Equity Grant Recipient: Remmy Mpitarusuma and the Burundian Community Association of British Columbia
Vancouver – August 26, 2025 – Remmy Mpitarusuma is a UFCW 1518 members, and co-founder and the President of the Burundian Community Association of British Columbia (BCABC) and is the latest recipient of the UFCW Canada Equity Grant.
The community brings together Burundian families living in the City of Vancouver and there is an additional chapter in Victoria. They plan gatherings, events and specific programming to support association members and newcomers to become knowledgeable on services available to them. They also engage in fellowship with community members.
Earlier this year they became one of three selected recipients of the 2024 UFCW Canada Equity Grant Program. This program provided $1000.00 of seed funding to support the Independence Day Celebration and Gathering held this summer at a community park in Coquitlam, BC.
The July 26th family-friendly event was complete with food, beverages and entertainment. It provided an avenue for newcomers to share experiences with Burundian members who form part of the community, along with an opportunity to network. This year, the BCABC welcomed about 10 new Burundian families (about 30 people) into the Community.
The event was also sponsored by UFCW Local 1518, Remmy’s local union. Remmy is proud of his union and the work we undertake to support workers across Canada.
UFCW Canada remains proud to support UFCW members and community allies alike and their tireless efforts to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are integral parts of worker experiences on the job and in communities at large.
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.
