Hello friends and fellow Albertans,

I recently had the pleasure and learning experience of participating in bystander intervention training at our beautiful local mosque, Masjid in the Park. I want to also note that this essential training was done in in collaboration with the Saffron Center and Strathcona County’s Family and Community Services. I also want to tell you how inspired I am by our youth in Sherwood Park as many took part in this session acting out incidents of hate.

The training also made me think. While it breaks my heart we have to tackle hate-motivated crimes, I am thankful our government in standing up to these terrible acts, such as vandalism and the burning of houses of worship, and targeting our fellow Albertans because of how they choose to pray,

In June the government announced the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program. A total of $500,000 will be available, with applicants eligible for up to $10,000 to assist with training and security assessments, as well as up to $90,000 for security infrastructure.

While the regular grant call will accept applications later this year, funding is now available for not-for-profit organizations and groups associated with facilities facing an immediate threat. Up to $12,000 per applicant is available so be sure to apply. You can visit www.alberta.ca/crime-prevention to learn more about the program, and apply if you feel your organization could be at risk.

I won’t tolerate hate and I know Sherwood Park residents stand against it with me.

Sherwoodparknews