By Melissa Smalley
The Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre (CFEC) Society is one of more than 30 community groups in the province to receive $7,000 in grant funding to help challenge racism and celebrate diversity.
The provincial funding – which totals $217,000 and has also been awarded to the Canadian Mental Health Association-Cariboo Chilcotin Branch – will help the community groups address racism in conjunction with the BC Organizing Against Racism and Hate (OARH) program.
The money can be used to fund outreach, educational opportunities, workshops and anti-racism community events.
"Communities are strongest when everyone feels welcome and included regardless of their ethnicity or heritage," says Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett.
"These programs will educate people about the harms of letting attitudes of racism go unchecked and ensure our communities are embracing diversity and encouraging inclusion.”
Chris Pettman, CFEC youth services manager, says he'll be working on putting a committee together in the new year in an effort to formulate specific plans for the grant money.
“We're excited to move forward and look at what opportunities are available. We'll be looking at trying to involve the youth in the community as well.”
To find out more about the OARH program, visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/multiculturalism-anti-racism/anti-racism/oarh or e-mail multiculturalism@gov.bc.ca.