About Us
OCCA Communities Association
OCCA Communities Association is registered with Revenue Canada as a Charity Organization, effective September 21, 2011. We are a non-profit umbrella organization formed by a partnership of several multicultural communities in the Central Okanagan. Currently we have over 1000 members registered, the majority from Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland and Lake Country, yet encompassing almost 100 kilometers stretching from Peachland to Vernon. Membership details are provided below.
Mission & Vision
We promote mutual understanding, respect, acceptance, and harmony among diverse communities in the Okanagan, build partnerships with all levels of governments, and encourage and facilitate the full participation of immigrants from different origins in the social, cultural, and economic life of Canada. We envision an equitable society where immigrants and visible minorities are fully engaged and valued and reach our goal via the purposes of society:
- To develop, promote and increase the public appreciation of Canadian multi-cultures and history by providing seminars and celebrations.
- To provide services to new immigrants in need, such as language training, job placement, and translation services for medical, legal, and other appointments.
- To provide educational programs to youth to teach them about Canadians and immigrants’ traditions and ethnic heritage.
Important Dates
- In 2008 – Capital goal set for creating a much needed multicultural activity site in Kelowna
- November 4, 2010 – OCCA (Okanagan Chinese Canadian Association) was incorporated under the BC Society Act
- September 21, 2011 – OCCA is assigned Charity No. 81410 3602 and is registered with Revenue Canada as a Charity Organization.
- July, 2016 – A two Phase capital fundraising was launched.
- April 2016 – Golden Age Activities commenced (recreation and social activities for age 55 and older)
- October 2017 – Phase I signage commemorating Chinese Canadian Pioneers erected in Kelowna City Park
- April 15, 2019 – Legal name change to OCCA Communities Association (reflecting multicultural membership)
- May 31, 2019 – Phase II Purchase of half duplex property on 1460 Inkar Road as our permanent Operation Site.
- June 30, 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.
- April 1, 2020 – Covid-19 Restrictions, where possible activities more to a Virtual format on Zoom
- July, 2020 – Backyard construction for outdoor activity space.
- December 2021 – HVAC Upgrade completed (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
- January 2022 – Multicultural Homework Club resumes – on-line/on-site depending upon current health orders
