one by one®: DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society
DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society is an organization dedicated to helping people new to Canada, including immigrants, refugees and temporary residents. It’s based in the growing city of Surrey, British Columbia, and recently celebrated its 46th anniversary.
“Our mission is to strengthen communities,” said Margaret Jetelina, marketing and communications senior manager. “It’s about supporting people in their journeys as they build their lives and their careers and improve their well-being.”
DIVERSEcity assists newcomers and other diverse communities with finding employment and housing, learning English, connecting with school systems, applying for government services, preparing for citizenship and much more. Its extensive set of services are offered in many languages, including Arabic, Mandarin, Pashto, Punjabi, Spanish and Swahili, among others.
A valuable resource for vulnerable populations
The organization includes more than 250 employees in three offices, including immigrant settlement workers, employment specialists and counselors, and a team of about 350 volunteers.
Among its focus populations are older adults in Surrey and the surrounding areas, many of whom came to Canada as immigrants or refugees. The DIVERSEcity team works hard to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation and help this group lead healthy and independent lives.
Each year, DIVERSEcity runs a Bundle Up campaign to help gather winter coats, hats, gloves and other cold-weather gear. Many of the people it serves come from warmer climates and don’t have experience with Canadian winters. More recently, a similar campaign was launched called Beat the Heat. It was created to help vulnerable populations stay safe in summer.
Promo items for summer relief
DIVERSEcity used a one by one grant to purchase sunglasses and lip balm for its Beat the Heat care packages. These and other items, like hand fans and water bottles, were distributed to residents at a celebration event for older adults. The packages also included printed tips in several languages on how to stay cool during extreme summer heat.
A note from Cheryl
This organization does remarkable work to help build stronger communities and improve the lives of people who have come to Canada from all over the world. We were pleased to provide promo items for summer relief and to have played a small part in protecting vulnerable populations. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.