CultureLink News

July 2023

With the end of the school year comes the start of the -seemingly shortest but- most active season: crowds invade the streets, beaches and parks, enjoying outdoor patios, festivals and sports. All the excitement and nice weather aside, newcomers still need to find their way around and settle in their new home, and our programs and services aim to help them do just that. Welcome to the hot Canadian summer!

Bike the Summer Away

Tis' the season for cycling! And for newcomers it is the opportunity to:

Borrow a bike for the season (with helmet and lock)
Explore Toronto by bike, get to know your new city
Meet other new and experienced cyclists!

The Bike Host program matches newcomers who are open to cycling with mentors who ride regularly. Participants get to practice their communication skills and learn about civic engagement, all while exploring the city by bike.

The program continues through the fall, there is still time to register! If you are interested, contact rphyper@culturelink.ca.

Creativity in Action

Moving to a new country comes with as many excitements as there are challenges. Sometimes the difficulties exceed the novelties and we become overwhelmed.

Easy access to appropriate resources and information can help alleviate some of those struggles. However, others run deep, affecting our minds and emotions.

By engaging in creative activities, newcomers explore and develop a new ability and are able to express themselves without words (very important when language is a barrier). This helps relieve some of their worries.

Artistic programming allows new immigrant families to connect to the arts, themselves and their new communities.

In the Spotlight

The first week of July brought us a special visit by Arif Virani, Member of Parliament for Parkdale-High Park, and a long-time friend of our organization. This was an opportunity to talk about our projects past and future, the needs of our community and our plans going forward. We are grateful for his continuous support.

Canada Summer Jobs

From former clients to artists and sociologists, the talented group of new hires that joins us this season will be involved with community programs, cycling programs and research projects. These positions are funded in part by the Government of Canada's Canada Summer Jobs Program.

Summer Programs

The summer break is the perfect time to try something new: Tech & Entrepreneurship, Environmental Sustainability, Entertainment & Movement are some of the workshops we are preparing for newcomer children, youth and parents. Watch our social media platforms for event information!

In-Person Office Hours

Main Office

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Children and Youth Centre

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Parkdale Community

Info. Centre

Monday - Friday

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Bike Hub

DYI Hours

Tuesdays 3-6 pm

Saturdays 10-3pm

Visit www.culturelink.ca/contact-us/ for addresses and contact information.

Visit our Events Calendar and our social media platforms for information on these and more virtual and in-person events for Youth, Adults, Seniors and Families.