BRAMPTON: Scores of new immigrants thronged the Brampton Multicultural Community Centre at Bramalea to join in the celebrations of Newcomer Day on Wednesday, June 27th.
The festive afternoon of programming was held in association with Royal Bank of Canada and catered to all age groups.
Brampton Newcomer Day, a first for the city, will bring together more than 15 local exhibitors who showcased their services in order to help newcomers feel more settled in their new community.
“Newcomers add vibrancy and diversity to our Region. The Brampton Newcomer Day is a great opportunity to connect with our new residents and welcome them to our city,” said Dima Amad, Director of Programs, BMCC. “Our aim for the day was to celebrate their positive contributions to our economic, political, social, and cultural fabric.”
“We have one of the fastest-growing populations in the country, with many newcomers to Canada choosing Brampton as their new home,” added Linda Jeffrey, Mayor of Brampton.
The mayor, who could not attend the event because of other official functions send a welcome message to the newcomers.
“I’m so proud that we’re able to participate in the first-ever Brampton Newcomer Day at the BMCC, which has become a hub for our new Canadians.”
Brampton Newcomer Day offered a variety of programming, from accessing Canadian health care to getting advice on resume-building and job-hunting, banking in Canada to fun activities for kids like face-painting and colouring.
Community Partners at the event, with their individual tables included: Peel Police; Brampton Fire and Emergency Services; Brampton Community Health Centre; The Centre for Education & Training ; William Osler Hospital; Early Years Ontario, RBC Royal Bank, YMCA and many others.
A lucky draw with several surprise gifts was one of the highlights of the event.