We should acknowledge our differences, embrace our differences and celebrate our differences until differences make no difference at all.
In 2007, the Voorhees Township Committee established the Citizens Cultural and Diversity Advisory Committee to recognize and promote racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity in our community. We were the first community in South Jersey to establish such an important group.
The Diversity Committee fosters human relations through education and encouragement of respect and understanding among the diverse population of Voorhees Township. The Committee provides an opportunity for input from all residents in developing programs leading to greater understanding and values of our diverse community.
On Saturday, Oct. 10 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Diversity Committee will hold its Annual International Day at Eastern Regional High School. The event is free and will include international foods, multi-cultural displays and performances that highlight our community’s cultural diversity.
The Diversity Committee members have also been passionate volunteers in Voorhees. They have provided scholarships to students from Eastern Regional High School and the Voorhees Middle School who have shown their commitment to diversity and multiculturalism.
The Diversity Committee also represents Voorhees at various cultural events throughout Camden County, including the Cultural Festival at the Open Door Alliance Church, the Filipino Independence Day Picnic and the Still Family Reunion in Lawnside.
Members have also established the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Foundation to raise money for worthy causes. Following Super Typhoon Haiyan, the Foundation contributed to the Build-A-Shelter Project organized by the Filipino Community, made a donation to rebuild the Church of the Good Shepherd which was destroyed by the typhoon and made a donation to the Red Cross to assist typhoon victims. The Foundation has also provided funds to build a playground for the Kingdom Charter School of Leadership for disadvantaged children.
The Foundation is also one of the sponsors of International Day. Other sponsors include the Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Camden County Human Relations Commission.
For more information about International Day, contact Chairperson Gwen DeVera at (856) 751- 1364 or at [email protected]. Additional information can be found at www.camdencounty.com or www.voorheesnj.com.
Our Diversity Committee meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall and the public is welcome to attend.
Voorhees is fortunate to be a “melting pot” of many races and cultures.
** The Kirkwood Lake Fall Clean-Up will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. Volunteers meet at the end of Pinelawn Avenue in Lindenwold to clean the trails that run through the park.
** The Annual Bike MS City to Shore Ride is Oct. 3 & 4. For bicyclists and all those seeking a personal challenge and a world free of MS, this is the premier fundraising cycling series in the nation. Bike 25, 45, 80, 100 or 180 mile routes covering one or two days. To ride, volunteer, donate or learn more about this unforgettable event visit www.bikems.org or call 1–800–445-BIKE. Voorhees Township is proud to be part of this amazing event!
** The Voorhees Animal Orphanage will hold its 19th Annual Woofstock Festival on Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Connolly Park. The event will feature festivities for animal lovers of all ages and their leashed pets as well as appearances by the Mummers, Dr. Elizabeth Severino (Animal Communicator) and Master Chef Joseph Poon. Crafters and vendors are welcome. Microchipping will be available for $25. Admission is a $1 donation but senior citizens and children under 5 are free. For more information about Woofstock or the Animal Orphanage, visit www.theanimalorphanage.org or www.vaonj.org/woofstock.
**On Monday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m., we will honor those who have worn the uniform of the United States Military with a ceremony adding more heroes to our Veterans Wall of Honor. The program will be held in the Macy’s Court on the lower level of the Voorhees Town Center followed by a viewing of the Wall in Town Hall.
