SURREY — The City of Surrey will be receiving $20,000 from the provincial government to carry out an anti-racism project.
Surrey is one of 14 recipients receiving $263,000 toward such initiatives.
Using the funds, Surrey will complete an environmental scan exploring issues of racism in the city, then plans to host a symposium to discuss the issues.
The city also intends to create an educational website and start an awareness campaign about racism and its societal impacts.
Mayor Linda Hepner said given Surrey's cultural diversity, the city will "continue to nurture our multicultural development to ensure that everyone feels welcome and at home."
Hepner noted more than 100 languages are spoken in Surrey.
Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordon Hogg stressed the importance of having a sense of belonging in one's community.
“Our diversified, multi-cultured city is a great strength and we must all learn to respect and support each other," said Hogg.
This is the second round of funding from the B.C. government for groups belonging to the Organizing Against Racism and Hate network. Last November, $240,000 was handed out.
Across the province, the anti-racism projects include community events, works of art, theatre productions and a variety of other forms of community engagement.