MOSAIC, a Metro Vancouver organization, marked its 50th anniversary by hosting a walkathon at Burnaby’s Swangard Stadium. Originally established as the Multilingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities in 1976, the event brought together hundreds of newcomers to celebrate their settlement achievements. Attendees enjoyed food trucks, live music, and stamped mock passports at various stations representing milestones like finding housing and securing employment in Canada.
The organization, which assists 33,000 immigrants, refugees, and newcomers annually, has played a vital role in aiding individuals in their transition to life in Canada. Many of MOSAIC’s staff and volunteers were once beneficiaries of the organization’s services upon their arrival in the country. Daisy Au, an employee who joined MOSAIC in 2003, shared her experience of overcoming challenges when validating her credentials from Hong Kong in Canada, emphasizing the importance of empathizing with clients facing similar struggles.
Sharon Butler, MOSAIC’s director of strategic engagement, highlighted the organization’s significant impact, having facilitated the entry of approximately half a million individuals into British Columbia and Canada over the past five decades. She noted that 80% of the workforce comprises former newcomers, with staff fluent in over 60 languages, reflecting the diverse mosaic of Canada.
Despite recent government funding cutbacks affecting settlement organizations, MOSAIC continues to experience rising demand for its services. Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley commended the organization’s unheralded contributions, underscoring its essential role in fostering community cohesion and cultural exchange. The event exemplified the spirit of unity and collaboration among Burnaby’s diverse population, showcasing the value of embracing different backgrounds for societal progress.