It’s been parties, funding grants, and awards the past few weeks for the African Carribean Centre of Central Alberta (ACCOCA) based in Red Deer.
At the United Way Central Alberta (UWCA) campaign celebration held in Red Deer on April 7, the ACCOCA was awarded the “Funded Partnership” award.
The award is presented to the UWCA partner that has shown outstanding partnership and collaboration throughout the 2024 year and was accepted by Zainab Mohamoud, the founder and executive director of the ACCOCA.
The developed program between the UWCA and the ACCOCA helps everyone in the community with resume assistance, interview coaching, stress management, and many other skills.
ACCOCA and Mohamoud are also helping many newcomers secure employment and maintain jobs for long-lasting periods, ensuring their full integration into Central Alberta communities.
At the end of March, ACCOCA posted on Facebook another success: “We have received a grant from Canadian Heritage for our 3rd Afro-Caribbean Festival. A heartfelt thank you to the team at Canadian Heritage for their steadfast support and generosity in elevating our festival to new heights”
The grant will help fund the festival held on Ross Street in downtown Red Deer. “We were qualified actually getting like $41,700 to our third festival and it's going to be scheduled August 9 and 10 this year” says Mohamoud.
ACCOCA’s website notes that the first two years of the festival were a great success, with over 5,000 attendees per day. The event showcased a wide range of activities, including music and live performances, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Africans, Caribbeans, and other nationalities across Central Alberta.
This year, ACCOCA aims to increase attendance and raise $200,000, and Mohamoud has bigger plans stating “It brings people, I mean all Alberta together and hopefully now we can expand all across Canada too”
At the end of March, ACCOCA also held a surprise retirement party for outgoing Red Deer Mayor Ken Johnston to thank him for his support. “Mayor Ken has made a lasting positive impact, and his commitment to fostering inclusivity and collaboration has significantly enhanced our mission at ACCOCA,” states the Facebook post.
For more information about ACCOCA, its events and programs, visit the website.
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