ABOUT THE CCAWR

The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region is a non-profit organization serving Waterloo Region’s Caribbean community. Organized in 1975, we are committed to strengthening and enhancing the quality of life of families and individuals by providing culturally sensitive programs, support, resources, education and training.

The CCAWR aims to promote the social, cultural and economic interests of, and advocate for, the Caribbean community in the Region of Waterloo.

Our Events

PERSONS OF DISTINCTION

The CCAWR initiated the Persons of Distinction ceremony to honour individuals who have contributed to the region and the community in a meaningful way. It is our way of saying “thank you”. The event will be held on April 29, 2017.

 

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month is recognized in February every year through events hosted by various community organizations. It is an opportunity to celebrate and remember the people and events in the history of the African diaspora who have contributed to the development of the Canadian society. Look out for upcoming events in your area.

 

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Words of Inspiration

News You Can Use

1. Anti-Black Racism + White Supremacy

   We at CCAWR stand in solidarity with our sister, @selamdebs who was the target of deeply harmful acts of anti-Black racism this weekend (Jan. 29th/30th).

   We condemn these violent acts of white supremacy and stand up against all forms of white nationalism, racism and discrimination.

   Please READ Selam’s statement to take immediate ACTION.

   All action matters, including sharing your voice to condemn racism and white supremacy and taking time to contact the police and local government officials to ensure Selam receives Justice.

2. Dr Laura Mae Lindo’s experience as the head of the NDP Caucus

   See this link.

3. Black History Month 2022

   Join the CCAWR, our partners and sponsors, as we kick off Black History Month 2022 with a 3-day online celebration of Black culture. Featuring local artistes and speakers, we will Celebrate, Educate and Advocate in Waterloo Region!

4. ‘It really is about access’: Business incubator for Black entrepreneurs to launch in Waterloo region

   The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR) will soon launch an incubator aimed at Black entrepreneurs, with the first cohort of aspiring business owners set to begin in early 2022.
   “We’re beyond excited,” said Trevor Charles, a board member with the CCAWR and professor of biology at the University of Waterloo.

   https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/it-really-is-about-access-business-incubator-for-black-entrepreneurs-to-launch-in-waterloo-region-1.6140564

5. Local Caribbean Canadian Association nets $2.9M to support Black entrepreneurs

   “With an investment of over $2.9 million the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region will be able to continue and expand their work supporting and fostering Black entrepreneurship. These investments are an important part of our strategy to help support Black businesses so that they can continue to play an important role in our community and our country.”

   https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2021/08/15/local-caribbean-canadian-association-nets-29m-to-support-black-entrepreneurs.html

   Also, see this article:

   https://www.kitchenertoday.com/local-news/wr-caribbean-canadian-association-to-receive-nearly-3m-to-support-black-entrepreneurship-4222624

6. Conestoga College to support Black entrepreneurship programs

   The LiftOff program will have a strong focus on supporting female entrepreneurs, and will provide access for Black entrepreneurs to business advisory services, incubator and accelerator programming, entrepreneurial workshops, and one-on-one mentorship opportunities to help them start and grow their businesses.”

   http://blogs1.conestogac.on.ca/news/2021/08/conestoga_to_support_black_ent.php

7. Region of Waterloo COVID-19 Vaccination Pre-Registration

   Book your first or second dose.

   https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-and-wellness/covid-19-vaccination-pre-registration.aspx

8. Select Rexall Pharmacies COVID-19 Vaccination Waitlist

   Walk-ins now accepted.

   https://www.rexall.ca/covid-19/vaccines

9. Select Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacies COVID-19 Vaccination Waitlist

   Check this site often as details change regularly.

   https://covid-19.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/vaccine

10. 2022 CCAWR Scholarship Poster

    Click to see our latest Scholarship Program Poster.

11. 2021 Scholarship Program

    Click to see the 2021 Scholarship Program – Year End Review.

12. WRDSB System Navigator Form

    African, Caribbean and Black identifying students and families who wish to access the System Navigator Anti-Black Racism support should complete the System Navigator Form.

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfz2mTSBFMz_Oq4BSFR-WQVpKdCsrWbKJljzJ25gZ0HSsvUmA/viewform

13. $221 Million in Loans for Black Entrepreneurs

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-black-entrepreneurs-1.5717297

14. Scholarships Recognize Achievements of Black Students – Waterloo Record Article!
    

    https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2020/09/16/scholarships-recognize-achievements-of-black-students.html

15. Words of advice and inspiration from young people in Waterloo region who won this year’s Awards of Excellence

    https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/awards-of-excellence-winners-share-advice-inspiration-1.5764887

16. Hire BIPOC

    https://www.hirebipoc.ca