Happy Canada Day! Sometimes it's nice to be able to put a face to the things we like so much about Canada: someone who personifies tolerance of, assistance to and respect for their fellow citizens, and in many cases extends that same graciousness to folks who are not yet Canadians.
On the Coast we can't think of a person who better exemplifies those traits than Sandy Middleton, who is a big part of the literacy program at Capilano University. Like many people who are passionate about what they do, Sandy's labour goes far beyond the traditional 9 to 5, Monday to Friday workweek.
A big part of what Sandy does is co-ordinate the English as a second language settlement assistance program. For most of us that means just what it says - teaching strangers the language most of us grew up with. But there is much more to learning a language than just words. There's being able to shop, having the ability to carry on a conversation and, in the case of an emergency, being able to communicate your distress in a foreign lingo.
This is what is at the core of the ESL program; it's done by matching tutors and students one-on-one. And as usually happens when people spend considerable time together, the participants end up becoming friends.
All this was evident last Sunday at Seaside Centre when the Coast celebrated Multiculturalism Day. In an amazing display of the diversity in our area, the attendees were treated to spell-binding music from Japan, a guitar solo from a young man just one month into his life in Canada and joyous dancing from Mexican-Canadian women.
We broke bread (actually noodles and rice) with giggling girls wearing T-shirts from their former home in Sri Lanka. We were entranced as two women from Thailand executed dances from their native land with such grace and precision it silenced even the children. And we were treated to a welcoming song from a grandmother and her grandson representing the First Nations people who share this great land with all of us. And when the MC Fon Pawakanun called all those Canadians forward who began their lives in other lands, our hearts swelled.
Perhaps the most telling moment of the afternoon came when Middleton was presented with an orchid as appreciation from the ESL participants. All cheered loudly and waited their turn to hug her. And she, modest to the core, brought praise to all those involved with the program.
Nothing in Canada succeeds without a champion. Sandy Middleton is a champion. Thanks for making Canadians look good.
