OCCA Communities Association
The OCCA Communities Association is a registered charity and non-profit umbrella organization serving multicultural communities across the Central Okanagan, including Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, and Lake Country, with their region spanning nearly 100 kilometres, from Peachland to Vernon.
They offer services to everyone, and their virtual programs reach rural areas across the Okanagan, committing to fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and equitable society where immigrants, refugees, and equity-deserving groups can thrive and meaningfully contribute to building a sustainable community.
Chronicle
May 2013For the first time in history of the Okanagan, we formed society partnership with local Asian and Intercultural societies to host annual Asian Heritage Month celebrations
May 2013For the first time in history of the Okanagan, we formed society partnership with local Asian and Intercultural societies to host annual Asian Heritage Month celebrations
| Nov. 2010 | Incorporated as a BC Society |
| Dec. 2010 | Hosted the First Public Event – OCCA Opening Ceremony |
| Sep. 2011 | Registered as an official Canadian Charity with Revenue Canada |
| May 2013 | For the first time in history of the Okanagan, we formed society partnership with local Asian and Intercultural societies to host annual Asian Heritage Month celebrations |
| Jul. 2016 | A two Phase capital fundraising was launched |
| Apr. 2016 | Golden Age Activities commenced (recreation and social activities for age 55 and older) |
| Oct. 2017 | Phase I signage commemorating Chinese Canadian Pioneers erected in Kelowna City Park |
| Apr. 2019 | Legal name change to OCCA Communities Association (reflecting multicultural membership) |
| May. 2019 | Phase II Purchase of half duplex property on 1460 Inkar Road as our permanent Operation Site |
| Jun. 2019 | Phase I heritage murals in memory of historical Chinatown was unveiled in Kelowna By this time, all three planned projects in Phase I & Phase II are completed |
| Apr. 2020 | Covid-19 Restrictions, where possible activities more to a Virtual format on Zoom |
| Jul. 2020 | Covid-19 Backyard construction for outdoor activity space |
| Dec. 2021 | HVAC Upgrade completed (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) |
| Jan. 2022 | Multicultural Homework Club resumes – on-line/on-site depending upon current health orders |
| Nov. 2023 | Launched Job Connect for Future (JCF) Program for immigrant skills training and job placement |
| Mar. 2024 | Received BC Childcare License |
Some Activities
- Hosting three series of annual public events: Spring Lantern Festival (Chinese New Year), Mid-Autumn Festival and Asian Heritage Month.
- Operating two series programs:
- Series I Passion Voice – organizing weekend cultural/heritage classes for children and adults.
- Series II Understanding Canada – offering variety information sessions in the topics of Mainstream of Canadian democratic society and helping immigrants who encountered difficulties in their daily life.
- Language Training and Translation Services: Offering ESL programs, language classes, and translation support for medical, legal, and essential appointments, ensuring that language is never a barrier to integration.
- Employment and Skills Training: Hosting job fairs, networking events, and skills training programs help immigrants match their qualifications with job opportunities, fostering economic independence.
- Childcare Programs: Providing culturally safe childcare programs that help immigrant families raise their children while easing the transition into Canadian life.
- Civic Engagement and Volunteerism: Encouraging newcomers to participate actively in civic life through volunteerism, democratic processes, and community involvement.
- Social and Cultural Exchange: Through events, festivals, and educational programs, they celebrate and promote multicultural traditions, fostering mutual appreciation and learning between newcomers and long-term residents.
- Senior Engagement and Support: Connecting seniors with multicultural groups and facilitate activities to reduce isolation, helping them feel valued and included within the community.
- Community Space Rental: Offering a welcoming physical space for community programs and events, available for rent to local organizations and groups, creating opportunities for gatherings, workshops, and cultural exchange.