For Immediate Release: A Commitment of Friendship Project
On July 1st, the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre announced the Commitment of Friendship Project.
This idea came about when Blaine Estby, owner of Smithers Brewing Co, contacted Executive Director of Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society, Annette Morgan, to discuss the impacts of the thousands of children whose unmarked graves have been found at former residential schools across Canada.
The local business, Smithers Brewing Co wanted to talk to the Friendship Centre about supporting community healing. The business offered to provide 100% of their profit on July 1st. This generous donation has allowed the Friendship Centre to create the Commitment of Friendship Fund, a new community based awareness and healing project.
Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society staff meet with local business to accept donation and express thanks.
“In lieu of Canada Day celebrations this year, we made the decision to donate 100% of sales from July 1 to a fund set up with local Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre. This fund is being created to support our community and to help spread knowledge and understanding so these horrible crimes never happen again,” explains Blaine Estby.
“I feel that one of the most important things we need to acknowledge is that this year Canada Day is confusing for our communities. We believe that it is important we make room to create space and acknowledge what has happened. The Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society is encouraged by this local partnership,” says Annette Morgan, Executive Director of the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre.
On July 7th, staff of the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre visited the business to accept the donation and personally thank the business owners for their compassion and support.
If you would like more information about our Commitment of Friendship, or would like to participate, contact Annette Morgan 250-847-5211 or email: executive.director@dzlekant.com