Government of Canada Announces Funds for the Baobab Familial
OTTAWA, December 17, 1999 -- The Honourable Hedy Fry, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women), today announced funding of $22,816 to the Baobab Familial organization for its project of in-home volunteer services for immigrant families."I am pleased to support the Baobab Familial," said Dr. Fry. "Its activities will help build confidence between families from different cultures and will help fight prejudice and stereotypes. It is essential that we develop intercultural bonds and social cohesion."
Baobab Familial is a non-profit organization dedicated to the multi-ethnic families of the Côte-des-Neiges sector of Montréal. Thanks to this financial aid, it will be able to establish a permanent structure based on volunteers.
The organization plans to form a core group of 10 volunteers serving over 20 families. The service will allow young immigrant families to spread their wings in an environment where respect and freedom are promoted. In the long term, Baobab Familial wants its participants to become reference points and sources of inspiration for the community.
The funding was provided by the Multiculturalism Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. Funding for this project was provided for in the February 1999 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.
Information:
Michael Spowart
Office of the Secretary of State
(Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
Céline De Guise
Communications
Canadian Heritage
(514) 283-1544
[ Media Room ]
