Aaj Magazine 2016 Special Article - Cycling4Diversity

HEALTH

CYCLING FOR

DIVERSITY Cycling4Diversity Foundation combines the art of cycling and intercultural dialogue and having the fortunate opportunity through our travels to speak to thousands about our message and is going into their 6th year.

The C4D team has visited over 100 schools throughout the province. The team is set to begin its journey for this year’s ride, during May 22nd to 28th, which has been proclaimed by the Province of British Columbia as Cycling4Diversty Week. During this week the team of cyclists travel thought the province speaking to students on topics of cultural diversity, inclusion and racism.

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The ride started in 2011, when founder Ken Herar was openly discriminated against from attending a Christmas party. Herar said: “ I’m extremely humbled by the support and the confidence that has been given to us by all the communities. The rides keeps on growing year by year, and the people see a need for such a discussion. “Cycling4Diversity is a team effort and everyone is welcomed to join our team. It’s about delivering an important message of inclusivity and also having fun doing so. We have heard so many amazing stories that this whole journey has been eye opening for many of the members. Let’s not kid ourselves racism still exists today, unfortunately.”

The C4D Foundation offers opportunities for learning and discussions on the benefits o f c ul tur al d i versi t y a n d t h e importance of eliminating racism.

The Foundation unites multicultural communities through sharing of personal experiences, which creates an environment of mutual trust and understanding. The team works to create dialogue and break down perceived barriers.

C y c l i n g 4 D i ve r s i t y s e e k s t o foster intercultural relationships by encouraging students and citizens to expand their circle of friends and connecting with people from various backgrounds by showing respect for differences and encouraging inclusion in their schools and communities.

Executive Director Anne-Marie Sjoden said: “I’ve met a lot of incredible people of all ages and races and along the way I have had the opportunity to make some awesome friends for life. In the coming months ahead, we will be gearing up to get ready for our ride in May. For this year’s ride our team will be expanding their message up into the rural areas ( Harrison Hot Springs and Hope area for two days and the last two days in the Lower Mainland. Over the past 5 years we have handed out over 1000 t-shirts, buttons and wrist bands. We have sent our C4D shirts throughout the world. We have done other events like Mission and Abby Fest bringing in a dunk tank for our members to sit in while the people in the public had the chance to dunk our team.

We have visited federal intuitions.

This past December we helped out the Mission Food Bank by gathering food donations by cycling to houses in the local area."

Canada's Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, who has been cycling with Cycling4Diversity for the past two years has added a lot to the team and its message.

He shared this message with Herar before he got involved with C4D off one of our Facebook chats a few years ago, and speaks volumes of his character.

Sajjan said, “I am very impressed with your efforts and unique approach. I command one of the most diverse regiments in

Canada's Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, who has been cycling with Cycling 4Diversity for the past two years has added a lot to the team and its message.

Canada, and I am passionate about positively changing people’s perception of diversity.”

If you would like to part of Cycling4Diversity, please visit: Cycling4Diversity.ca Cycling4Diversity Foundation Cycle4Diversity

I couldn’t think of a better response from someone in his position to lead our nation with the strife we currently face around the globe. In the two years Harjit was involved with C4D Herar explains, he not only changed people’s perceptions, he left a lasting impression with everyone he touched building on our message of inclusion.

Bill MacGregor, who has been a C4D member right from the start said: “ Witnessing so many audiences we spoke to the authentic growth of awareness and cohesion of cultures into "One race ... the human race" as spoken

by Aaron Neville. The diversity of school communities across this Lower Mainland has become so extraordinary that I believe we will soon be over this hill and rolling on the other side. The future looks awesome when I see the young people of today. Let us continue to accept the notion that we must actively seek to understand one another in order to not only have

lasting peace but continual growth in the human condition."

Herar, explains that diversity is a wide concept with many interpretations. Breaking it down, he focuses on three guiding principles: Balances, gentle and equal. In order for diversity to fully work we all need balances with our surroundings and in order to listen and create understandings we need to be gently and lastly we all have to be equal in the diversity family in order for it to work successfully.

Herar, was at crossroad this year if he was going to continue with the ride or just take a year off. He says, 'we’re busy all year long as an organization with speaking events and after a while, you kind of hit burn out stage. I enjoy this very much what we started and what we have accomplished in a short time.

It’s the stories and students and the support from the community that keeps you going and brings you back each year and I am so grateful to part of a amazing team that takes this responsibilities so seriously.'