UFCW Canada announces 2024 Equity Grant Recipients, 2025 applications now open
Toronto – January 21, 2025 – UFCW Canada is excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Equity Grant, celebrating the impactful work they are leading to advance equity and social justice within their communities.
Established on December 10, 2020, in alignment with Human Rights Day, the UFCW Canada Equity Grant Program awards $1,000 annually to three recipients. These grants recognize UFCW members or community justice advocates who are actively driving or planning initiatives that promote social justice and dismantle barriers to inclusion.
By supporting UFCW members, community leaders, the Equity Grant empowers those working to challenge inequality and foster solidarity through community action. This program exemplifies UFCW Canada’s core values, honouring the critical social justice efforts of UFCW Canada members and the broader communities they serve across Canada.
2024 UFCW Canada Equity Grant Recipients
Ashley Baresinkoff
Ashley is a proud UFCW Local 247 member and actively contributes to her local union’s Engagement Committee. In addition to her union work, she volunteers with the Waceya Métis Society in Langley, B.C., where she serves as the Diverse Learners Representative. In this role, Ashley is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and culturally relevant space for neurodivergent Métis individuals. By developing tailored activities, providing vital resources, and offering robust community support, she ensures that individuals have the tools they need to thrive. With the support of the UFCW Canada Equity Grant, Ashley will expand these efforts by funding essential programs, including the acquisition of sensory and comfort tools, as well as facilitating cultural and educational sessions that foster empowerment and growth.
Remmy Mpitarusuma
A proud member of UFCW Local 1518, Remmy is the Co-founder and current President of the Burundian Association of B.C., an organization dedicated to uniting Burundian families in Vancouver. Under his leadership, the Association organizes events and programs designed to support the successful integration of Burundian newcomers into the community while raising awareness of essential local services. This February, the Association will host its highly anticipated annual Newcomer Gathering, a pivotal event that provides invaluable support to Burundian newcomers navigating their transition to life in British Columbia. The UFCW Canada Equity Grant will be instrumental in funding the event’s food and community programming, ensuring it continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Sebastian Biasucci
Sebastian is the Marketing & Events Manager for NeighbourLink North York, a community development organization dedicated to empowering neighbours to support one another in practical, relational, and sustainable ways. NeighbourLink is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and solidarity, working relentlessly to strengthen the community and improve the lives of local residents. The UFCW Canada Equity Grant will directly support NeighbourLink's Newcomer Program and Welcome Tea initiative, both of which play a pivotal role in helping newcomers integrate into the community. Additionally, the organization operates a food bank and a monthly fresh food distribution program, providing essential resources to North York residents facing food insecurity. Through a vital partnership with local retailers like Carlos’ No Frills, UFCW Canada members actively contribute by helping to stock the U-Haul with crucial food items, ensuring support reaches those in need.
In the coming weeks, UFCW Canada will shine a spotlight on the incredible work of each Equity Grant recipient and provide information on ways you can get involved and make a difference in their impactful efforts.
2025 Equity Grant Applications open now!
The Equity Grant Program aims to support newcomer programs, human rights initiatives, and community action projects.
Applications take minutes to complete and are accepted under the Newcomer/Immigration stream, Human Rights stream, or Community Action/Social Justice stream.
Eligibility – Open to UFCW members and community justice activists outside of UFCW who are currently engaged in or looking to engage in a social justice initiative.
Grant Amount - A total of three $1000.00 grants are currently open for application until September 30, 2025.
Learn more about the 2025 Equity Grant Application process.
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