Jay Sanni
During this time of chaos and despair, multi-ethnic communities across Calgary are standing strong and keeping hope alive within their communities. Here’s what some organizations have done or are doing to support and engage their smaller communities and the larger Canadian society as well:
Alberta Chung Wah School Society provided online courses for students on Saturdays. Also ask students to make “Thank You” cards and then send those cards to nursing homes and other organizations that help seniors. They also will not collect additional tuition for the rest of the school year.
Woezo Africa Music and Dance Theatre donated food to the food bank. They continued to provide dance classes to students on Instagram live and Zoom. When asked why it is important to keep the spirit of art alive during this period, Wunmi, founder and director of Woezo, said to Diversity Magazine, “This unfortunate situation allows us to show people that art can be a way to transform social challenges into hope and positivity. It allows us to show our perseverance, even now we are still persevering”.
Korean Baptist Church provided free services such as rides to seniors and provide delivery to seniors who can’t go out.
Hispanic Arts Society (HAS) showcased musicians, DJs, dancers, and vendors online on their EXPOLatino Facebook page. They interview artists, DJs, and dancers and put them online to promote performing artists within the Hispanic community. They also promote vendors on the EXPOLatino page and ask their supporters to check out those vendors/ restaurants. HAS is also one of the moderators of a COVID-19 volunteer website where they provide COVID-19 related information including information related to getting financial help. When asked about how art plays a role in strengthening communities, Mariella, president of HAS told Diversity Magazine, “We are in an isolation period, mental issues are arising in the city. It is important to keep people entertained. By showcasing artists and dancers in interviews online, it allows people to feel connected to those artists and the artists’ art form”.
Muslim Families Network Society has provided food assistance to at least 543 families by sending them food gift cards through mail.
Ghanaian Association of Calgary collected perishable food items and other donations for the food bank. Just before the pandemic, they also donated to organizations like the Salvation army. When asked why it is especially important for organizations and individuals to give back to the community during this period, Charles, the president of GAC had this to say to Magazine Diversity, “Everyone has lost their jobs during this period so we thought that we could give back by helping the food bank, provide food assistance to more people within the community”.
