism Program (BCAMP) funding helps to prevent and eliminate racism by enhancing community understanding of multiculturalism in British Columbia. New projects will take place in Abbotsford, Burnaby, Campbell River, Maple Ridge, Mission, Nanaimo, North Vancouver, Revelstoke, Richmond, Vancouver and Victoria. Awarded proponents have until March 31, 2010, to complete projects.

Ten projects, totalling over $236,000, have a youth component, including leadership training and mentoring. Other projects focus on community engagement and awareness.

Groups were given the opportunity to apply for funding of up to $30,000 for projects, through a request for proposals (RFP) on the BC Bid website. Thirty proposals were received, with 19 meeting the RFP criteria. Two proposals were put on an eligibility list, should additional funding become available. Contract negotiations to finalize the successful proposals are underway.

Funding is provided in part by the Government of Canada through the Agreement for Canada-British Columbia Co-operation on Immigration and Annex B.

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