A community organization is hosting an old-fashioned community picnic to celebrate diversity.
The event will be held from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday, September 15 at Willingdon Beach Park.
The picnic builds on the commitments of respect and inclusion made by 21 Powell River businesses, non-profit agencies and organizations participating in the provincial Safe Harbour: Respect for All program.
“Our philosophy is community helping community in a way that supports all citizens,” said Michelle LaBoucane, Powell River Community Resource Centre (CRC) manager. “This picnic supports our philosophy by providing a ‘Respect for All’ environment, just as we do every day at the CRC“.
Evangeline MacDonald, Safe Harbour coordinator with the Powell River Diversity Initiative, said, “Having this community picnic is a great way to include people from all walks of life to show how important diversity is to our community. Recognizing our differences and celebrating them together increases awareness and understanding of our neighbours and friends.”
Safe Harbour certified locations demonstrate their commitment to the philosophy of equitable treatment for staff and customers and provide an immediate safe refuge for anyone facing mistreatment. Colourful “Respect for All” window decals identify local businesses, non-profit agencies and community centres that participate in the program.
Everyone is invited to the picnic. People are encouraged to bring their family and friends and join their neighbours in a community fun day. Participants can wear old-fashioned clothes, bring their food, picnic blanket and chairs and join in on some good old family fun. This Zero Waste event will include a musical jamboree, a jello eating contest, a variety of games, races and a costume competition.
For more information, interested readers can contact MacDonald at [email protected] or 604.485.2675. The Zero Waste website at http://letstalktrashpr.com has ideas of how participants can play a part in making this a Zero Waste event.
This project is made possible through funding from the ministry of jobs, tourism and innovation under Embrace BC. More information is available at www.safeharbour.ca.
