MARKHAM, Ontario, April 17, 2008 - The Honourable Jason Kenney, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), will attend Project Hope's second Annual Fundraising Dinner and Concert for Special Needs Children International tomorrow. The event will feature a benefit concert and performances by various Canadian artists.
"The Government of Canada is proud to participate in Project Hope's annual fundraising event, which aims to improve attitudes and enhance acceptance internationally for children with special needs," said Secretary of State Kenney. "Canada's diversity is our greatest strength, and our Government encourages the participation and involvement of all Canadians in society."
"Our ultimate goal is that all children and young people have an equal opportunity to enjoy the same quality of life. That can be accomplished by affirming the uniqueness of each child and taking into account any permanent or temporary additional emotional, physiological, physical, or health-related needs that he or she may have," said Sam Jama, Spokesperson, Project Hope. "We believe that this is a lofty but achievable goal and it will be accomplished by the partnership between the Somali-Canadian community and the staff of Sunnyview Public School in Toronto. This partnership celebrates Canada's values and commitment to global efforts of peace building and sustainable development."
Project Hope is a non-profit organization that aims to assist children with special needs in Somaliland. It creates a special educational setting and provides individualized programming with a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment that leads to self-confidence, social skills, and the knowledge to become an integral part of society.
The Government of Canada is committed to reaching out to all Canadians and developing lasting relationships with ethnic and religious communities in Canada. It encourages these communities to participate fully in Canadian society by enhancing their level of economic, social, and cultural integration.
Information:
Alykhan Velshi
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Jason Kenney, PC, MP
Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity)
alykhan_velshi@pch.gc.ca
