Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards

The 12th annual Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards were held tonight (Friday) at the Ramada Plaza and Conference Centre.

The event featured Fred Lee – of CBC Radio One's The Early Edition – as master of ceremonies.

Entertainment was provided by musician Diego Kohl, who currently teachers piano, guitar, bass and guitarron in Vancouver.

The event was presented by Abbotsford Community Services in partnership with Mission and Chilliwack Community Services and the Langley-based New Directions English Langley School.

The Fraser Valley Cultural Diversity Awards started in 2003 to recognize organizations and individuals that embrace diversity in the community.

"Abbotsford Community Services and our supporting partners are proud to promote the ideas surrounding the Cultural Diversity Awards. Whether it be race, religion, heritage, sexual orientation, physical or mental abilities, gender identity or level of income - we are proud to support inclusion. As an organization and a community, we value the different perspectives and backgrounds that we all bring to the table and this diversity helps make Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley a unique and flourishing place to call home. Through business, education, and social networks, we encounter the many faces of diversity that make us who we are," said ACS president, Serge Blanchette.

The recipients of the awards were:

Inclusive Environment – The Book Man

The Book Man - Chilliwack & Abbotsford

The Book Man is a family run, locally owned used bookstore with two branches, and a staff of fifteen unique and amazing individuals. They currently have the second largest used bookstore in the Province of British Columbia at their Chilliwack location and have over half a million beautifully organized titles split between their two storefronts. Visit them in their 5000 square foot bookstore in Historic Downtown Chilliwack, or their cozy 1600 square foot haven for readers in the Little Oak Mall in Abbotsford.

Marketing/Outreach – Young Contemporaries Program at The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford and Parks & Rec, City of Abbotsford

Established in 2013, the Young Contemporaries is dedicated to the advancement of arts, culture and heritage among enthusiasts aged 18 to 35. Operating under the auspice of The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford, the Young Contemporaries program seeks to provide members with the necessary means for artistic exploration, professional development and community involvement.

Parks, Recreation & Culture Department - City of Abbotsford

The City of Abbotsford is a service oriented municipal government focused on improving the quality of life for its residents, community, employees and visitors. The City works hard to ensure marketing reflects an inclusive community that welcomes and supports the social and cultural life and aspirations of all citizens, in an equitable and open manner.

Innovative Initiative – Vancity Micro Finance

Vancity Micro Finance Program - Jumpstart Community Impact - Fraser Valley.

Vancity is a financial co-operation; their mission is to redefine wealth. Their vision requires them to think differently about wealth - to re-envision prosperity as something they can only achieve if they are surrounded by and connected to a vibrant, healthy community that is sustainable for the long term, and that vibrant, healthy community is rooted in diverse and engaged communities.

Effective Human Resources Strategies – Home Depot, Abbotsford

A home is most Canadians' single largest financial and emotional investment. At the Home Depot, their goal is to help customers create and maintain the home of their dreams, whether they want to do it themselves or have it done for them.

Champion of Diversity –Dr. Sarwan Randhawa - Langley

Dr. Sarwan Singh Randhawa is a driving force behind multicultural programs and services presented in the Langley area. He is hailed for his dedication to activities in support of cultural diversity. Being fluent in English, Hindi, Punjabi, and speaking skills in Urdu, Randhawa is keen to unite people of various cultural backgrounds into a safe, strong, and rich cultured Canadian community.

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