Diversity is a lot like religion. Many of us believe in it, but very few actually practise it.
Recently, Cycling4Diversity (C4D) had the opportunity to speak at the Kiwanis Club of Clearbrook, and a question was raised by one of the longtime members Harry Schmidt. Why don’t the diverse citizens of our community join our club? I responded that this is not the first time I’ve been asked this question and I further added that outreach should always continue and hopefully change will come.
Since, the C4D ride in May, our team has been extremely busy. For example, C4D had the Dunk Tank at Mission Fest last weekend.
For those non-profit organizations looking to raise funds, the dunk tank is a terrific way to attract people of all ages.
People have often asked me what is the secret behind the success of C4D Foundation. The key is it should always be about team building and community. With these two factors in place organizations will have the results for which they’re looking.
Executive coordinator Anne-Marie Sjoden said, “This was an exciting first year for me to work for C4D. To see the smiles and the joy we put on the children’s faces has been a wonderful experience. Our organization has a lot of potential and we are always looking for new members.”
C4D has been very fortunate to have strong local community support from Rotary clubs, Fraser Valley Indo-Canadian Business Association, Abbotsford Lions Club and Kiwanis Club of Clearbrook.
Kiwanis Club of Clearbrook president Steve Carlton said: “The Kiwanis Club of Clearbrook has been active in Abbotsford since 1977.
“Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers who change the world one child and one community at a time.
“In Abbotsford there are three adult Kiwanis clubs, five Key Clubs in local secondary schools and two Builder’s Clubs in middle schools. Together we support children and families locally and around the world. Community members will see Kiwanis volunteers serving food at local events such as Berry Beat and Canada Day.
“We raise funds through projects to support local youth with literacy programs, scholarships, science fairs, Kiwanis music festivals, talent shows, City of Character Youth Forum, summer camps, nutrition programs and Christmas hampers. Our fundraising supports the Kiwanis Children’s Cancer Program at Children’s Hospital, SIGN - Fracture Care International and Kiwanis Maternal Neo-natal Tetanus - Project ‘Eliminate.’”
In recognition of the passing of 100 years since passengers of the Komagata Maru were denied entry into Canada, The Reach Gallery Museum’s current history exhibition, “Boat People” examines the stories of other Abbotsford immigrants that made their way to Canada via an ocean voyage.
Kris Foulds, The Reach collections manager, said, “By drawing on The Reach material culture collections: artifacts, photographs and excerpts from oral histories – we’re able to share some of the incredible stories.”
Other exhibitions currently on display at The Reach include: Takao Tanabe: Chronicles of Form and Place; Record, (Re)create: Contemporary Coast Salish Art; and the Fraser Valley Watercolour Society’s Celebrating 25 Years: Fun, Friendship and Painting. Exhibitions run until Sept. 7.
While The Reach examines the contributions of other cultures, The Reach’s community partner, the Sikh Heritage Museum in the National Historic Site Gur Sikh Temple, is exhibiting Challenge and Denial – Komogata Maru 100 Years Later, 1914-2014.
The Reach and the Sikh Heritage Museum are teaming up to offer an incredible cultural history tour of the Gur Sikh Temple followed by langar (lunch) at the newer Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 11 a.m. The cost of the program is $10 per person.
To register for the Aug. 14 tour visit The Reach thereach.ca.
Ken Herar writes monthly on diversity issues.
KenHerar@gmail.com