Sun shines on newcomers at annual picnic

With Mother Nature co-operating, numerous cultures were celebrated at Chatham’s Kingston Park during the annual newcomer picnic. Organized by Adult Language and Learning, Saturday’s event featured activities, games and lunch, and of course, plenty of soccer. The community non-profit organization helps provide settlement assistance, as well as language courses. Networking events help them feel welcome, [...]

Article content With Mother Nature co-operating, numerous cultures were celebrated at Chatham’s Kingston Park during the annual newcomer picnic. Organized by Adult Language and Learning, Saturday’s event featured activities, games and lunch, and of course, plenty of soccer. Recommended Videos The community non-profit organization helps provide settlement assistance, as well as language courses.

Networking events help them feel welcome, create relationships, and also promote Chatham-Kent’s diversity. “Couldn’t be a better day. The weather is perfect,” said Robyn Forster, a settlement worker for schools, adding it’s all about “integrating and really just getting to know each other.”

Close to 200 people attended the gathering, with Forster believing the FIFA World Cup tournament happening at the same time was a bonus. “I think it couldn’t have been a better time,” she said. “I think there’s so much hype about celebrating culture, and celebrating the world, with it hosted in Canada.”

She added that events such as the ongoing Taste of Chatham-Kent also go a long way in helping foster awareness and understanding. Maria Angus, 17, a graduate of Ursuline College Chatham, came to Canada from Jamaica with her family three years ago. “It’s going well so far, the people are nice,” she said.

“It’s such a great event for all the immigrants, and the people in general to gather and celebrate something as good as this organization.” Angus plans to attend the nursing program at the University of Windsor this fall. The organization’s services are funded through the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and Employment Ontario through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“It doesn’t slow down for us,” Forster said. “We’re here to do whatever we can for our families and the people who choose Chatham-Kent. “We have a very welcoming community, I would say ...

People are excited and they want to learn.” For more information, contact Adult Language and Learning at 519-354-7424 or visit adultlanguageandlearning.ca