On March 18, 2010, the idea of Global Fashions on One World Stage was founded by VIRCS volunteer and Board member; Robin Adams. The idea was to have a multicultural fashion show, showcasing the diversity of beauty found in all cultures around the world. The goal was to raise awareness of diversity in beauty and about VIRCS while fundraising and donating the profits of the show to VIRCS Settlement Programs. After presenting this idea to VIRCS, it was accepted and Robin went forth and spent a very busy 7 months directing the show and producing it out of pocket. With help from her Global Fashions team, friends, the VIRCS Staff and Board she was able to find many wonderful models, dancers, singers and performers from 17 different cultures such as Tahiti, Mexico, Sierra Leone, Norway, India, China and The First Nations of B.C, to name a few.
In the theme of raising awareness about diversity in beauty, the models and performers in the show were all ages, shapes, sizes and ethnicities. From a 91 year old Norwegian model to an 8 months pregnant belly dancer, all forms of diverse beauty were celebrated. The event featured food & drinks, a silent auction, prize draws, DJ and live music, fashions and dances from all over the world in the ballroom of the Delta Ocean Pointe. Each model or performer presented traditional or modern clothing of their ancestry and heritage. Over 90% of the people in the show were from another country or culture of origin and because of this they all felt such a strong connection to the cause of the show; raising awareness about their culture’s form of beauty and helping others to settle in Canada just as they had.
It was immensely heartwarming for everyone to see the true pride and beauty of each model shining through as they walked out on stage to show their culture’s fashion or to dance or sing in a way that represented their culture. Even more heartwarming was seeing so many cultures and backgrounds working together and helping each other towards one positive goal that would promote multiculturalism in the society and community we all share. What a wonderful celebration to be a part of and with 55 people in the show, it was quite a spectacle. Global Fashions 2011 will share the same goal with some different performances and fashions as well as some audience favorites. The hope is to have as many cultures represented as possible throughout future years so that the celebration of diverse forms of beauty and multiculturalism can continue to grow and flourish as does our multicultural community.
Global Fashions 2011 is coming better than ever.
Multiculturalism through Music, Food, and Dance
The purpose of VIRCS multicultural programs is to create a more diversified and harmonious Victoria. This is done by increasing awareness in the public of the contributions made to Victoria's cultural vitality by different ethnic groups. VIRCS supports the advancement of cross-cultural communication and harmony through education and art.
Our programs and projects bring to the community the positive aspects of living in a multicultural society. It can be done through various aspects of culture such as music, literary works, visual arts and so on. VIRCS's programs encourage the community to participate in ethnic celebrations and increase their knowledge and understanding of different cultures. We believe that every ethnic community brings art and culture that enriches our community and makes Canada a unique society.
VIRCS strives hard to add to these cultural contributions through activities such as the Salsa Palace and dinner nights that feature multicultural foods and performances.
Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS), Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) and Canadian Red Cross Society, BC Coastal Region (CRC) has combined their knowledge and expertise to compile a series of community seminars that focus on combating racism and hate among youth. Youth BYOB will provide 10 seminars that explore different aspects of discrimination. The seminars will happen between September 2007 and March 2008.
Seminar Topics Include
Media
Culture/Multicultural
Human Rights
Aboriginal
Gender & Sexual Orientation
Religion
Others……
The seminars will run every second week, and will alternate between Pro-D Days and Thursday evenings.
Goals:
The project is for youth to come together in a connected and diverse community to address discrimination, racism and hate by promoting healthy cross-cultural relationships.
To develop partnerships with organizations and agencies that work with youth from diverse backgrounds.
Youth of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate. The seminars will be interactive and fun, thought provoking and engaging, and will give lots of opportunities to make new friends and learn new skills.
Youth BYOB - Break Your Own Barriers Do you know yours?
A community diversity project Part II: January– February 2008
Seminar Topic
Date & Time
Locations
Human Rights
January 17, Thursday
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Canadian Red Cross
B.C. Coastal Region
909 Fairfield Road
SafeHarbour Youth Ambassador Training I Become a Youth Ambassador and learn how to lead diversity games & exercises!
January 30, Wednesday
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Victoria Immigrant & Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS)
SafeHarbour Youth Ambassador Training II Become a Youth Ambassador and learn how to lead diversity games & exercises!
February 13, Wednesday
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA), 930 Balmoral (corner of Quadra)
Anti-Racism & Diversity –Celebration & Action
February 28, Thursday,
5:30 – 8:30 pm
To be determined
Free pizza and other snacks are provided. Contact info: Negin at 361-9433 x.242 or enable@vircs.bc.ca Receive a certificate for attending more than 6 seminars
This is a partnership project between Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society (VIRCS), Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria (ICA) and Canadian Red Cross, BC Coastal region (CRC).
