On Friday, October 16, MOSAIC closed out its 50th anniversary celebrations with a sold-out Gala Luncheon at Hilton Vancouver Metrotown. Business leaders, government officials, community connectors and industry partners came together to celebrate five decades of welcoming newcomers, and raised $200,000 to support immigrants, refugees and newcomers as they build new lives and thrive in Canada.
Global News anchor Sophie Lui guided us through the afternoon as emcee, and Willie Lewis of the Squamish Nation and the Eagle Song Dancers opened the program with a traditional welcome.
In her remarks, MOSAIC CEO Olga Stachova spoke about why welcoming newcomers matters: “When people feel welcomed, when they feel supported, when they are given the opportunity to contribute, to belong, whole communities grow stronger.”
Guests also heard greetings from Wade Chang, Member of Parliament for Burnaby Central, and Angelina Li, Vice President of Commercial Financial Services at RBC, our Presenting Sponsor.
A newcomer’s story at the centre
Our keynote speaker, Muhaddisa Sarwari, came to Canada as a Hazara refugee from Afghanistan. She spent five years stateless in Indonesia, unable to attend school because she had no legal status, before arriving in Canada in 2019. She shared that journey with guests and what it taught her about belonging.
“People should not have to overcome every barrier alone to prove that they deserve an opportunity,” Muhaddisa said. “Every newcomer deserves a chance to contribute, to belong, and to build a life.”
Today, she is helping make sure others don’t face those barriers alone. A Loran Scholar and a recipient of MOSAIC’s Eyob G. Naizghi Scholarship, she studies Political Science at the University of British Columbia and advocates for refugee rights and for Afghan women and girls. With her brother Abdullah, she co-founded Parastoo to help newcomers and displaced people understand their rights and find resources.
Celebrating partners who champion newcomer talent
For many newcomers, a first job in Canada is where everything else begins. It brings stability, connection and a chance to put their skills to work. During the luncheon, we presented the Together We Thrive Awards to three organizations that have helped newcomers build careers and connections in BC:
Each recipient was recognized for expanding employment opportunities and strengthening our communities. We’re grateful for their partnership and look forward to what we’ll build together next.
Giving toward the next chapter
The live auction and Fund-a-Need brought some of the afternoon’s liveliest moments. Auctioneer Fred Lee, Vancouver’s celebrated “Man About Town,” kept the bids moving on three live auction packages, generously donated by Rocky Mountaineer; Parq Vancouver and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra; and MOSAIC Board Chair Petra Kuret and John Malorino.
Then, during Fund-a-Need, guests gave directly to MOSAIC’s programs. As Fred called each giving level, bidding cards went up across the ballroom, each one a gift to support the more than 48,000 clients MOSAIC serves each year.
As the afternoon and our anniversary celebrations drew to a close, Sophie left guests with a hope for the years ahead: “As we begin the next chapter, may we carry that same spirit forward, continuing to welcome, to connect, to open doors, and to make room for every person to bring their gifts to these communities that we call home.”
Thank you to our sponsors
This celebration would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors:
- Presenting Sponsor: RBC
- Media Sponsor: Global BC
- Golden Sponsor: CPABC
- Thriving Sponsors: McCarthy Tétrault, Navacord
- Community Sponsors: BCIT, Boyden, LMC Maintenance Services Ltd., Payworks
To every sponsor, donor, volunteer, staff member and guest: thank you for helping us look ahead to the next 50 years.
Missed the luncheon? You can still be part of the celebration. Explore MOSAIC’s 50-year journey and help build the next 50 by making a donation today.
