In the same month, another Comox business became a Safe Harbour certified location.
Mayor Paul Ives said, “It gave us great pride to declare June 22, 2011 Respect for All Day in the Town of Comox — Pass it On.” Church Street Woodfired Bakery owner David Murray is proud of his bakery’s Safe Harbour designation as well.
“I like to be inclusive in my business practices,” said Murray, “so it makes sense to be a certified Safe Harbour location.”
Murray’s second bakery, Cumberland Village Bakery, has been Safe Harbour-certified for over a year.
Two people employed at the bakeries attended a free workshop to better understand diversity and respect differences.
Church Street Bakery employee Lisa Snow said, “It was helpful to be reminded of simple ways to accommodate people’s specific needs. We have a lot of elderly people in Comox. A smile and patience goes along way.”
Certified Safe Harbour locations post the colourful Safe Harbour decal to announce that they welcome customers from all backgrounds and walks of life, as well as offer a temporary sanctuary for people needing an immediate safe space.
In the Comox Valley there are over 50 Safe Harbour locations including the airport, coffee shops, credit unions, restaurants, offices, service organizations and recreation centres. By participating in one free, short workshop, managers and staff learn how to better serve diverse customers, respond to discrimination, and provide support to anyone experiencing mistreatment or feeling unsafe.
If you are interested in becoming a Safe Harbour location, contact Kathie Landry at 250-871-7700 or kathie@ceas.ca.
For more information, visit www.safeharbour.ca. There are over 1,000 Safe Harbour-certified locations in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, and Newfoundland. The program is co-ordinated by the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC.
Creative Employment Access Society co-ordinates this program locally for the Comox Valley. This project is made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and the BC Ministry of Social Development and Responsible for Multiculturalism.
— Creative Employment Access Society
