The Impact of SBCCI Funding on Miramichi Afro-Connection

The Miramichi Afro-Connection (MAC), founded in 2018, is dedicated to fostering unity among African and Caribbean communities in the Greater Miramichi region of New Brunswick. The mission of MAC is to connect Black immigrants and newcomers with the resources and support they need to integrate into Canadian society while preserving their cultural heritage. The organization has been pivotal in enhancing communication, organizing events, and raising awareness about African and Caribbean cultures within the local community.

Before receiving funding from the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI), MAC faced significant challenges, including a lack of resources and the difficulty of bringing people together. Without proper funding, they relied on donations and volunteer efforts to connect community members and organize cultural events.

Despite these obstacles, the organization continued its mission, but the limitations were evident.

SBCCI has been a game-changer for MAC. It has allowed the organization to establish a dedicated space where community members can meet, connect, and access vital resources. This space has become a hub for African and Caribbean newcomers, helping to ease the feelings of isolation and homesickness that many people experience upon arrival in Canada.

The funding has also enabled MAC to offer a variety of services, including cultural orientation, community events, and support for new immigrants.

Without the SBCCI grant, MAC acknowledges it wouldn’t have been able to grow and serve its community effectively. The grant provided not only financial resources but also access to valuable capacity-building opportunities, such as webinars, peer networking, and government grants.

These resources have strengthened the organization’s ability to support its community and ensure long-term sustainability.

In addition to the grant, MAC has benefited from partnerships and connections fostered through the SBCCI network. These collaborations have opened doors to additional opportunities, such as participating in local events like the Mayor’s BBQ and hosting Black History Month activities, further enriching thewider community.

Looking to the future, MAC plans to expand its services with projects like establishing a daycare and a library focused on African history. However, the organization knows that its continued success depends on securing a sustainable funding stream. The SBCCI has been critical to MAC’s mission, and its future hinges on similar support to sustain the programs that are vital to thecommunity.

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