MOSAIC’s Annual Multicultural Settlement Fair was held on May 4th at Stride Avenue Community School in Burnaby. Organized by MOSAIC’s Moving Ahead Program (MAP) and Newcomers and Community Building Program (NCBP), the event was attended by over 280 people, including ethnically diverse groups, residents of Burnaby and nearby areas.
Highlights of the day included a series of colourful and interactive multicultural performances, holistic stretching exercise, and a variety of dance including South Asian, Filipino, Romanian, and Chinese folk. A team of MOSAIC staff performed Zumba, engaging participants to join them and enjoy the rhythm. Participants from all age groups and cultural backgrounds enthusiastically danced and celebrated diversity. Some participants and MOSAIC staff came with their traditional clothes to celebrate multiculturalism which added authenticity and beauty to the event.
A number of community service providers joined the event including MP Peter Julian’s office, Burnaby Family Life, SUCCESS, Vancity, Burnaby Public Library, REACH Multicultural Family Centre and ISS of BC, providing information and resources to newcomer clients.
The event was also honoured by the presence of the Honorable Member of Parliament for New Westminster and Burnaby, Peter Julian and City of Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley, who underscored how diversity strengthens our community. City Councillors James Wang, Paul McDonell, Joe Keithley and Burnaby School Trustee Ryan Stewart also attended and showed their support towards newcomers in our community.
“This is the most diverse city in Canada! Thank you MOSAIC for all the great work you do,” stated MP Peter Julian.
