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After we welcome newcomers, do we make them feel welcomed?

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/12/2023 (712 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Canada is a place of promise for newcomers from all across the globe, and nowhere is that more the case than right here in Winnipeg. But what happens after we welcome newcomers to all the beauty and potential Canada has to offer? Do we actually make them feel welcomed?

When you welcome someone into your home, the job isn’t done after they step inside – it’s only just begun. It’s our responsibility to ensure the people we’ve invited have the supports they need to thrive… people just like the Fekiri Family.

Arriving from France in January 2023, Kamel and Cherifa came to Canada to give their five children educational opportunities, including the chance to learn English. So far, they are really enjoying Winnipeg, although they say the winter is very cold.

When Kamel, Cherifa, and their children, Camelia (age 15), Noham (age 13), and triplets Aydin, Milhan and Mikail (age 10) arrived in Winnipeg, they had no extended family and didn’t know anyone, so they focused on getting the children adjusted to their new schools.

By March, they were looking for activities and ways to connect in the community and attended a free Family Fun Night at the Downtown Y.  While the kids were off exploring, Kamel and Cherifa learned about the Y’s Recreational Opportunities for Children program which helped them navigate community programs and supported their family to participate in a variety of activities.

Since then, the family has become active Y members and visit the South Y for swimming lessons, basketball and soccer (or football to the Fekiri family). Their family membership is funded in part by generous Y donors. “Thank you so much for your help. Our family is very lucky to have this membership.” says Kamel.

In addition to membership at the Y, we connect families to experiences where they can learn, grow and reach their full potential.  “Our goal is to support families in accessing recreational opportunities and to work together to remove barriers, whether those are financial barriers, logistical, cultural or any other obstacle that might be getting in the way.” says Grant Richter, YWinnipeg Program Coordinator.  “And for newcomers to Winnipeg, we really like to give them a chance to experience the spirit and energy of our sports teams as well”. To that end, the Fekiri Family has also enjoyed the experience of a Winnipeg Goldeyes game, the Manitoba Moose, Valour FC Soccer and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Also supported through generous donors, all five kids had the chance to experience a week at YWinnipeg’s Camp Stephens, where the kids said their favourite experience was jumping in the cold water in the mornings and campfire at night.

Smiling, and watching their kids laugh and play at the Y’s Fall Community Celebration, Kamel and Cherifia reflected, “We’ve all made friends through coming to the Y, the kids are learning the language, and we are really starting to feel like we are a part of Winnipeg.”

It’s creating that sense of connection and belonging that we pride ourselves in at the Y. After all, that’s what making people feel truly welcomed is all about.

To learn more about how you can support programs that bring community together, please visit ywinnipeg.ca.