Are you embracing all cultures equally?

Last week, I had the pleasure of traveling to Toronto, Ontario.

Ethan Darby,
Director of Business
Development

This was the first time I had ever been to Canada. While there was not much of a cultural difference in daily life, I found their death care practices to be unique and interesting.

Did you know over half of Toronto’s population was born outside of Canada? It consists of a wonderful mix of ethnicities blending together while still keeping individual cultures alive. Possibly one of the best opportunities to express one’s culture is by honoring the life of a loved one who has passed. No matter where an individual is currently residing, they tend to refer back to their home country’s traditions when a loved one passes. These hometown traditions provide a sense of comfort and tradition for those attending the services. For this reason, it’s imperative that we remain receptive to these unique practices.

Correctly catering to unique cultures can provide your company with new revenue streams, as well as with a great reputation in your community. I encourage you to establish yourself as a multi-cultural service provider by going above and beyond for these families. If there are certain ethnicities that have a significant population in your area, you should research their customs and traditions. Think of ways to implement their culture in the normal services you provide, even if it is small changes, such as providing incense or a special flower. I promise you that these types of personal touches will not go unnoticed, and word-of-mouth will turn you into a true multi-cultural service provider.

This article originally appeared in Trigard Tuesdays, our weekly electronic newsletter featuring information for the funeral industry. Sign up for your free subscription at http://www.trigard.com/tuesdays.