Bahá’í-inspired charities aid newcomers to Canada

A performing arts concert in Victoria, B.C. raised funds for mental health and counselling services for recent immigrants and refugees to Canada.

REACH! performing at a concert joined by a children’s choir and guest performers.

Two Bahá’í-inspired charities in Victoria, B.C. recently collaborated to raise funds for services that assist newcomers to Canada. REACH! (West Coast Reach Association), a performing arts organization featuring youth, adults and seniors of diverse abilities held a fundraising concert on May 24 for the Vancouver Island Counselling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR), a Bahá’í-inspired charity based on Vancouver Island, B.C. 

The event titled “Hope & Belonging Benefit Concert” attracted an audience of 400 people and raised over $9,000. This fund will support newcomers seeking VICCIR’s mental health services, which specialize in counselling those transitioning to life in Canada, many of whom fled persecution and violence.  

-Peter and Anne-Marie Brimacombe