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Coordinator brings fresh energy to established program

Certified locations require training and support

A new coordinator has walked through the doors of the Safe Harbour: Respect for All Program.

The program, which is supported by Powell River Employment Program Society and Powell River Diversity Initiative, has recruited Evangeline MacDonald.

“Evangeline brings fresh energy and a strong commitment to equitable treatment both for staff in the workplace and consumers,” said Sara Blum, Diversity coordinator. “With more than 20 years’ experience working with people with visible and invisible disabilities, Evangeline can relate to the challenges faced by minorities.”

Established in Powell River in 2008, Safe Harbour  now has 19 certified locations in town. “The Safe Harbour program offers many benefits,” said MacDonald, “such as free resources and training for businesses and organizations leading to better treatment for all consumers and employees and a more interconnected community.” Funded through EmbraceBC, the program is delivered in 26 communities in BC and has its head office in Nanaimo.

“Safe Harbour has a ripple effect for the entire community,” said MacDonald. “One good deed or one bad deed can touch a lot of lives. This program helps people understand diversity and engage in positive interaction.”

To be certified as a Safe Harbour location, staff receive initial training provided by MacDonald, and “refresher” trainings are offered at regular intervals. “Safe Harbour locations make three commitments,” she said. The commitments are: provide equitable treatment for all by welcoming all clients and/or customers in a respectful manner; provide an immediate safe place for someone experiencing discrimination in or near the worksite; and prepare employees and worksites to implement these commitments.

“I’m really looking forward to visiting our Safe Harbour-certified locations and working with representatives in our upcoming refresher workshops in March,” said MacDonald. “We hope to start recruiting new Safe Harbour locations later in the spring.” Each Safe Harbour-certified location displays the window decal, a certificate, and other signage announcing that management and staff welcome and support a diverse community.

The program participates in other local community events celebrating diversity such as the Multicultural Festival and the Interfaith Fair: Believe it or not… event which will happen on April 21.

MacDonald said she hopes the program will grow and become more well-known. Readers can contact MacDonald at 604.485.2675 or email safeharbour@prepsociety.org for more information or to become a certified Safe Harbour location. The website provides information about the Safe Harbour Program in BC and a list of certified locations in Powell River.