By Alfie Lau, Burnaby Now October 9, 2010
It was a secret Jody Johnson had to keep for several days, but on Wednesday, she could shout it out to the world.
Johnson, project coordinator for the Burnaby Intercultural Planning Table, was told that her group had won the prestigious first WelcomeBC award, given out by the provincial government to an organization that succeeded in building partnerships, creating new solutions for services in Burnaby and helping newcomers feel welcomed in their new homes.
"I was absolutely delighted when I got the news," said Johnson of the group that has been working together since 2007. "For the province to recognize all that we've done is gratifying."
The group received its award on Wednesday, as the province proclaimed Oct. 6 as WelcomeBC Day.
Jeanne Fike, co-chair of the group and best known for her work with Burnaby Family Life, received the award and was elated.
"For decades, I've been part of Burnaby's transformation from a bedroom community to one of Canada's most diverse and thriving cities," said Fike. "Recognizing Burnaby's changing needs, dozens of local agencies took action through BIPT and the Welcoming Community initiatives. Strength-ening the social and economic fabric of Burnaby has been the highlight of my career."
She said the success has come from coordinated efforts of all the groups that are part of the planning table.
"We've achieved so much more through partnerships and working together than any one single organization could do on its own, and it's making a big difference for the people of Burnaby," she said.
For Johnson, the last three-plus years have been about partnerships and innovative ideas.
From here, she said, it's a continuing process of moving ahead.
"As a group, we've done many innovative things to secure different funding sources so that our visioning can become reality," said Johnson. "To be recognized for our efforts shows how all of us working together can lead to good things."
See www.bipt.ca.
Read more: http://www.burnabynow.com/Group+earns+honour/3647650/story.html#ixzz12LrvIaiF
http://www.burnabynow.com/Group+earns+honour/3647650/story.html
