Visitors and Staff get in the holiday spirit at the Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre.

 

Yesterday's 'Multicultural Week' event was an afternoon open-house at the Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre.

Both life-time Saskatchewan residents as well as some newer Saskatchewan residents came and went throughout the day.

One of the visitors was Laila, a woman from the Philippines who's first Canadian residence was in Alberta.

Since moving to Swift Current earlier this year, Laila spoke on her brief time so far in the Southwest.

"I've been here for almost 7 months. I'm working at Humpty's Family Restaurant since March of just this year. It's my first time to experience a Saskatchewan winter," she said.

Another newcomer was Mesmer, a sponsored refugee from Sudan who is originally from Eritrea.

He explains that culture shock is a common challenge for immigrants, but that the challenge of learning a new culture is happily accepted in a country like Canada.

"It takes them a while to understand and accept things, and to absorb and challenge things like the weather and language barriers.

All of them are difficult for people, but immigrants are always challengers.

They don't complain because they are comparing it to what they came from - they see a new culture as something that can be overcome," he said.

Despite the challenge of new surroundings, Mesmer describes the welcoming spirit in the southwest to newcomers like Laila and himself.

"Of course we can differ in skin colour, language, and other things. But Canadian hospitality has been great - the approach to helping others makes me feel like I'm at home," he said.

Remaining activities for 'Multicultural Week' include:

Thursday, November 24: 'Understanding Diversity' workshop by the Multicultural Council of SK (MCOS) at the Lyric Theatre, 1-4 pm.
Friday, November 25: Potluck at 6 pm and movie at 7 pm: The African Doctor

The 'Understanding Diversity' workshop this afternoon will require registration and a $10 fee.

Staff at the Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre also encourages visitors to come and warm up during the Christmas Tree Lighting tonight from 6- 8 pm.