Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond reads a message from the Diversity Tree today at the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society – photos 250News

Prince George, B.C. – Prince George’s diversity was celebrated at the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society today.

The Multiculturalism Day festivities included speeches, a child’s performance and the unveiling of the agencies Photo Voice Project which was made possible by a grant from the provincial government.

The project, which has been underway since July, includes pictures taken by volunteers and depict their experiences in the community.

The occasion also provided a chance for people to express how important the agency is to Prince George.

Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall and Abigail Zhao 

“Well first of all we are very blessed in Prince George to have a multicultural community, a community where people are welcomed,” said Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond.

“Where we celebrate diversity and this organization – the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society – does a fantastic job of welcoming newcomers. I’ve certainly seen that as they’ve reached out to Syrian refugees who recently arrived in our community.”

Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall was also on hand to express his thanks about the services the agency provides.

“With open arms, they embrace immigrants from all over the world and provide educational opportunities for those immigrants,” he said.

“They provide English classes for example, that are so important. They provide services that give immigrants an opportunity to understand what they have to do to navigate through our city.”

Images from IMSS’s Photo Voice Project

Melissa Bermudez, an immigrant from Columbia and a resident of the city for five years, says the services can at times be very helpful.

“I think it’s really helpful because you come here with things going on in your life and people here may not have the same problems, but the same questions. So, they help you with what you need.”