What began in the early 1980s as a simple gesture of hospitality — a home visit, a shared meal, a conversation — has grown into one of Calgary’s most enduring and impactful programs for newcomers.
Canada Connects, now celebrating its 40th anniversary, traces its roots back to the Host Program, launched by the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) in 1985. At its heart was a powerful idea: that connection is the foundation of belonging. Over the years, the program evolved, rebranded, and expanded — but its mission remained the same: to help newcomers feel at home.
Today, Canada Connects pairs refugees and immigrants with local volunteers — individuals, couples, families — who offer more than just guidance. They offer friendship. These volunteers become cultural interpreters, informal language coaches, and trusted companions. They walk alongside newcomers as they navigate life in Calgary, sharing everything from transit tips and local customs to laughter over coffee and free community events.
For newcomers, the experience is transformative. Many arrive in Canada carrying stories of displacement, uncertainty, and hope. Canada Connects offers them a soft landing — a human connection that says, “You’re not alone.”
Volunteers, too, speak of the profound impact. They gain insight into cultures they may never have encountered, build lasting relationships, and rediscover their own city through fresh eyes. It’s a mutual exchange — one that fosters empathy, understanding, and community.
Over the decades, the program has grown to include Youth Connections, Senior Connections, and expanded eligibility to include permanent residents and professionals. Yet, the essence remains unchanged: a commitment to welcoming newcomers not just with services, but with heart.
As Canada Connects marks 40 years, it stands as a testament to what’s possible when communities choose compassion. It reminds us that integration isn’t just about policies — it’s about people. And sometimes, all it takes to change a life is a conversation, a walk in the park, or a shared story.
Here’s to 40 years of connection — and to the thousands of lives touched along the way.
As we prepare to celebrate this incredible milestone, the Marketing Team will assist in interviewing past clients and volunteers to hear, firsthand, the powerful impact Canada Connects has had on their lives.
We’ll be sharing these inspiring stories at our 40th Anniversary Celebration this October, and we can’t wait to highlight the amazing connections that have shaped our community. Do you have a personal story or experience with the Canada Connects Program? We’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to [email protected] and help us celebrate the incredible impact this program has had over the years.
