Hello Everyone,
One gift you’re going to receive from me as I write to you about what’s going on at BGC right now is this: I’m not talking about COVID-19 or the pandemic #yourewelcome.
This is the time of year at BGC when we begin to prepare for the holidays with our kids, youth, participants, and their families. This work includes the many discreet and respectful ways we’ll do extra for those who we know are struggling for whatever reason. Meanwhile, this has been a year when, at BGC, we have put our attention to diversity, equity and inclusion, AND Truth and Reconciliation (with an important focus on the truth part of our history), looking for tangible ways to translate our learnings into actions that will help us to be more inclusive and equitable.
All of this has helped us realize that for the holidays ahead, offering belonging for all calls on us to be brave and bold about the holidays too, to be as inclusive as we can. We likely all have people we know who want things one way or another, or don’t want things to change. And because at BGC, we’re eternal optimists about the human spirit, we believe that we can make room for everyone. That means continuing to observe the traditions we know, AND observing others too. We’re excited about this realization because doing so makes room for the beauty and joy of understanding and joining in celebrations that are different than our own… and the promise of belonging to new groups, traditions, or relationships.
So, as we wish you all the joy and happiness of your holiday season, we also invite you to help us with our efforts to support the diverse kids, youth, and families who belong to BGC, who deserve to be part of a community that BOTH accepts them AND others. After all, belonging in a world (and community) where we care for each other, inclusive of where we’ve come from is what BGC is all about.
Thanks,
Carolyn
Carolyn Tuckwell
President & CEO
ctuckwell@bgcbc.ca
