The federal government has earmarked $434,000 spread over three years to help bring Abbotsford's diverse ethnic communities closer together.

Conservative Abbotsford MP Ed Fast made the funding announcement on behalf of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney at a press conference held outside the International Friendship Garden Tuesday afternoon.

"This project aims to push aside the obstacles to intercultural understanding and build lasting relationships among Abbotsford's ethno-cultural communities," Fast said.

"By supporting initiatives such as this, the Government of Canada is investing in the future - a future that depends on all of us growing together through our shared values, history and institutions."

By developing two 'intercultural hubs' in Abbotsford west, the Abbotsford Building Connections Project will benefit an estimated 3,500 residents, Fast said.

The project will oversee programs and services designed to develop connections among different ethnic communities.

The hope, Fast said, is that by twinning diverse school, neighbourhood, business and faith groups to take on common issues and participate in activities together, everyone's needs will be better met.

As the program comes on-line, areas such as intercultural recreation, arts and storytelling, and mentoring at-risk youth will be developed further.

RArnott@abbotsfordtimes.com