Surrey, BC, October 6, 2023 – In recognition and celebration of the 45th anniversary of DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, the City of Surrey has issued a proclamation that October 10, 2023, be known as “Day of Inclusion.”
DIVERSEcity is celebrating 45 years of supporting the people of Surrey, Langley, Delta and White Rock and beyond since it opened its doors on October 10, 1978. In the mid-1970s, Surrey’s growing role as a destination for immigrants and increasing racial tensions in the community saw the launch of the city’s first immigrant-serving agency, Surrey Delta Immigrant Services Society (SDISS). In 2007, the organization was rebranded as DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, to reflect the diverse community of Surrey and to help foster inclusivity during a time of dramatic growth for the young city. (See more about DIVERSEcity’s history here: dcrs.ca/about-us/our-history)
“It’s a special milestone for us here at DIVERSEcity; 45 years since we opened our doors in 1978. It was October 10 to be exact, and I’m pleased to announce that her Worship, Mayor Brenda Locke, the Mayor of Surrey has issued a proclamation that October 10, 2023, be recognized as Day of Inclusion in honour of DIVERSEcity’s origins and impact over the past four-and-a-half decades as the first immigrant-serving organization in the City of Surrey,” says Neelam Sahota, CEO, DIVERSEcity.
Today, with Surrey on track to be the fastest-growing city due to immigration, DIVERSEcity’s position as a community builder fostering inclusion and belonging is more important than ever.
But through various statistics and reports, including the BC’s Office of Human Rights Commissioner’s report Hate to Hope, we know there have been increasing rates of hate crimes and gender-based violence, not to mention last week’s protests in the Lower Mainland, that threaten inclusivity. Just like in the early days of DIVERSEcity, we continue to fight for diversity, inclusion and safety in our communities.
Over the last four-and-a-half decades, DIVERSEcity has assisted tens of thousands of newcomers to find employment, learn English, find housing, deal with family challenges and work through mental health issues. We have provided services for families, children, youth, seniors, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those with disabilities, survivors of violence and skilled professionals.
DIVERSEcity is profoundly committed to the diversity and inclusion that our name promises, and display this in our culturally informed and innovative approach to our programs and services, as well as in our hiring practices at every level of the organization.
“We approach our work with an open heart and open mind and are excited to meet the challenges of tomorrow by taking the knowledge we have gained over the last 45 years and putting that to work,” says Neelam Sahota. “
Proclamation Text
Day of Inclusion
October 10, 2023 WHEREAS With Surrey being the fastest-growing city in BC due largely to immigration, DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society, a Surrey-based registered charity and community builder, is here to ensure everyone belongs; and
WHEREAS DIVERSEcity is celebrating 45 years of supporting the people of Surrey with empowering services, while championing diversity and inclusion for all, this October 10, 2023; and
WHEREAS DIVERSEcity’s origins and impact as the first immigrant-serving organization in the City of Surrey, originally launched as Surrey Delta Immigrant Services Society in 1978, deserves to be recognized and celebrated; and
WHEREAS The City of Surrey strives to ensure no one is left behind and is an equitable and inclusive city where all immigrants, refugees and citizens thrive together.
