Fighting racism & helping hospice
Is racism on the rise in Canada?
According to a survey conducted by the Association of Canadian Studies and Canadian Race Relations Foundation in September, 46 per cent of respondents think racism is a growing problem.
It also showed that 38 per cent of Canadians witnessed a racist incident in the past year.
On a slightly more positive note, 65 per cent of Canadians said whites and visible minorities are treated equally in their workplaces.
Whether or not you believe that racism is a concern in this country, much work remains to be done.
Right here in the Lower Mainland, we have growing isolation issues with several of our multicultural communities, resulting in some racial tensions that are reflected in the statistics above. Take a closer look around and hopefully you'll see what many of the readers have been commenting on.
Hardly a week goes by without someone approaching me and sharing concerns. Some of us may not see it. As a part of this newspaper, I am in a unique position to hear such stories. I also appreciate anyone taking the time to express ways to make our communities more inclusive.
One way to do just that is to create awareness and do exactly what we're doing right at this moment. By discussing it and bringing light to the issues, we'll bring closure to the cultural divide we have unfortunately inherited.
I believe this is all part of the growing pains as a young diverse society. I am also not here to put the blame on anyone, or any particular group.
Instead, I am simply reminding everyone to pay closer attention on how we socialize with one another. Make a special effort and touch someone outside of your own ethnic community, or be part of the mainstream and get involved.
For example, the multicultural department of Mission Community Services will be celebrating Lunar (Chinese) New Year on Feb. 9 at Mission Library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also, on Feb. 23 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Abbotsford Building Connections Project will open the first Intercultural Hub located at the Matsqui Recreations Center. It will provide a space for all residents to meet, enjoy intercultural activities and enhance social networking.
Listening and sharing in a valuable discussion with citizens; at the end of the day, we cannot tell citizens how to live, but we can certainly create awareness with Canadians.
There are no special equations on how to make multiculturalism work more effectively. We all must participate equally and be inviting every day.
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The following story also can't go without mention.
In what I think will be 2011's philanthropic story of the year, Quantum Properties has donated $272,000 from its Mahogany at Mill Lake high-rise project to the $10 million Abbotsford Canuck Place Children's Hospice.
It's people like Quantum's CEO and president Diane Delves, and her team, who truly make a difference.
- Ken Herar is a columnist for the Abbotsford-Mission Times. Contact him at: kenherar@gmail.com.
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