The newly-formed non-profit association in Wetaskiwin that is looking to give a place to belong for all minorities that may have experienced marginalization or discrimination is gearing up for its first major fundraising event: a family-friendly New Year's Eve event on Dec. 31.
Alberta Minorities Community Association (AMCA) was launched last month and aims to "protect and enhance the cultural, social, and general interests of all minorities not only in Wetaskiwin but in Alberta as well, ensuring their well-being."
"Now we're concentrating on this upcoming event in December," said AMCA vice president Pastor Antonio Garcia, adding hopefully a lot of people will come out to the event.
The New Years party will including a dinner, music and dancing, a catered meal, games, raffle draws and door prizes.
The doors will open at 6 p.m., with dinner being served from 7 to 8:30 p.m., followed by games, raffle draws, music and dancing until midnight.
Other details are still being finalized. Check AMCA's Facebook page for the most-up-to-date information.
An event poster with all the information and ticket details will soon be distributed at businesses around town.
The launch event on Oct. 19 at the By-The-Lake hall was attended by MLA Rick Wilson, City of Wetaskiwin Mayor Tyler Gandam and Montana First Nation Chief Leonard Standingontheroad.
The launch included cultural entertainment segments such as the grass dance, jingle style dance, Indian flute playing and singers.
"It was a great event bringing the community together," said Gandam.
"I’m looking forward to the work they’re going to be doing to help bring our community closer together," he said. "I love being a part of such an energetic, positive group of people who see Wetaskiwin as a wonderful place to live."
"I had a wonderful time at the inaugural event," said Wilson in a social media post. "It felt more like a celebration with so many different cultures represented through dance, song and prayers. It was truly a joyous occasion."
After it's first month of operation, the association already has almost 50 members and they're looking for more, said Garcia.
There are currently six board members including the president, three vice presidents and two directors and they're hoping to expand.
"All nationalities are welcome," said Garcia, adding anyone can join, regardless if they're already members of other organizations or not.
So far, some nationalities represented by the membership include Congolese, East Indian, Ukrainian and Filipino.
The association also wants to provide an inclusive space for seniors and those living with disabilities.
AMCA is still looking for a permanent home, but in the meantime has limited use of a space at a local business.
Once the association has accumulated some funding, the first major project they want to start is a centre for drop-in respite care for seniors where caregivers know they can entrust their loved ones while they take care of other things.
The second goal is to provide counselling and mental health services for vulnerable people of different nationalities or disabilities and their family members.
In the future, the association hopes to expand to surrounding communities, and eventually, to all of Alberta. Garcia said they've already had some interest from people wanting to start their own associations in Ponoka and Camrose.
To contact AMCA call 403-459-9042 or email albertaminoritiescommunity@gmail.com.
