About Us
HMC Connections was founded in 1978 by volunteers from a number of local cultural groups who wanted to create a welcoming community for newcomers and refugees.
A Brief History
We started our work under the Oakville Social Planning Council and became incorporated in June 1980 under the name Oakville Multicultural Council. In 1998 we changed our name to the Halton Multicultural Council as we were serving the whole of Halton. We now brand as HMC Connections with offices across Halton.
Veronica Tyrrell, a founding member of HMC honored by the Town Council of Halton
Introducing HMC Podcast ! Click Here to read more and listen to the podcast
Our Mission
HMC Connections helps newcomers settle and integrate into a welcoming and inclusive community.
Our Vision
One Community for All
Mandate
HMC’s mandate is to enable all individuals, regardless of race or ethnic origin, to participate as full and active members of the community while fostering mutual respect and understanding.
The objectives of the organization are:
- To provide services and programs to facilitate and assist the settlement and integration of immigrants and refugees to the community.
- To develop community education programs to increase the general awareness of the needs of immigrants and refugees and to facilitate cross-cultural communication and understanding.
- To create and provide opportunities for members of various ethno-cultural groups/organizations to discuss common interests and to develop cooperative undertaking.
- To encourage and promote dialogue and co-operation between members and representatives of service organizations and public officials.
- To encourage and facilitate the development of support groups and community organizations for immigrants and refugees when possible and required.
- To provide cultural activities and special events designed to foster the representation of cultural heritage and to improve and develop intercultural understanding.
Core Values
- Fostering mutual respect and understanding of each other.
- Building awareness and understanding regarding cultural communications and differences.
- Supporting the community to be inclusive, diverse, supportive and respectful.
- Empowering newcomers to live work and belong while helping to preserve their own culture and uniqueness.
- Advocating for newcomers’ rights and services.
- Establishing strong accountability to all of our stakeholders
Board of Directors
President – Julie Alleyn
Vice President – Cindy Sudac
Treasurer – Mary Rose VanKesteren
Secretary – Eleonor Kerr
Director – Hina Sajid
Director – Pankaj Mehra
Director – Louis Tsai
Director – Elizabeth Molinaro
Director – Jeff Sandy
Director – Sylvanus Fonguh
Director – Rocio Farrell
Director – Beshoy Gingris
Executive Director – Kim Jenkinson (non-voting member)
Publications
- 1978 – Cheque Presented
- 1979 – Ethnic Committee Formed
- 1980 – Canada Week Events Planned
- 1981 – Regional Folklore
- 1982 – Council Gives Newcomers Hope
- 1983 – Allison, First President
- 1986 – Ethnic Cultural Concerns
- 1987 – Trilingual Women Multicultural Director
- 1990 – Multicultural Council Idea Wins Applause
- 1991 – Canada Day Celebrations
- 1993 – Assisting Refugees
- 1993 – Grand Opening Burlington
- 1994 – Battling Racism
- 1995 – Women’s Centre Now Open
- 1997 – New Canadians Feel at Home
- 1998 – President’s Message
- 1999 – Racism Concern Raised
- 2000 -High School Students Fight Racism
- 2001 – Teens Tackle Stereotypes
- 2002 – Safety in the Community
- 2003 – Newcomers Find Valued Help with LINC
- 2004 – Recognition Award for Youth.pdf
- 2005 – HMC Clients Success Story
- 2005 – Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton
- 2006 – Halton Celebrates Its Diversity
- 2007 – Celebration of Cultures
- 2008 – Award Winner Is a ‘Ray’ of Hope
- 2011 – Mentor Program Aims to Help Skilled Newcomers
- 2011 – Celebrating Many Cultures
- 2012 – Seung-won Kim Tries the Janggu
- 2012 – Multicultural Celebration