PRESS RELEASE – New Westminster, B.C. – May 20, 2011
Public service and non-profit agencies join forces to increase awareness of services available to families and their children in New Westminster and Burnaby. The New Westminster School District #40, MOSAIC, The New Westminster Public Library and The Purpose Society have combined resources to organize Summer Connections, an event that will bring families and service providers of New Westminster and Burnaby together. This initiative is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. Summer Connections will be held at the New Westminster Secondary School MASSEY SMALL GYM) at 835 Eighth Street, on June 4th, 2011 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
"Newcomer families to both cities will have an opportunity to socialize with long term residents, learn more about summer activities for children and find out more about settlement, youth and employment programs offered in their neighbourhoods” said Sadia Ramirez, an event organizer from MOSAIC settlement program. “In order to make the event appealing to families, Summer Connections will follow a non-traditional format, it will blend short information sessions (5-7 minutes) with entertainment and food. If people want to learn more about a specific program they will have the opportunity to speak with representatives from different organizations that will have information booths inside the Gym,” concluded Ramirez.
The Summer Connections event opening ceremony will start at 11:30 am, with welcoming words by the event partners Eyob Naizghi, Executive Director of MOSAIC, Hargurjeet Sekhon , Manager Multicultural and Settlement Services NW School District # 40, Dawn Embree, Executive Director of Purpose Society, and Susan Buss, Head Circulation and Adult Services NW Public Library. Sekhon noted that "given the changing face of New Westminster, organizations need to work together by sharing information and making it available so that families can make informed decisions."
Embree stated that “This is a great way for local families to come together and gather information on possible summer activities for their children all in one place, and at the same time, have some fun enjoying the entertainment and tasty snacks.” Buss added “We are very excited to be a part of this celebration and for the opportunity to showcase all the wonderful programs and services being offered this summer.”
Eyob Naizghi, a New Westminster Resident and Executive Director of MOSAIC, states that “This event is about connecting people to people, neighbor to neighbor, new and established residents within a welcoming community.” This event is about connecting.
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For more details or media information, please contact:
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Sadia Ramirez or
Manager of Settlement Program
MOSAIC
Phone: 604.254. 9626
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Hargurjeet.K.Sekhon
Manager Multicultural & Settlement Services
New Westminster School District #40
Phone: 604.517.6227
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