A non-profit organization in Prince George is being recognized nationally for its efforts in celebrating the city’s newest Canadian citizens.
The Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society (IMSS) has been shortlisted for a nomination in the first-ever International Peace Awards, overseen by the Gandhian Initiative for Development of Support Services (GIDSS)
Quite fittingly, IMSS has received a nod in Promoting Diversity and Multiculturalism for the Canada-based event, which one of 25 total categories.
IMSS has co-hosted the annual Heatwave Festival, which showcases music, arts and other cultures within Prince George over a three-day period.
Founded over 40 years ago by Baljit Sethi, who’s name is embodied on the building IMSS operates, the organization has helped hundreds of newcomers settle into B.C.’s north by connecting them with employment opportunities, cultural preservation and community engagement.
IMSS is set to continue helping immigrants in Prince George with its current three-year strategy:
- Fiscal stability and the need for thoughtful risk management
- Trust and acceptance of immigrants, and of IMSS, in northern B.C.
- Organizational accountability and stability
- Continuing systemic barriers for immigrants and immigrant-serving organizations
The organization is currently in the midst of completing a nomination package to GIDSS, collecting accomplishments and initiatives from the last five years to get to the award ceremony finals.
The winners will be decided by a jury with prominent Canadians and awards will be handed out on Dec. 21, 2019 in Mississauga, Ont.
