On Sunday, the Metro Vancouver organization MOSAIC marked its 50th anniversary of assisting immigrants and newcomers in settling in Canada with a walkathon at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, B.C.
Established as the Multilingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities in 1976, the organization hosted an event that brought together hundreds of newcomers to celebrate their settlement achievements while enjoying food trucks and live performances.
Numerous employees and volunteers from MOSAIC who organized the walkathon were themselves beneficiaries of the organization when they first came to Canada.
According to MOSAIC, the organization supports approximately 33,000 immigrants, refugees, and newcomers each year.
Participants in the walkathon stamped a mock passport with milestones celebrated by newcomers to Canada, such as securing their first job and making new friends. (Nav Rahi/CBC)
Daisy Au, one of the employees, shared that when she arrived, she needed to have her credentials from Hong Kong recognized in Canada and encountered numerous challenges.
Now a member of MOSAIC’s settlement team since 2003, she remarked, “I work with many single [moms] and families.”
She added, “My personal experiences with similar challenges allow me to walk alongside them on their journey … which is truly remarkable.”
Daisy Au emphasizes the critical role of services like those provided by MOSAIC in aiding newcomers to settle in Canada. (Nav Rahi/CBC)
During the walkathon, newcomers were able to stamp a mock passport at tents that celebrated achievements such as locating housing and landing their first job in Canada.
According to Sharon Butler, MOSAIC’s director of strategic engagement, the organization has assisted nearly half a million individuals in immigrating to B.C. and Canada over the past 50 years.
She noted that 80 percent of the organization’s staff were, at some point, newcomers themselves, and that the 600-plus employees collectively speak over 60 different languages.
“Our name reflects the mosaic of Canada, highlighting the diverse individuals from various corners of the world coming together to forge something truly unique,” she stated.
Many attendees at the walkathon enjoyed food trucks and live entertainment. (Nav Rahi/CBC)
Butler pointed out that there have been significant government funding cuts impacting settlement organizations recently, even as the demand continues to rise annually.
MOSAIC’s main office is located in Burnaby near Swangard Stadium, with additional locations throughout the Lower Mainland.
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Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley remarked that the contributions of MOSAIC often go unrecognized, particularly since much of its work is carried out by volunteers. He acknowledged the significance of the organization’s impact.
Hurley highlighted that 60 percent of Burnaby’s population was not born there, and that Sunday’s event showcased the unity within the community that binds the region together.
“Seeing everyone together—walking arm-in-arm and embracing one another, enjoying each other’s cultures—is truly how our country progresses,” he noted.
“It’s remarkable to witness such an event.”
Mayor Mike Hurley emphasized that the efforts of MOSAIC are often carried out by volunteers and frequently go unnoticed. (Nav Rahi/CBC)