WINNIPEG — Some of Manitoba’s newest residents got a taste of Canada’s favourite past time on Friday night.
The Manitoba Moose hockey club and MTS Centre donated over 80 tickets to Syrian refugees that have recently landed in Winnipeg. The families were welcomed to the game against the Iowa Wild. For many, it was their first ever experience with ice hockey.
The plan was arranged in partnership with Welcome Place, a prominent resettlement service for immigrants and refugees.
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Rita Chahal, executive director of the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council, said welcoming gestures from the community is important to helping refugees feel settled in a new land.
“For many families, this was the first time, in a long time, many of them had spent a close family evening together, in a comfortable, in a happy and safe environment,” said Chahal.
While the Moose did not bring home a win for their new fans in attendance, Chahal said the experience has left a positive impression for new refugees.
“This is great. You come to a new country; people welcome you and you get to see the country’s official game, within a few days of your arrival,” said Chahal.
“What could be better?”
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