FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COMOX VALLEY BECOMES A SAFE HARBOUR

July 3, 2008. Courtenay, BC.  Creative Employment Access Society (CEAS), sponsor of The Job Shop, has recently become the Community Coordinator to bring Safe Harbour: Respect for All to the Comox Valley. Developed just four years ago, the program has already signed up more than 400 businesses, financial institutions, social service providers, community centres, libraries, and agencies throughout BC to provide a simple, practical and effective way for us to better understand and serve a diverse population.

Safe Harbour locations proudly display a colourful window decal. The decal publicly announces a commitment to understanding the needs of diverse community members and to providing equitable treatment for all. Safe Harbour locations serve as temporary sanctuaries where trained staff members are prepared to assist those who experience harassment and briefly need a safe place to go.

Becoming a Safe Harbour has created new opportunities for some businesses and agencies because they are attractive to a diverse customer base. Community members looking for ethical consumer choices can choose to support Safe Harbours because they are standing up for diversity and creating a more welcoming environment for everyone, irrespective of differences.

CEAS will be offering the first Safe Harbour orientations to businesses and organizations on July 17, 24 and August 21. Registration has already begun and spaces are still available on a first come, first served basis. The free two-hour interactive and stimulating training session provides participants with information about how they can offer Safe Harbour when it is needed.

With the BC job market facing a shortage of skilled labour, it makes good business sense to join as a Safe Harbour to better attract a more diverse range of employees, drawn from immigrant, visible minority and aboriginal communities. Safe Harbour improves customer service and builds on what organizations and businesses are doing already to make their communities safer and more welcoming. 

For more information or to register for an orientation, contact Kathie Landry at 250-334-3425 ext. 328, email kathie@ceas.ca, or visit www.safeharbour.ca