A Port Moody-based organization has been granted financial aid to help explore a new outlet on teaching kids about racism.
The Asian Community Impact Society was awarded $5,000 today (April 8) for the development of a new book in hopes of reaching out to children and youth of how to accept all ethnic backgrounds.
The project's goal is to further combat anti-Asian racism, which took a noticeable spike throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as the virus was first detected in China.
According to Rachna Singh, B.C.'s parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, the funding hopes to tackle discrimination head on, build trust between communities and celebrate the province's diversity.
"Over the past two years, we’ve seen a staggering increase in racism and hate incidents in B.C.," she said.
"These grants are one of many steps in our fight against racism, helping organizations on the ground address systemic racism. This is important work, and I am grateful to everyone stepping up to build anti-racist workplaces and communities."
The Asian Community Impact Society's book will be based on true stories from its members about their experiences with systemic hate and racism.
Its target audience is set to be for elementary- and middle-school kids in learning how to embrace diversity from a young age.
The local group was one of 60 organizations that received a combined total of nearly $300,000 in funding as part of the BC Multiculturalism Grants program, and the only non-profit out of the Tri-Cities to be selected.
FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND FESTIVAL
In addition to the children's book, the Asian Community Impact Society is also gearing up to host a new summer fair with all the dumplings one could imagine.
The inaugural BC Dumpling Festival is set for Aug. 13 near Lafarge Lake in Coquitlam's Town Centre Park, and everything is homemade.
Organizers are expecting to bring in more than 10,000 people to the first-of-its-kind event, which will include a variety of home-cooked Chinese dumplings, Italian ravioli and Polish perogies.
Society spokesperson Celia Chiang said in an earlier interview with the Tri-City News the idea sprang after the group’s first rally at Town Centre Park last May to raise awareness about Asian discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"There has been a lot of negativity toward Asians in the last couple of years. Our mission is to bring communities and individuals together, make a difference and appreciate each others’ diverse cultures."
Admission to the festival is by donation and will also host a friendly dumpling competition, food trucks, a beer garden and live entertainment.
You can visit the BC Dumpling Festival's website for more information.
