500 young people, 120 projects, 1 inclusive Quebec
Quebec, January 30, 2025 - TOGETHER for respect for diversity is proud to announce the launch of its ambitious project Footprints Committees: for committed and engaging youth!. The project was funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada Service Corps program, with record funding of nearly $741,666. This project, which will run from December 15, 2024 to March 31, 2027, aims to mobilize nearly 500 young volunteers aged 12 to 30, particularly from underrepresented groups, through concrete and meaningful volunteer opportunities in their communities and schools. Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Steven Guilbeault, Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, felt compelled by the cause and expressed his desire to support the project, stating that it is an essential opportunity to mobilize young people around issues of inclusion and social engagement.
In addition to the $741 awarded by the Canada Youth Service program, businesses, inspired by the mission ofBundles, contributed with donations of up to an additional $70. With a total of $000 for this initiative powered by the organization, this funding demonstrates a collective commitment to making the project a reality Footprints Committees a driver of change and inclusion for young people and their communities.
This major funding allows Bundles to expand its reach to meet an urgent need: to raise awareness among young people about the issues of discrimination and equip them to become agents of change. In a difficult context for community organizations, it represents a breath of fresh air and a unique opportunity to intensify its impact in schools and community settings, in Quebec City and elsewhere.
A transformative project led by young people
From December 15, 2024 to March 31, 2027, this innovative project will put youth at the forefront to build a more inclusive Canada and encourage civic and democratic engagement. More than 120 community projects, directly reaching and raising awareness among at least 10 people in schools, will be carried out, in addition to organizing two annual training camps where all young people will come together to strengthen cohesion and mutual support among participants. They will be called upon to identify forms of discrimination present in their environments and to design concrete solutions, while developing key skills in project management, social justice, leadership and communication.
These projects will address critical and current issues such as body diversity, mental health, ethnocultural inclusion, disabilities, sexual and gender diversity, and the fight against racism and sexism. This program will provide young people with a platform to express themselves, take action and contribute to change in their communities.
Regional and national impact thanks to unprecedented funding
The exceptional funding of $741 granted by the Canada Youth Service program, in addition to $666 from external partners, will enable Bundles to significantly expand its reach. A new service point will open in Quebec City to meet the strong demand from schools in the region, more than 40 of which are currently on the waiting list to benefit from awareness workshops.
“Our government is proud to once again demonstrate its commitment to young people by creating more opportunities to have a real and positive impact in their community. The Comité Empreintes project that we are funding will offer hundreds of young people in Quebec, including those from Indigenous communities, enriching volunteer experiences to mobilize them and raise their awareness of the issues of living together, diversity and the fight against discrimination in their community. Through its awareness-raising and educational work, Ensemble pour le respect de la diversité, which is leading the project, is helping us build a more inclusive and safe Canada,” said Steven Guilbeault, Member of Parliament for Laurier–Sainte-Marie and Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
In addition, this financial support makes possible the creation of six new essential positions to supervise and coordinate committees in strategic areas, including Quebec, Montreal and Manawan, thereby strengthening the impact of the organization in all regions of Quebec.
About TOGETHER for respect for diversity
TOGETHER for respect for diversity, founded in 1996, fights against bullying and discrimination by raising awareness among nearly 36 young people in Quebec and elsewhere each year. Through its workshops in schools and projects such as Empreintes, the organization addresses issues such as racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia.
Based on the philosophy of human rights, Bundles also offers training to adults and businesses to create inclusive environments. Thanks to a committed team, the organization inspires collective awareness and a lasting impact for respect for diversity.
