Appreciating Diversity

Last blog, I wrote of a recent expedition to Newfoundland. My journey east this summer also took me kayaking and whale watching in Quebec. Dave and I marveled at the magnificent variety of wildlife in the area – including moose, caribou, puffins and bald eagles.

In the quaint French town of Tadoussac, we saw sharks and several species of whale. The area is famous for whale watching because saltwater from the Atlantic mixes with freshwater from the St. Lawrence here, resulting in an endless supply of plankton and other small marine life that comprise a whale’s main diet.

I was awestruck by the wide range of wildlife Dave and I saw in Quebec. It reminded me that diversity is to be admired and held in high esteem, not regarded suspiciously or subjected to discrimination. The same holds true for people. When we respect and value our differences, our communities and neighbourhoods flourish. That’s why United Way supports programs and initiatives that encourage people to accept each other’s differences and work together for the common good.

Thought I'd include a picture of me kayaking, although I'm not sure any picture could do justice to the fabulous scenery we came across.

A ‘Welcome’ Lesson

My husband Dave and I recently had the pleasure of exploring Newfoundland’s southern coast. We traveled by ferry to several outports – small, isolated communities accessible only by boat.

Sadly, outport communities are dwindling in numbers as the cost to maintain education and healthcare in these areas becomes prohibitive for government. Employment, too, is a major concern. To make ends meet, many residents spend a few months of each year working in other regions of Canada where jobs are more plentiful.

We were struck by how welcoming and generous the residents of these unique coastal communities were despite their hardships. The ferry’s arrival was clearly a focal point of their lives. A friendly crowd greeted us at each stop, instilling an immediate sense of belonging. Instead of strangers visiting for the first time, we were treated like returning friends.

I can’t help but think how wonderful it would be if all newcomers to the KW area could feel the way Dave and I did on our journey. United Way supports several programs and initiatives aimed at helping newcomers gain a sense of acceptance and belonging. We also support efforts to reduce barriers such as discrimination and help newcomers find suitable employment.

Here's the Grand Bruit outport. That's my husband, Dave, (right) standing with our guide, Claude, in the second picture.




























The outport below is called La Poile.