Pathways Inclusion Chain & Proclamation w/ Mayor Dyas
Kelowna Mayor, Tom Dyas will join representatives from Pathways Abilities Society, a local not-for-profit providing services for individuals with diverse abilities, for the 11th annual Kelowna Inclusion Chain; a public event celebrating inclusion in our community.
At this year’s event, Mayor Dyas will read the city’s official proclamation, declaring October “Community Inclusion Month” in Kelowna.
Following the proclamation reading, members of the public in attendance along with the Mayor and other dignitaries will be invited to line up, side-by-side along Water Street, forming a human ‘inclusion’ chain for the singing of our national anthem, a tradition at Pathways’ Inclusion Chain events.
“We’ve been doing these [inclusion chains] for a long time now” says Adam Less, who works with Pathways and helped start the annual Inclusion Chain event 11 years ago.
“The idea of the event has always been to showcase the diversity in our community and make the point that inclusive communities are strong communities; every individual matters.
It’s important the message doesn’t get lost after so many years of doing these. Recognizing and celebrating the value of every individual in our community, regardless of abilities, is more important now than ever!”
Outgoing Pathways Executive Director, Charisse Daley who will retire from her duties with Pathways this Fall, is proud of what the proclamation and Inclusion Chain has come to represent.
“Pathways is and always will be a beacon for inclusion, always promoting and advocating for more inclusive communities.
Having our Mayor and Council consistently, each year proclaim October Community Inclusion Month across our city and join us in celebrating that milestone through our annual Inclusion Chain, is an important statement that demonstrates the significance of this message and how committed our community is to advancing it!”, says Daley.
The general public is encouraged to come out and join in the building of the Inclusion Chain Friday, October 4th at 10am on Water Street.
The event will run rain or shine. Complimentary coffee and hot chocolate will be served. Following the Inclusion Chain, Pathways will be hosting a public celebration event including beverages, light snacks, karaoke, gift basket draws and other activities from 11:30am to 2:00pm at Pathways location in Rutland, at 123 Franklyn Road!
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