RBC creates new diversity fund program with
the Children's Aid Foundation
May 7, 2009
TORONTO – For an increasingly diverse child and youth population, programs need to have better consideration of cultural and religious sensitivities to be effective, according to the Children’s Aid Foundation. RBC today announced in partnership with the Children’s Aid Foundation the creation of a new national diversity fund program to help children and youth in need.
The RBC New Beginnings: National Diversity Fund for Children Program will ultimately provide unprecedented support to immigrant, refugee and multicultural children and youth. This program will provide social workers with a flexible resource to enhance their everyday work with children, youth and families who are considered at risk for crisis or family breakdown. The program will help fund a broad spectrum of needs such as helping newcomer families obtain practical support like cribs or winter clothes, emergency support to prevent homelessness, and therapy to help refugee children heal from trauma they experienced fleeing their homeland.
“In partnership with RBC, the Children’s Aid Foundation will take a leadership role within the child welfare community in engaging newcomer and ethnically diverse children, youth and families,” aid Ann Barnard Ball, Executive Director of the Children’s Aid Foundation. “We are looking forward to expanding our relationship with RBC and seeing the difference we can make together in the lives of children.”
Language and cultural barriers can make it difficult for children and their families to realize the full benefits of existing community programs, which puts these children at a further disadvantage. In addition, immigrant families often lack awareness of the support services they can access in their new communities.
“At RBC, we are committed to making it easier for new comers to Canada and youth to succeed,” said Shari Austin, Executive Director, RBC Foundation. “This innovative program will help provide social workers with the tools and education they need to remove language and cultural barriers, while fostering a better understanding of the unique needs of immigrants, refugees and youth.”
About the Children’s Aid Foundation-
The Children’s Aid Foundation believes that all children and youth deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential: in keeping with these goals the Foundation has gone on to become a leader in providing the tools and support to help children in need enjoy their childhood and become the people they were meant to be.
Founded in 1979, the Children’s Aid Foundation is a national charity that funds programs in areas of prevention, enrichment and education. This year marks the Foundation’s 30th anniversary of helping to make a difference in the lives of children and youth.
About RBC-
RBC believes in building prosperity by contributing to the communities in which we live and work. As one of Canada's largest corporate donors, RBC supports a broad range of community initiatives, through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. RBC contributed $99 million to community causes worldwide in 2008, through donations of more than $51.5 million, and an additional $47.5 million in sponsorship of community events.
For further information: Emily MacKenzie, Marketing and Communications, Children’s Aid Foundation emackenzie@cafdn.org, (416) 923-0924 x230