For Immediate Release

CHEK TV, Camosun College, VanCity Savings, and James Bay New Horizons recognized as Champions of Diversity

May 9, 2012, Victoria, BC — The Community Partnership Network (CPN) is pleased to announce that four organizations have been recognized as Champions of Diversity. CHEK TV, Camosun College, VanCity Savings, and James Bay New Horizons have undertaken a commitment to support and reflect the mandate of the CPN: to build diverse, welcoming, and inclusive organizations and communities in Greater Victoria.

Part of ICA’s 40 anniversary celebration included asking people who have been involved with ICA over the years to share their story: write about their experience and what it has meant to them. Out of all the entries, we chose three stories to share with Tapestry readers. All three received gifts donated by Global Village store (527 Pandora Ave. Click here to read the stories by Kelly Sprackett, Helen Liu, and Ruth Miranda.

http://www.icavictoria.org/sites/default/fs/DHF Media Realease Apr 17.pdf

The Victoria Chinatown Lioness Club is presenting a Chinese banquet and a talk by author Jan Wong. The date is Tuesday, May 22nd at 6pm at Golden City Restaurant (721 Fisgard Street). Cost will be $35.00 per person (tip and taxes included). Tables will be banquet tables of 10. 

Coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the City of Victoria, the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society (VNCS) has worked with local historians and VNCS members Gordon and Ann-Lee Switzer to produce a new book Gateway to Promise – Canada’s First Japanese Community.  It was this community who donated the prize money from their award-winning float in the City of Victoria’s 75th Anniversary parade in 1937 to purchase 1,013 plum and cherry blossoms that still adorn the streets today.

We brought to a close our 11-week Employment and the Health Professions program on Wednesday, April 18 with a celebratory feast. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that we learned and accomplished together.

The program, which began in January, provided locally relevant labour market and job search information to newcomers to Canada interested in pursuing careers in the health field. In the program, there was almost an even split between internationally trained health professionals and immigrants looking to transition into this field from other sectors.

Are you a parent of a TWEEN (ages 7 – 12)?

Come to My Tween and Me, a free parenting program, and learn how to build lasting connections with your child. Bring your tween along for a free drop-in children’s theatre-games class with Theatre SKAM at the same time! This fun, engaging program includes six weeks of information and sharing in a safe and supportive place. Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:30 pm from March 29 until May 3, 2012.

For more information or to register, contact Ruth Miranda at 250-388-4728 ext 109 or rmiranda@icavictoria.org.

My Impression of Victoria in my First Three Months

By Wenhui Jiang

February 12, 2012 marks my first three months in Victoria as a new immigrant from China. During my stay, I have been to Butchart Gardens two times, where the fantastic floral beauty greatly touches and impresses me. Combined with the picturesque charm of Greater Victoria, the beauty of the local people and life also convinces me that this is the right place for a beautiful life. “Why?” you may ask me. Here, let me tell you about my connections with some local women.

On March 6, participants of ICA first-ever Ready to Rent BC tenant training program celebrated the successful conclusion of a series of six workshops aimed at educating people about renting accommodation, as well as on how to be a good tenant with good, solid credit.

Starting in April, in addition to the labour market services offered under our settlement program, ICA will be offering a comprehensive set of employment services for immigrants under the new Employment Program of B.C.

ICA was the successful subcontractor to GT Hiring Solutions for the Victoria and Saanich catchments in the Ministry of Social Development’s competitive process. Additionally, ICA will be a subcontractor to Beacon Community Services and WorkLink Employment Society for the Sidney and Langford catchments.