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Friendships Across Cultures -
Building Friendships Across Cultures

The Friendships Across Cultures Program matches Canadian youth with new immigrant youth to facilitate understanding, provide orientation to Canadian society and build feelings of connectedness. 

Youth Have Much to Offer

Volunteering is fun and worthwhile. As a volunteer you can:

  • learn about other cultures and languages
  • develop new friendships
  • participate in fun activities and workshops
  • gain valuable experience
  • accumulate volunteer hours and referances

Your knowledge and experience is important. By sharing your time you can help a newcomer to:

  • learn and practice English
  • use public transportation
  • make new friends
  • participate in local activities
  • explore the neighborhood

How Can I Get Involved?

Call Illana at:
604-859-7544 Local 225
Or speak to a school representative at:

  • Abbotsford Collegiate School
  • W.J. Mouat Secondary School
  • Robert Bateman Secondary School
  • Eugene Reimer Middle School

How It Works:

  • complete an application
  • participate in an orientation
  • meet newcomers and volunteers
  • get matched to a 'buddy'
  • participate in regularly planned activities

We host weekly Multicultural Club activities at participating schools. The club times are used to meet new people, learn new things, get support and have fun.

Help to Make a Difference.
Become a Leader in your community.

The Go-Ahead Power Project

The Coast Capital Savings Community Investment Fund, in partnership with the Friendships Across Cultures Program of Abbotsford Community Services and the City of Abbotsford’s Connecting Cultures, Building Communities has provided the funding funding to launch the Go-Ahead Power Project.

This project is for new immigrant and refugee youth between the ages of 11-17 intended to foster a sense of inclusion within the community, create friendships, gain confidence and find their voice.

The project will provide opportunities for youth to engage in community service projects, community resources, leadership and encourage strong, confident and compassionate leaders in the community.

The project will operate from April to October 2011 on Saturday afternoons.
Youth will attend workshops at the Matsqui Recreation Centre focusing on goal setting, leadership training, community awareness, teambuilding, respecting differences, communication, creativity and more.

For more information you can contact the project coordinator:
Illana Boychuk at 604-859-7544 Local 225