The prize was presented by Yolande James, Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities. During the ceremony, Equitas was praised for its contribution to the development of an open, modern and inclusive society.
The prize was given in recognition of the success of the Play it Fair! program in Montreal. Developed in collaboration with the City of Montreal, the program is designed for youth attending summer day camps. Through games and fun activities, this educational program works to fight racism, to promote diversity and encourage children to reflect upon issues related to discrimination, inclusion, respect, cooperation and peaceful conflict-resolution.
In the summer of 2008, the program was in use in 145 day camps and reached over 40,000 youths. Camp counsellors confirmed that the games in the Play it Fair! toolkit contributed to sensitize the children to respect others. They noticed a decrease in verbal abuse, violence and intimidation and a marked improvement in team-spirit and participation.
Equitas extends its thanks to the City of Montreal, its partner in this program. Equitas also wishes to thank the funders of the Play it Fair! program: The TD Bank Financial Group, The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, Heritage Canada, the City of Montreal through its Direction de la diversité sociale, the Ministère de l'immigration et des communautés culturelles du Québec, the Fondation du Grand Montréal and Telus.
More on the Play it Fair! program |
