The Cowichan Intercultural Women’s Group’s Safe Women, Safe Neighbourhood project has received a $20,000 boost.

The funding was provided by Status of Women Canada, and ensures the project continues to grow in its second year.

“From our group last year, many women expressed the need for a focused approach on assisting women of immigrant and visible minority backgrounds to learn about security resources, facilitation in accessing resources, and bridging to other women’s groups for stronger integration in the community at large,” said Demy McEvoy, the group’s co-ordinator, in a media release.

Weekly events are held on Thursdays between 1 and 3 p.m. and include workshops on safety as well as tours of community resources and fun activities.

“The wonderful reciprocity that is possible for women who are of immigrant and/or visible minority backgrounds will stem from increasing social, physical and economic safety through awareness-raising activities,” explained McEvoy. “Knowledge of the community leads to greater confidence and participation in the community.”

The Intercultural Women’s Group, a component of the Cowichan Intercultural Society, is also planning two panel events — one in the fall and another during the winter months — called What is Safety to Immigrant and Visible Minority Women, and Safety in our Community.

Dates for the panel events will be announced in the coming weeks.

To learn more about the Intercultural Women’s Group or to participate in the weekly workshops, contact 250-748-3112 or visit the Cowichan Intercultural Society office at 101 – 255 Ingram St.