Dear Friend,

I won’t lie - it can get pretty boring being a carpenter square. I help you to draw straight lines at different angles. Next to the power tools that whirr and cut, I am not very exciting.

Imagine my surprise when Montse said that I was her favourite tool out of all the ones in the tool bag.

Me! The square!

You see, my tool friends and I were part of the Introduction to Home Maintenance workshop series that Montse joined at the New Canadians Centre.

Our human friends were so shy when they first met us. They did not know our names and were not sure what we could do. After six weeks together, everything changed. We had great fun building a wall together so that they could practice their skills.

I could see how Montse became more confident about what she could achieve. She could fix things and not have to rely on others. She also made friends and felt like a part of a community where she belonged. I am so proud to be a part of her journey towards settling here in Canada.

I’m sitting on the shelf now, with Hammer, Wrench, Screwdriver and the other tools. We can hear the people who visit the New Canadians Centre every day looking for opportunities to learn skills and connect with others.

You can help!

Marisa says that you want to empower newcomers to Canada to help them to belong. That is wonderful! She can tell you more about what you can do to make it happen today.

Carpenter Square

Friend of the New Canadians Centre

********************

Yes, that was your first letter from a carpenter square!

I wish you could have been in the workroom to share in the enthusiasm and camaraderie during the Home Maintenance workshop. Women learning with and from women – they were so excited for this opportunity.

There is a lot to learn for people who are new to Canada – language, workplace culture, foods, and relationships. It can be discouraging when it seems like nothing is familiar and you feel like you are out of place and unwelcome.

Will you take action today to help?

You can invest in innovative programs and services that support and connect people who are new to Canada to services, each other, and the community.

Programs like the Introduction to Home Maintenance workshop are key. In this workshop, women learn how to use essential tools and conduct basic home repairs.

The student who is new to Canada can gain practical skills that she can apply at home and save money.

The mother who is isolated at home can practice their English, meet other women and make new friends.

As a group, the women can gain strength and confidence that they can apply to face other challenges in their lives.

And gathering in a safe space with others who understand creates a sense of community that means you are truly welcome.

As a dedicated volunteer, the heart of the NCC Family, you understand the importance of empowering newcomers while they try to find their place in a new country with different expectations and systems.

We want you to be a part of their story. 

"I learned to trust myself" - this reflection from Montse says so much.

And this program is just one example of many programs at the New Canadians Centre that are making a positive difference.

Your gift today to the Welcome Fund will help us to offer innovative and practical programs that are free and accessible to people who are new in Canada.

Every gift helps! Join us in bringing people together and realise our vision of a vibrant and inclusive community where people who are new to Canada thrive and are valued.

Yours sincerely,

Marisa Kaczmarczyk

Director of Client Services

New Canadians Centre