NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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The County of Simcoe Local Immigration Partnership kicks off its second year of the #ITSTARTS campaign to raise awareness about multiculturalism and reduce racism and discrimination in our communities. The campaign runs for two weeks April 23 to May 4.
The #ITSTARTS initiative is an educational campaign and a social movement where participants are asked to complete an #ITSTARTS card and share a photo or video through social media using the hashtag #ITSTARTS. Residents are encouraged to tag @simcoecounty (Twitter), @CountyofSimcoe (Facebook) and @ExperienceSimcoeCounty (Instagram) in their messages.
“With a growing immigrant population in Simcoe County of more than 61,600 newcomers making up 13 per cent of our population, this is a great initiative to demonstrate just how open and welcoming our communities are,” said Warden Gerry Marshall. “I encourage our residents to join the movement and share their support of multiculturalism and acceptance as we continue to promote our welcoming communities.”
#ITSTARTS cards, available in both English and French, are available through local libraries. It can also be downloaded through www.simcoe.ca/Itstarts which hosts resources, tips, and tools on taking safe and purposeful action against racism and discrimination. Videos and photos throughout the month will be shared and promoted through the County’s website and social media channels.
The 2017 campaign was the first year running the initiative in Simcoe County and residents embraced the movement with 8,000 pledge cards distributed and a reported social media reach of 1.5 million.
The initiative is supported by the Local Immigration Partnership including Barrie Public Library, City of Barrie, Georgian College, the Ethnic Mosaic Partnership, Lakehead University, OPP, Simcoe County District School Board, Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, South Simcoe County, Welcome Centre Immigrant Services (mobile unit), YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka. County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
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