Press Release and Interviews
Project: Press release for Diversity Magazine
Objective: To educate immigrant communities on application for visa and electronic travel Authorization (eTA)
Calgary: On April 26, 2017, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, The Honourable Ahmed D. Hussen MP held a News Press Release. Members of the media were allotted twenty minutes for Q & A session at the Ministers’ Regional office in Harry Hays Building. The Minister addressed issues on immigration specifically, on areas relating to applying for visa and electronic travel Authorization (eTA).
With the increase in immigration, trend implies that more foreigners want to visit Canada as a tourist. Additionally, individuals wish to reconnect with families and friends. Hussen was asked to share obstacles occurring in his current position. Processing time is a challenge. The government is currently working towards adding more client services to meet the demand.
Another issue discussed was the influx of international students and their application for residency. It has been noted that there are international students with high standing in their work experience and education from other countries. Due to the need for high-skilled talents in Canada, it is valuable to retain such brilliant minds in Canada. There are loans that immigrants can apply for to support their financial burden of getting accreditation in Canada. Also, there are paid internships available to target job matching and pilot programs.
In the case of asylum seekers, there will be assistance for making a legitimate claim. Furthermore, social assistance, transportation, federal health program, and social services will be available. Canada welcomes those that need protection. However, talents and skills are required to grow Canada’s economy. This will help promote prosperity and jobs for everyone. The Global Skills Strategy is expected to launch on June 12, 2017. This will allow Canadian companies to attract global talents in highly specialised fields, meet the demands of the labour market, and preserve Canada’s competition on a global scale.
It is easier to apply online for eTA and visa. This is preferred process for application and follow up. For more information, go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp
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Project: Interview with Kevin Hodgson, Director of Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS)
Objective: To help Kevin Hodgson build rapport with Calgary communities, and share HEROS initiative for supporting marginalized youths
Calgary
Hockey Education Reaching Out Society (HEROS) Hockey is a charity that empowers kids and youth at risk through life skills and the game of hockey. It was founded in Vancouver in the year 2000 and provides free ice hockey programming for Canada’s marginalized youth. They focus on establishing four key foundations in the lives of the participants: Listening, Respect, Discipline and Having fun.
Kimberly Ihekwoaba sat down with Kevin Hodgson, Director of Operations for HEROS to get more insight on Kevin’s journey to his position and the driving force behind the charity organization.
Q| Tell me about yourself?
A| Kevin Hodgson looks after the organization in Canada and the UK. His role is a combination of fundraising and programming. The program conducted in Calgary is parallel to the sessions run throughout Canada, while in the UK programming is week-long residential summer camps. Work is usually intense between the months of September and May. However, summer activities are also offered for participants.
As a Calgarian, born and raised in the city, his interest in hockey sprouted at the tender age of fourteen. Hodgson also spent some of his life at Notre Dame High School in Saskatchewan where he recognized the notion of privilege; being born with an advantage to attend a private school, while others didn’t have the funds for such an opportunity.
Hodgson began his involvement in social works about 20 years ago. He started as a volunteer with HEROS in 2006. His dedication to his work led to a leadership position as Volunteer Program Coordinator thereafter. In 2012, Hodgson transitioned to a paid role where he began his official work with HEROS.
Q| What is your educational background?
A| He completed two programs of study at Mount Royal University: Social work and Child Studies.
Q| What inspired you to choose Social Work?
A| His life calling was a by-product of a near-death experience while making ice on a skating rink on a lake – he fell through the ice on a tractor. Fortunately, Hodgson was rescued by two men. A second chance in life changed his outlook on life entirely. After his recovery, he decided to devote his life to help people. His search for a career path ended on the course list of Social Work at Mount Royal University.
Upon completing his diploma in Social Work, Hodgson had a desire to further his education. At the same period, he was blessed with a child. Due to the flexible schedule of Child Studies, he juggled school and family.
Q| Who were your role models growing up?
A| His mentors were associated with hockey players and coaches. He valued older players because experience is often a determinant of wisdom. Examples of his role models were Willie O’ Ree, the first black NHL player. Additionally, Punjabi podcaster of Hockey in Canada, Harnaryan Singh broke into an industry where it was not common to find people of his heritage. When asked about his choice of mentors, he commented that they both “Found a place for people to excel and belong even in a place that doesn’t necessarily accept you.”
Q| In your own words, who is HEROS Hockey and what do they do?
A| HEROS Hockey provides a place for kids to belong; a place where everyone can have a common ideal. The game of hockey is adapted and used differently. The goal of the organisation is to create successful adults and not successful hockey players.
Q| Why do you think people should support?
A| There is a significant investment of time required to meet the needs of the child. This is achieved through mentorship, identifying goals and action plans. It involves multiple ears and a significant amount of emotional energy. Helpers embark on a journey with the kids as they change through the course of life.
It is ideal to aid an organization that also reflects your personal values. The vision of HEROS may be supported by volunteer hours and/or donations. HEROS currently consist of two staff and over one hundred and fifty volunteers across Canada.
Q| What inspires you to show up every day?
A| “First and foremost – passion.” Hodgson desired to be in a place where his personal values for support in the community were similar. The organization focuses on being flexible to meet the needs of the kids. HEROS has been in existence for nearly 20 years.
Likewise, the kids in the program are expected to display dedication. Success comes with an intention on where time and energy are spent. The skills gained throughout the programs are to equip, empower and encourage independence.
On the national level and in general, Hockey doesn’t have a reputation for diversity and inclusion. Usually all white males. There is a far cry for integrating cultures on ice. With HEROS, all kids have access regardless of their gender, cultural background or the colour of their skin. 30% of participants are girls, as opposed to 10% in organized hockey across Canada.
Q| How do you select the kids involved in the program?
A| Due to the high demand of kids to access the program, the selection process is carried out by schools. The only communities eligible to participate in HEROS in the city of Calgary are Forest Lawn and Bowness. There are approximately 36 kids accepted in this program each year; this number increases annually.
The selection of kids is dependent on the individual that shows up and meets the criteria; consistency is required from the child. They must commit regularly and attend life skills sessions.
Q| What services are offered by HEROS?
A| The program between grades 4 – 7 incorporates on-ice activity. Ninety-nine per cent of the children have never skated before. The primary goal is to develop a sense of mastery. This further teaches confidence and learning how to get up after a fall – higher self-esteem.
The program between grades 8 to 12 has a focus on life skills. It is a preparatory stage for university and college. There is also provision for creating resumes, constructing dreams and goals, and providing aid to attain them. There have also been appearances of NHL players engaging with the community. Other services include tutoring, financial aid for vocational training, and weekly on-ice and off-ice personal development.
HEROS is an after-school program. Transportation to and from the facilities are offered by cabs and transportation businesses. Meals are also provided.
Q| How can the community get involved? How can they participate?
A| There is an option to donate. It costs about $3500 a year for a child to play hockey. And HEROS are achieving that with only $1000. Financial support and sponsorship are important for the children of HEROS. A HEROS participant has never had to pay a penny to take part in programs.
Kevin Hodgson hopes to see a lot of diversity and inclusion. He has been amazed by the heartwarming hospitality from the community and the love expressed to one another. There is a responsibility for inclusion – all kids should be able to play a game of hockey.
This conversation has been edited and condensed