EDMONTON, February 10, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Peter Goldring, Member of Parliament (Edmonton East), today announced funding to support Bissell Centre in celebrating the 100 th anniversary of service to the community of Edmonton.
"Bissell Centre centennial celebrations will provide the residents of Edmonton with access to a variety of cultural and artistic experiences, while strengthening community ties," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to support an organization that contributes so much to the community's vitality."
"Congratulations to Bissell Centre on 100 years of great contributions to the new immigrants and citizens in need of Edmonton East," said Mr. Goldring. "May you be here for Edmontonians' needs for many more years ahead."
"Bissell Centre extends its most sincere thanks to the Government of Canada for support in celebrating this tremendous milestone for our organization," said Jessica Smith-Perry of Bissell Centre. "For an organization to survive and thrive for a century is astonishing, and Bissell Centre has been able to do so thanks to the very generous support and dedication of the community."
Bissell Centre is a non-profit society with charitable status that has been serving the community of Edmonton since 1910. With a formal vision statement of "neighbour helping neighbour," it continues to provide services and resources to all those in need. The commemoration of the organization's 100 th anniversary, which will take place between January 1 and October 22, 2010, will engage the people of Edmonton and many other local community organizations in celebrating the significance of this milestone. Celebration activities will include musical and dance performances, Aboriginal drumming, story telling, artisan demonstrations, and the release of a commemorative history book.
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $96,960 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Perry Boldt
A/Regional Manager Communications
Western Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel: 604-666-5739
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
