MEDIA RELEASE

Windsor, ON:  October 5, 2011

The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County (MCC) held its Annual General Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Celebration on September 29 at the Wiser’s Reception Centre.  Each year the MCC holds an event to thank the hundreds of volunteers that contribute to the MCC’s programs and events, particularly Carrousel of the Nations.

The event is also highly anticipated as this is when the winning Carrousel vendors and villages are announced.  Each year a panel of anonymous judges scores the participants on everything from quality of food to cultural sharing.  Kathleen Thomas, Executive Director of the MCC, noted that the scores for the Villages were very close:  “A tremendous amount of work goes into the planning and execution of Carrousel Around the City, and we thank each village and their hundreds of volunteers for continuing to offer such high-calibrecultural celebrations.”

This year’s Village Awards (from Carrousel Around the City) were presented as follows:

First place:  Italian Village

Second Place:  Polish Village

Third Place:  Croatian Village

Best Overall Theme:  Polish Village

This year’s Vendor Awards (from Carrousel by the River) were presented as follows:

First Place:  Thai Silk

Second Place:  Crepe Temptations

Third Place:  Windsor Seoul

The night was also an opportunity to welcome three new members to the MCC’s Board of Directors:  David M. Amyot, Alex Constantin, and Mark E-Emmanuel.

The 37^th Annual Carrousel of the Nations runs June 8-10; 15-17; 22-24, 2012 (www.carrouselofnations.ca)

For more information:

Kathleen Thomas                                             Lisa Kolody
ExecutiveDirector                                            Director of Programs & Operations
245 Janette Avenue                                        7651 Tecumseh Rd East
Phone: 519-255-1127                                       Phone: 519-255-1127
Email: kthomas@themcc.com                       Email: lkolody@themcc.com

Background on the MCC:

The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County formed in 1973 when members from more than 30 local ethno-cultural groups joined together to deal with issues facing the area’s multicultural community and provide services to the newcomers.

The council is an umbrella organization of community-based groups and organizations involved in cultural sensitivity, anti-racism promotion/education, newcomer integration, inter-cultural education and cultural retention.  Its mission is to promote and encourage a harmonious society in Windsor and Essex County that is multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith, and to work toward the social equality of all cultures.  The Multicultural Council offers a number of services designed to help immigrants settle into the community, and eliminate racism and discrimination.  These include community health programs, employment workshops, English classes and translators.  For more information, please visit our website: www.themcc.com.