Volume 7 | July 2019
You can support a refugee in your community
Dear CCI Friend,

Recently, there was a wonderful article on the CBC about the many ways everyday Canadians can support new refugees who arrive in Canada.

One way is to show newcomers the ins and outs of daily living in Canada. There are so many little things we take for granted about daily life in Ottawa. We often forget these are not little things for many newcomers.

Here's how you can help newcomers with daily life. Teach them how to use public transit. Show them where to find the best grocery deals. Help them find activities for their children in the summer. Say hello to the newcomer family who lives down your street.

You can help by volunteering at the Catholic Centre for Immigrants where we have numerous programs that connect people like you with newcomers.

You can help a newcomer learn English by taking part in one of our weekly conversation circles . Or you can volunteer with our Matching Program that connects everyday Canadians with newcomers who need ongoing support adjusting to life in Ottawa.

By helping a newcomer today, you are helping to build a more welcoming community.

To find out more about these programs, please click on the links above.

Kindest regards,

Carl Nicholson
Executive Director
Your Impact
Your generous support is helping children prepare for their first day of school.

Many refugee children who arrive in Ottawa have never seen the inside of a classroom. Your support helps fund the children's program that gets them ready for a Canadian classroom.

In the program, the children learn their numbers, some basic math, colours and simple phrases in English such as how to ask to go to the bathroom or ask for water. The children learn what an Ottawa school is like and how fun learning can be. At the end of the program, they know how to conduct themselves in a Canadian classroom.

Thank you!

Meet the people delivering services at CCI
Each month, we like to introduce you to a member of the CCI family.

Emmanuel is a youth program facilitator. He helps organize and promote recreational activities for young newcomers. He also provides one-on-one support to any youth who needs it.

This summer, he's involved in the Youth Soccer Program and he believes our partnership with the Ottawa Police Service helps foster a good relationship between police and the newcomer community.

CCI summer picnic attracts a crowd
More than 140 people attended our summer picnic in Brewer Park earlier this month.

A picnic is a fun way for newcomers to meet everyday Canadians and mingle with people from other countries.

There were lots of games for the children and for the grown-ups. Everyone was treated to some traditional Canadian barbecue fair -- hotdogs and hamburgers with all the toppings.

To learn more about how a picnic brings people together, watch Lina in this CCI Ottawa video.
Immigration stories to make you think
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