In BC, the third week of November is proclaimed as Multiculturalism Week.
Over the past year, newcomers made up 32% of all the youth served at Covenant House Vancouver (CHV).
Alongside our one-size-fits-one approach, we work to meet the needs of youth new to Canada by:
- Creating new partnerships to provide language and cultural supports
- Training frontline staff on issues relevant to newcomers
- Providing space, items, food, and décor for cultural and spiritual events
- Adapting life skills training for youth
- Providing study areas and volunteer-led English language practice
Embracing the multitude of cultures, traditions, and perspectives that youth bring with them, creates an enriched community that enables youth to stay connected to important and meaningful parts of their heritage, uphold their traditions, and share their cultures with other youth.
Through various opportunities and initiatives, we strive to create a fully inclusive environment for youth to learn from one another, share their stories, and celebrate their cultures with pride.
CHV creates spaces where every young person feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
But we can’t do this work alone. CHV is over 80% privately funded. That means that we rely on individuals and organizations to keep our doors open and support vulnerable youth, in the community.
Organizations like Scotiabank, who have been supporting CHV since 2018, through their ScotiaRISE initiative and through volunteering.
Scotiabank believes that investing in young people is an investment in the future of our communities. This fall, we are grateful to Scotiabank who is contributing $50,000, to match every dollar donated, until December 31.
