ISSofBC welcomed the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge along with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau as part of the royal tour to ISSofBC Welcome Centre Sunday, September 25.
The tour, guided by ISSofBC CEO Patricia Woroch, Settlement Services Director Chris Friesen and ISSofBC President Manchan Sonachansingh, included meeting clients from Tech Start, MY Circle and Maple 2.0 along with two refugee families currently staying in the temporary housing units at the facility. The Royal visitors also viewed the painting “Where Dreams Begin” and met its artist who gifted it to ISSofBC Welcome Centre: noted international Yukon watercolourist Lillian Loponen.
In addition the Duke and Duchess unveiled a plaque for a new Edith Lando children’s playground at the centre, marking its official opening.
“We’re deeply honoured by the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to the ISSofBC Welcome Centre, and grateful for the opportunity to introduce the facility and our services as well as some of our clients to them. We also thank Prime Minister and Mrs. Trudeau, Premier Christy Clark and BC Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Shirley Bond for their presence and for their encouraging interest in the work we do,” said Woroch.
To mark the royal tour Trudeau announced the Government of Canada would donate $50,000 to ISSofBC as an official gift that is closely aligned with Their Royal Highnesses’ interests and charitable undertakings.
Another $50,000 contribution will go to Prince’s Charities Canada and will be used to promote education in Canada’s Indigenous communities.
“In keeping with tradition, I am honoured to mark the visit by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with a gift that will help both Indigenous youth as well as newcomers to Canada realize their dreams. Canadians have a real affection for the Royal family which was once again very much on display during this tour, “ said the Prime Minister in a statement about the contribution October 1.
View photos from the media coverage of the event (official photos coming soon)
In the news
Oct. 2, 2016 – At their visit’s end, royals thank Canada for family memories – Maclean’s
Oct. 2, 2016 – William and Kate praise Canada for ‘happy’ family memories – BBC News
Oct. 1, 2016 – Final day of Royal Tour focusing on youth, mental health – CityNews
Sept. 26 – Syrian refugees in Canada – the guardian
Sept. 26 – Canada royal tour 2016 recap – Mirror
Sept. 26 – Britain’s Prince William, Kate tour Vancouver without kids – Daily Mail
Sept. 26 – William and Kate woo Vancouver – National Post
Sept. 26 – Highlights from day two of the royal tour – Hello Magazine
Sept. 25 – Prince William and Princess Kate Link Up with the Trudeaus – People Magazine
Sept. 25 – Royal visit: Prince William and Kate meet Syrian refugee families – Vancouver Metro
Sept. 25 – Royal Visit: Syrian refugee family visits with Duke and Duchess – The Province
Sept. 25 – Will and Kate visit the Immigrant Services Society of B.C. – CKNW
Sept. 25 – The Royal Tour 2016 – CTV News
