Watch above: Sask. newcomers prepare for their first snowfall
SASKATOON – Many newcomers are busy preparing for their first winter in Saskatchewan and drawing on community support to do so.
Tahir Zeshan has never seen snow before.
“In Pakistan I was living in Karachi and there’s no snow there unfortunately, so I’m really excited,” he explained.
Zeshan has a masters degree in business administration and is looking for a job in Saskatoon.
“The city is growing and you have more opportunities here,” he said.
Like thousands of other newcomers, Zeshan wants to make sure he’s prepared for the snow.
Fortunately, Ahmadiyya Muslim community members have stepped forward to lend him a helping hand.
“Before every winter, we hold a community session where we invite existing members, and especially the new ones who come in, to get an idea of winter, what they should be expecting,” said Nasser Malik, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
He said the sessions teach newcomers everything from dressing for the cold to driving in the snow.
“Winter tires being the biggest issue – making sure they have proper tread on their tires, and also availability of shovels in their cars,” Malik said.
Saskatoon mechanics and auto experts also do their part in educating people who are new to Saskatchewan winters. Some retailers even offer winter driving safety kits.
“They include everything from the hazard cones to pressure gages, blankets to keep you warm just in case you break down or anything in the winter,” said Matt Woytikiw, a Canadian Tire auto service supervisor.
With snowfall expected in the coming days, Tahir will have a chance to put his new knowledge to the test.
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