PUMPKIN OF LIGHTS FESTIVAL - TODAY!

Celebrating the 6th Annual Event

Come down and join us for the 6th Annual Pumpkin of Light Festival at Gardengate. It's going to be a fabulous festival with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes lit up throughout the garden. Angela Veltri from Open Door Group's Gardengate Horticulture program was recently interviewed by Shaw. Click on the link to see the YouTube clip! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fexQdq8RCOU%26feature=colike

Upcoming BC Employer Diversity Forum November Meeting NOVEMBER 16th - 9AM to 12PM Thompson River University (House of Learning Room 402)

The BC Employer Diversity Forum has been formed in response to feedback from BC businesses who have expressed an interest in learning more about diversity hiring and how it impacts and affects their business. The Forum's vision is to connect businesses to share expertise on how diversity hiring can benefit employees, customers, product and service development, and communities. We have an exceptional presentation and workshop line up for Employers. Interact and brainstorm ways to implement inclusive workplace practices. AS A FOLLOW UP TO THE LAST BCEDF MEETING: You requested more information on disability in the workplace. Learn more about wage subsidies: 1. Glenda from Hire Power- will outline this provincial wage subsidy program and how you can access these services. Hire Power has been known to be more accessible than federal wage subsidy programming. Learn how you can make it work within your organization!   2. Tamara Carson from NRI Distribution will highlight her experience with The Opportunities Fund-a Federal wage subsidy program. She will share their successes and challenges and facilitate a brief Q&A session.   Learn more about disability in the workplace: Open Door Group will be facilitating an interactive workshop session designed to deepen your understanding and perspective on disability in the workplace.   We will provide you with the opportunity to brainstorm around the real world challenges you face in YOUR business. Bounce your ideas off Open Door Group's Regional Director, Naomi Bullock, and your fellow BC Employer Diversity Forum members. RSVP TODAY BY CALLING JOANNA CLARK 250 388 3670 OR email: joannac@opendoorgroup.org

OPEN DOOR GROUP KAMLOOPS HIRING FAIR ON OCTOBER 19th

Did you know that 80% to 85% of jobs are never advertised? These positions are usually filled through word of mouth or networking. Open Door Group Kamloops is giving you the chance to expand your network at the Open Door Group Kamloops Hiring Fair.

Join us on Wednesday, October 19th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Thompson Hotel - 650 Victoria Street, Kamloops BC. You'll have the chance to meet employers and learn about our employment programs. Jobseekers, you don't want to miss out on this free event! Please call 250-377-3670 for more information.

What: Open Door Group Kamloops Hiring Fair
When: Wednesday, October 19th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Where: Thompson Hotel - 650 Victoria Street, Kamloops BC
How much: FREE for all Job Seekers
Contact: Please call 250-377-3670 for more information.

GARDENGATE SALSA CHALLENGE

Join us August 18th for our Annual Summer Salsa Challenge at Open Door Group Gardengate at 915 Southill Street, Kamloops. Time: 12:30pm-3:00pm. Join in the fun!

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF FILM, ART & INSPIRATION

You're invited to an evening of international film, art and inspiration at the 2nd annual "Picture This...International Disability Film Festival" presented by Open Door Group.

AUGUST 24TH IN KAMLOOPS
Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Clocktower Theatre at TRU

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS & REGISTRATION - KAMLOOPS

AUGUST 25TH IN VANCOUVER
Time: 5:30:00pm - 9:00pm
District 319 (319 Main Street)

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS & REGISTRATION - VANCOUVER

DIVERSITY IN THE NEWS

Alona Puehse, Open Door Group's Director of Public Relations and Corporate Development, was recently interviewed and featured in 24 Hours Vancouver. The article discusses the importance of diversity hiring and the success of the recent BC Employer Diversity Forum. Click here to read the full article (on page 17).

To learn more about the BC Employer Diversity Forum, please visit our website or contact us at 604-639-1790 or workwithus@opendoorgroup.org .

BC EMPLOYER DIVERSITY FORUM MEETS FOR ROUNTABLE DISCUSSION ON THE VALUE OF DIVERSITY IN BC WORKPLACES

Members of the BC Employer Diversity Forum (BCEDF) held their second roundtable meeting on Tuesday November 23rd in Downtown Vancouver, hosted by Deloitte and facilitated by Open Door Group. Organizers were thrilled to report that over twenty-five individuals attended the meeting, representing businesses based in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia and Canada. The highlight was an open discussion exploring the motivations and challenges of Diversity Hiring, from various perspectives. The panel included: a Senior-level Executive, Human Resources Managers, Hiring and Department/Branch Managers, Employees & Job Seekers representing persons with disabilities, immigrants and aboriginals, and Service Providers representing persons with disabilities, immigrants and aboriginals. The panel also shared and discussed the tools and resources available to access and retain diverse candidate pools. Organizers and meeting attendees alike expressed the value in coming together with such a knowledgeable and open group of individuals. BCEDF roundtable meetings are free and open to all employers interested in discussing and learning more about diversity hiring. The BCEDF will meet again in the New Year. If you would like to attend the next meeting or learn more about the BCEDF, please contact Alona Puehse at 604.639.1790 or alona.puehse@opendoorgroup.org .

OPEN DOOR GROUP ON CO-OP RADIO

Open Door Group`s Director of Public Relations and Corporate Development, Alona Puehse, was interviewed on Co-op Radio's, The Rational show, about the PICTURE THIS...Film Festival.  
Alona comes on at 21:00 minutes on the August 23rd show link, click here to listen: www.coopradio.org/station/archives/18