Conference 2022 Report and Press Release
Conference Report & Press Release
For Media and other inquires: character.abby@gmail.com
> Click here for photos of Conference 2022
The Character Abbotsford Council was proud to host Conference 2022 on the theme of Homelessness. The conference was well attended with 247 registered guests including student leaders from local public and independent high schools.
The conference was kicked off by Vijay Manuel, Chair of the Character Abbotsford Board of Directors. Manuel thanked the conference sponsors: Abbotsford School District, MEI Schools, Prospera Credit Union, The University of the Fraser Valley, and The Abbotsford News. He then reminded attendees that Character Abbotsford is a non-religious and non-political group.
“Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Empathy, Courage and Service have the potential to be felt at the core of every human being, no matter who you are or what your background is”
Dr. Gwendolyn Point was introduced to offer a land acknowledgement and welcome attendees to the traditional and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), QayQayt First Nation, Kwantlen, q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen First Nations, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), and Stó:lō Nation.
Carla Danielsson, Character Council member and Assistant Superintendent in the Abbotsford School District introduced the morning’s keynote speaker, Joe Roberts. Joe’s 90-minute message shared his story of growing up in a loving home with his parents and 2 siblings. Following the sudden death of his father, and the resulting aftermath of changes in his life, Joe became caught up in drug and alcohol abuse leading to a number of years living under a bridge in Vancouver.
A key encouragement from a man on a bench led to a sincere cry for help resulting in Joe entering rehab with the ‘one final help’ from his beloved mother. In addition to becoming a successful businessman, Joe pushed a shopping cart across Canada to raise money and awareness for the homeless in a campaign which continues to this day entitled: Push For Change.
At times humourous, at times data-driven, and throughout deeply inspiring, Joe left a mark on the attendees with his story and call to action.
Dr. Joanne MacLean, Character Council member and President of the University of the Fraser Valley, extended heartfelt thanks to Joe Roberts for the inspiration he provided to the obviously moved crowd.
School Trustee Korky Neufeld brought greetings from Character Abbotsford’s original founding organization, the Abbotsford School District. Trustee Neufeld reminded the attendees of Character Abbotsford’s roots and humble beginnings by asking the founding members in attendance to stand and be recognized for their early vision and service.
Vijay Manuel then facilitated a discussion between a panel of local experts: Kevin Murray (Abbotsford Police), Kim Friesen (OAT Clinic), and Mike Sikora (City of Abbotsford). Following some planned questions, Manuel entertained questions from the audience through an anonymous texting app. The rich discussion left the audience with takeaways including: 1) Support organizations that help individuals experiencing homelessness instead of handing out money or food, 2) It is unhelpful to drop off furniture at impromptu shelters, 3) All Abbotsford Police are trained in empathetic response to crisis situations involving homelessness, and 4) There are approximately 400 citizens experiencing homelessness in Abbotsford.
One first-time Character Abbotsford Conference attendee reached out to share her experience.
“Friday’s conference was my first introduction to Character Abbotsford. It was so great to be with so many caring, compassionate people and see so many students attending. I found Joe Roberts, the Skidrow CEO a real inspiration and loved how he encouraged us to just take that next step! I also learned valuable insights from the panel discussion on homelessness and came away with a much greater understanding of the problem and what areas specifically need more funding.”
~ Tammy Kyte, Executive Director of Give Wise Foundation Canada
The afternoon session featured two Abbotsford graduates who have made sacrifices to pursue their dreams, have experienced success and challenges, and are both serving their commuities today. Following an introduction by Greg Dyck, Character Council member and CIO of Prospera Credit Union, Jory Smallenberg and Jasmit Singh Phulka took the stage.
Jory Smallenberg is a graduate of WJ Mouat Secondary and current UBC student, and Jasmit Singh Phulka is a graduate of Rick Hansen Secondary and a current national wrestling champion. Together, their messages inspired the youth in attendance to always aim high and to make good decisions that lead them to their goals while avoiding the things that can lead down destructive paths.
The conference was closed by Bev Olfert, long serving Character Council member and current Board Treasurer. She thanked all participants for their engagement and encouraged attendees to put their learning into action.
For more information on Character Abbotsford, visit CharacterAbbotsford.com and follow @characterabby on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
