Statement: Clarification Regarding Inaccurate Reports About Concert in the Park 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 31, 2024
Statement: Clarification Regarding Inaccurate Reports About Concert in the Park 2024
Richmond, BC — On August 24, 2024, the third Concert in the Park, hosted by the International Elite Club of Canada with the support of the Stop Anti-Asian Hate Crime Advocacy Group, the Chinese Canadian Goto Vote Association, and other organizations, was successfully held at Cambie Community Centre Park in Richmond.
This event was organized to enhance communication within the Greater Vancouver Chinese community through various cultural performances, music, and art. It also aimed to foster interaction among different ethnic groups and promote the development of multiculturalism. Additionally, Concert in the Park 2024 encouraged voters to engage actively in the upcoming BC provincial election, urging them to vote on October 19 for a better future for the community.
However, we have noticed some inaccurate reports regarding specific incidents at the event. We are issuing this statement to clarify the facts and reaffirm the event’s original intent.
As the concert was about to commence, a group of unidentified individuals dressed in black and wearing masks unexpectedly appeared at the venue. They carried banners and flags unrelated to the event and continued distributing flyers and taking photographs despite requests from some vendors to cease such activities. This caused significant concern among some participants, leading some vendors to contact the police. The Richmond RCMP responded promptly, maintaining order and removing these individuals from the premises. We thank the Richmond RCMP for their swift response and all participants for their understanding and cooperation. Through our collective efforts, the concert proceeded smoothly, allowing the audience to enjoy the performances and experience Canada’s vibrant multiculturalism.
We want to take this opportunity to reiterate the missions of the supporting organizations. The Stop Anti-Asian Hate Crime Advocacy Group focuses on addressing racial discrimination in Canada, promoting the dissemination of information regarding Canadian laws, regulations, and government action plans, and fostering social equality and multicultural development. The Chinese Canadian Goto Vote Association is dedicated to encouraging public engagement in all three levels of elections and building bridges of understanding and communication between the community and political leaders. The International Elite Club of Canada aims to support Canadian youth from diverse backgrounds in preparing for an eclectic, equitable, and inclusive world, promoting multicultural exchange. Organizing the Concert in the Park aims to advance multiculturalism and civic education. The successful execution of Concert in the Park reflects these missions, contributing to the promotion of multiculturalism and democracy in Canada.
We sincerely invite the public to continue to support and participate in future Concerts in the Park, working together to develop multiculturalism and democratic engagement in Canada.
Joint Statement by the International Elite Club of Canada, Stop Anti-Asian Hate Crime Advocacy Group, and Chinese Canadian Goto Vote Association
Contact:
Ivan Pak
Co-founder of
International Elite Club of Canada
eliteclubcanada@gmail.com