The Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) has had a profound impact on our community, particularly through its support of civic journalism that addresses the diverse needs of our population. One notable example is how LJI-funded content has enabled the coverage and promotion of Ukrainian charity events across Canada. This support has not only highlighted important civic issues but also fostered dialogue, broken down barriers, and strengthened community bonds.
Thanks to the LJI initiative, Ukrainian journalists have had the opportunity to cover events like those organized by the Canadian Friends of Hockey in Ukraine (CFHU). For the third consecutive year, CFHU has entrusted U Multicultural to be the media representative for their charity events. This ongoing partnership underscores their faith in community journalism and its ability to make a significant impact.
Ukrainian journalists, supported by LJI, have been able to engage with key community figures who are making a difference and improving the lives of many new Ukrainian immigrants in Canada. This engagement has resulted in content that resonates not only within Canada but also in Ukraine, showcasing the efforts of Canadians to support and uplift those affected by the ongoing conflict.
One such initiative by CFHU is their ambitious goal to acquire equipment for sledge hockey. Recognizing the need for sports opportunities for people with disabilities, CFHU, in collaboration with the Manitoba Sledge Hockey Federation, has already delivered the first sledge hockey sleds to Zaporizhzhia. This initiative addresses the growing demand for adaptive sports among military veterans and others who have lost limbs due to the war.
Ronald Bilodeau, president of the Manitoba Sledge Hockey Federation, shared the impactful story of their first donation: “One of our players had to stop playing sledge hockey due to heart issues, as advised by his doctor. His father donated his sled to our program. That’s when I met Vern and Lloyd from CFHU, who told me about the increasing demand for sledge hockey among military veterans. So we donated the sleds. These are the first sledge hockey sleds in Ukraine from our program, and we’re glad to make our contribution.”
This collaboration not only provides essential sports equipment but also fosters a sense of hope and resilience among Ukrainians. The content generated by LJI-funded journalism allows people in Ukraine to see the support they are receiving from Canada, reinforcing their belief in a brighter future.
The CFHU’s annual charity golf tournament, which has been supported by community journalism, brings together people from diverse backgrounds with a shared goal of equipping Ukrainian kids with necessary hockey gear. This event, and others like it, exemplifies how civic journalism can generate dialogue about important issues, influence local decision-makers, and strengthen community life.
Randy Premachuk, a regular participant in the charity golf tournament, emphasized the importance of these efforts: “Kids just want to be kids. They’re the same no matter where they are. They’re innocent, and if life is tough where they live, playing hockey is a great escape that lets them be kids. It’s really important to have the chance to distract themselves from all the terrible events in Ukraine. And it’s also important for them to know that there are people around the world who care about them and try to support them.”
By engaging with diverse communities across different cities and provinces, LJI-funded content ensures that minority groups are informed about the latest news and developments, contributing to a more inclusive and cohesive society. This journalistic effort not only strengthens community ties but also supports economic growth by highlighting and addressing the unique challenges faced by various population groups.
In summary, the impact of LJI-funded civic journalism has been profound, fostering dialogue, breaking down barriers, and strengthening our community. By covering and promoting initiatives like those of the Canadian Friends of Hockey in Ukraine, we can support important causes and bring hope to those who need it most.
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A propos l’IJL
LJI Impact is the section of commediaportal.ca where the journalists and their organizations participating in CACTUS' Local Journalism Initiative can share their greatest successes.
Through the written stories, photos and videos you see in the LJI Impact section, you'll be able to read first hand accounts about how the presence of a community journalist is making a difference in communities across Canada through the Local Journalism Initiative and the Community Media Portal.
The Community Media Portal is a gateway to the audio-visual media created by community media centres across Canada. These include traditional community TV and radio stations, as well as online and new media production centres.
Community media are not-for-profit production hubs owned and operated by the communities they serve, established both to provide local content and reflection for their communities, as well as media training and access for ordinary citizens to the latest tools of media production, whether traditional TV and radio, social and online media, virtual reality, augmented reality or video games.
The Community Media Portal has been funded by the Local Journalism Initiative (the LJI) of the Department of Canadian Heritage, and administered by the Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations (CACTUS) in association with the Fédération des télévisions communautaires autonomes du Québec (the Fédération). Under the LJI, over 100 journalists have been placed in underserved communities and asked to produce civic content that underpins Canadian democratic life.
