Connecting newcomers with the community

REGINA – About 30 organizations were represented at Regina Open Door Society’s annual Community Fair for Newcomers today.

“I didn’t know there was a number you could call if you have any health problems or something. So, I’ve learned a lot for sure,” said Ugandan expat Immaculate Musiimenta, who moved to Regina two years ago.

Newcomers packed a large room in the Ramada Plaza between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for the fair’s second year.

Steven Zhang moved from Beijing to Regina four years ago. He’s still getting used to the change.

“The culture shock is very huge,” said the 28-year-old.

The society hopes the fair helps make that transition a little easier.

“So basically to connect newcomers with the larger community and connect community with the newcomers,” said Palwashah Humayun, a settlement team leader at the society.

“What we’re finding is careless cooking is our leading cause of fire among families throughout Regina,” Angela Prawzick, public education officer with Regina Fire & Protective Services.

Some immigrant groups use more flammable cooking ingredients than others.

“These types of events, and working with the Open Door Society, allows us to work with new immigrant families so that we can prevent those kind of fires from happening in the first place,” said Prawzick.

Compass Church, which holds farm tours, was also represented.

“It’s amazing the bus ride out is just complete silence because a lot of them have never been outside of a city, let alone outside into a farm in Saskatchewan,” said Pastor Murray Lutzer.

The fair lasted only one day, but its impact may be felt further.