Multicultural Champions

For the second year, eleven individuals have been nominated as Multicultural Community Champions through the Social Planning Council of the North Okanagan.

The Champions represent diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and have contributed to the community in a wide variety of ways including volunteerism and mentorship.

The goal of the program is to celebrate multiculturalism and show how diversity strengthens our community by highlighting the contributions of local residents.

The Executive Director of the Social Planning Council, Annette Sharkey says the community is rich with people from indigenous cultures as well as people from around the world contributing to the fabric of our society.

“Sharing these individuals’ stories helps build greater understanding and appreciation for each other and shows the strength our community gains from embracing and celebrating diversity and the history of our community.”

The Multicultural Community Champions for 2017 were introduced by Sharkey and MLA Eric Foster at a multicultural reception on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (March 21).

Each honoree received a keepsake copy of their feature story.

The 2017 Multicultural Champions are Mollie Bono, Jenelle Brewer, Abdil Jalil Chtaibi, Graham Lloyd, Anne & Don McBeth, Angie Miranda, Dalvir Nahal, Anna Shultz, Muhammad William Saleh, and Herb Wong.

Stories about the Champions are published monthly in the Vernon Morning Star and posted on the internet at www.socialplanning.ca.

The Champion program is part of “Respect Works Here”, an initiative of the Thompson Okanagan Respect Network.

The funding for the initiative was provided by the Province of BC.