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From YouTube: MARCH 22 2021 Statements Renee Merrifield
Description
The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
1st Session
42nd Parliament
A
Member
for
kelowna
mission-
thank
you
honorable,
speaker,
well
march.
22Nd
marks
a
special
day
in
kelowna
history
because
it
was
the
day
that
the
kelowna
canadian
italian
club
was
founded
back
in
1966
by
21,
proud
members.
The
colonial
kelowna
canadian
italian
club
is
the
social
and
cultural
center
of
the
italian
community
in
kelowna.
They
are
all
good
friends
and
they
carry
on
our
cultural
traditions
by
promoting
the
italian
language
and
culture
through
food,
music
and
wine,
and
those
of
us
that
are
benefactors
of
their
incredible
dances
are
certainly
grateful,
but
they
are
so
much
more.
A
They
are
also
a
service
club
giving
back
to
the
community
through
the
unselfish
dedication
of
their
members.
An
example
of
this
giving
back
is
found
in
how
they
chose
to
celebrate
their
55th
anniversary
to
close
off
the
online
celebration.
There
was
a
public
unveiling
of
their
latest
project:
el
nostro
la
shito.
A
This
video
series
documents
the
experiences
of
italian
immigrants
in
the
central
okanagan,
as
well
as
the
legacy
that
they
have
created.
I
quote:
gord
hodgkiss,
since
1883
italians
have
been
instrumental
in
building
the
foundations
of
the
home.
We
know
today
whether
it's
agriculture,
the
wine
industry,
tourism,
sports
or
even
the
very
building
of
kelowna's
landmarks.
Italians
have
been
there
and
done
that
and
quote
the
italian
handiwork
is
seen
in
kelowna
in
the
concrete
statue
of
the
ogopogo,
which
was
built
by
orsi
and
sons.
A
Contracting
hodgkiss
goes
on
to
say,
and
I
quote,
we
hope
this
series
is
more
than
just
a
simple
documenting
of
italian
achievement.
It's
also
the
story
of
finding
acceptance
in
a
new
home
and
the
bridging
of
cultures.
As
such,
it
is
a
great
example
of
inclusivity
and
the
celebration
of
ethnic
diversity.