Our Refugee Clients Celebrate Their First Canadian Christmas

The festive season brought joy and renewed hope to our newcomer clients, many of whom celebrated their very first Christmas in Canada. We were excited to pull out all the stops to ensure a memorable holiday for everyone—especially the Government-Assisted Refugee (GAR) children living with their families in temporary accommodations we provide.

More than 80 children participated in the festivities, ranging in age from just a few months old to 18 years, represent a vibrant mini-globe of cultures and backgrounds—hailing from Afghanistan, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania and Venezuela.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Optimist Club of Calgary, each child received a Christmas gift. Beyond the joy of opening presents, these moments symbolized the spirit of giving and the promise of brighter days ahead.

Our Refugee Claimant Transitioning into Community (RCTC) Program also shared the holiday spirit by inviting 120 Refugee Claimant clients to a special Christmas lunch organized by LifeConnection Church. While newcomers learned more about Canadian traditions, they also had the opportunity to share their own rich cultures with members of the church and students at Meno Simons Christian School. The kindness and generosity of everyone involved—children, young adults and volunteers—were evident. They went above and beyond to ensure our clients felt welcomed and included, managing logistics that made the experience unforgettable.

During the event, the organizers set up a “shop” where clients could choose up to four items of clothing and footwear, some of which were brand new! We also offered gift cards to eight families as prizes for a raffle during the meal. It was a heartwarming way to celebrate the holiday season and a wonderful opportunity for our newcomer families to experience the true spirit of Christmas in Canada.

Learn more about our services for refugees here: https://ccisab.ca/refugees/

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