Hi Neighbour celebrates Canadian Multiculturalism Day
United Way BC Hi Neighbour celebrates multiculturalism through local projects and events in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
June 27, Canadian Multiculturalism Day honours the many cultural communities that help build a strong and vibrant Canadian society. At United Way BC, we support and celebrate the cultural diversity that enriches us individually and collectively, and promotes equity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Our Hi Neighbour initiative works with Community Champions using Local Love microgrants of up to $1,000 to strengthen connections in numerous communities across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley so everyone can share in this richness.
“United Way BC Hi Neighbour initiative is designed to empower residents with opportunities to make a difference in their communities in ways that matter most to them; by building resident leadership, developing community ownership, and strengthening vital connections through community projects, events, and volunteerism,” says Emily Wimbles, Assistant Director, Community Impact & Investment, United Way BC. Here are three recent heartwarming events that embody those efforts.
Surrey Guildford newcomers BBQ meet & greet
Surrey is BC’s second largest city. This richly diverse community is home to about 21 percent of the province’s Black population. Many are newcomers, and, on Sunday June 2, Surrey Guildford Community Champion and Umoja Compassion Society Founder and Board President, Amos with help from Community Builder Michael, welcomed 25 residents to the community with a meet and greet barbeque lunch, supported by Local Love funds, in his backyard and home. The event was an opportunity for newcomers to share stories, make new friends and learn from one another’s experiences.
To help build connections, Amos led a game which saw participants receive five pennies. The goal: talking to a new person without using the word “I” to foster better communications. Amos also shared why, as newcomers, connecting with people who have made the transition to life in Canada is so important. Learning from previous newcomers’ experiences helps new Canadians with the challenges of adapting to life in a new country. For Amos, founding and working in and for the newcomer community with Umoja Compassion Society helped him stay rooted to his home and culture while at the same time embracing Canadian culture. After the barbeque, others shared their experiences including triumphs and challenges.
Vancouver Sunset Multicultural Music Appreciation Day
Vancouver’s Sunset neighbourhood is an ethnically diverse community and an Indo-Canadian hub. For over 60 years, Hi Neighbour Community Champion Harjit, a Punjabi community activist, has supported programs in the South Asian community, particularly for senior women. Her own experiences motivated her to help others facing loneliness and isolation. Harjit used United Way BC Local Love funds to organize the Sunset Multicultural Music Day which showcased global music and dance. The fund helped Harjit realize her latest vision by providing support for food, decorations, honorariums for dancers, and event promotion. Over 150 women attended, including newcomers, immigrants, and residents alike celebrating and appreciating Canada’s mosaic of people and cultures.
Selxwi:chel Arts & Culture Day
Abbotsford is on the territory of the Semá:th (Sumas) First Nation and Matheqwí (Matsqui) First Nation of the Stó:lō people. On June 9, United Way BC supported a Local Love-funded drum making workshop at this year’s Selxwi:chel Arts & Culture Day, formerly known as Aboriginal Arts and Culture Day. This Indigenous-themed skills transmission celebration had it all – performing arts, interactive crafts, and workshops. Local Indigenous artists provided space for dancing, teaching and more.
Hi Neighbour Babich Mill Lake Community Builder, Jasmine joined the celebration hosting button-making and beading activities helping to build friendships and connections between United Way BC youth volunteers and younger children.
Community connections
Hi Neighbour connects and works with residents in up to 12 communities in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley to strengthen vital connections, so communities are stronger, safer, and more inclusive and resilient. Learn more about Hi Neighbour.