The Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties (MARL) will host the first annual Burkini Pool Party at the Seven Oaks Pool this Saturday.
The aim of the party, to be held 6-8 p.m., is to both show that Canada accepts the burkini and introduce newcomer children to water safety.
“It (name) is in regards to France and the burkinis being banned from its beaches,” MARL education chair Estelle Lamoureux said Wednesday. “A group of us took exception to that because that’s not the way we operate in Canada.
“Also, every year, newcomer children drown in our province and we wanted a program for them to learn water safety, which includes swimming lessons ... The trouble with newcomer parents is that they are often so overwhelmed that they don’t even think about swimming lessons, so we’re taking that burden off their hands.”
Their program will include transportation to and from the pool, and supervision.
Organizers are hoping to raise $10,000, which would cover the costs of 100 students, Lamoureux said.
Welcoming the burkini is just an added touch to make many of those newcomers more welcome.
“Quite a few of our newcomers are Muslim and we wanted to demonstrate that, in Canada, we’re inclusive,” Lamoureux said. “On our posters, it says burkinis are optional but wear something.”
A burkini is a type of swimsuit for women that covers the whole body except the face, hands and feet, to conform with traditions of modest dress.
MARL has partnered with Newcomer Employment and Education Development Services (NEEDS), the Manitoba Islamic Association and the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg for the program. The city is donating the pool time.
Admission is free Saturday, but those who can are asked to make a donation at the door, or to the Needs Centre Swim Program. Up to 250 kids can be accommodated.