Multicultural council gets funds for green initiatives

Content Originally Published on:

September 10, 2020 at 1:37 pm

A joint program of two Halton agencies has received a grant from the federal government to continue a climate change plan for newcomers.

A joint program of two Halton agencies has received a grant from the federal government to continue a climate change plan for newcomers.

Announced by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the $41,000 in funding goes to the Halton Multicultural Council for an initiative shared with partners at the Halton Environmental Network.

The program developed provides educational tools and materials for young newcomers to Canada to raise awareness and take action on climate change. Student-initiated projects included encouraging green transportation and recycling and reusing school resources. These actions also offered youth opportunities to engage and to develop leadership skills, while increasing their understanding of personal and local actions that can have an impact on climate change.

The money comes from the Climate Action Fund which provides up to $3 million annually to support projects delivered by students, youth, Indigenous peoples and organizations, not-for-profit organizations, small and medium-sized businesses, and research and educational institutions that raise awareness of climate change and encourage others to take meaningful climate action.

“This kind of grassroots project serves both to educate youth and to help them gain the skills and the leadership tools, and nurture the hope they need to take action and make a difference,” said Kim Jenkinson, Executive Director for the Halton Multicultural Council. “The Halton Environmental Network served as our partners on this project, and not only did they bring their expertise on climate change, they also brought their passion and commitment to creating real change. The youth projects were creative and informed, and the greenhouse gas emissions savings were estimated at 20 tonnes over the collective projects.

The Halton Multicultural Council is a local agency that assists immigrants and refugees settle and integrate into the community.