Impact Stories
Helen Smith Proud to Help Build Community
“I’m proud to support an organization that’s helping to build community. I want to be a part of that work.” Helen Smith knows what it feels like to be alone in a new country and not know where to go for help. “I needed to become a permanent resident,” says Helen, an accredited and internationally…
Read MoreIt Takes A Village: Raid’s Story
I want to tell you a story about some wonderful people like you, who changed the life of a newcomer. When I met 19-year-old Raid Hajhasan in 2016, he was living alone. He didn’t know anyone. Raid left Syria to escape the war. A war where 11 million people were displaced. He was all by…
Read MoreLocal Tim Hortons Store Helps Newcomers Feel Like They Belong
When brothers Yousef and Hayder recall some of their most memorable moments of first living in Peterborough, having a double double at Mary Blair’s Tim Hortons store on Hunter Street East stands out. Originally from Iraq and having made their way to Canada via Turkey, Yousef and Hayder face the challenge of living with significant…
Read MoreLeon’s Peterborough Helping Newcomers Transition to a New Community
“Donations of time and support are my attempt to reciprocate the kindness the community has shown us for many years,” says Tom Reburn Jr. The co-owner and general manager of Leon’s Peterborough has been a good friend to the New Canadians Centre for many years – supporting some of the organization’s key fundraising events. Recently,…
Read MoreThe Ripple Effect: how an 8-year-old helped transform the lives of newcomers in #PTBO
8-year-old Sarah MacDonald knew Syrian families were in need. And that Peterborough was opening its doors to help. She wanted to do something too. Instead of receiving presents for her birthday, she collected money and donated it to the New Canadians Centre. Like your support to the New Canadians Centre, Sarah’s donation created a ripple…
Read MoreLocal schools come together to help welcome newcomers this holiday season
“Welcome to the wonderful town of Peterborough!” The New Canadians Centre Peterborough welcomes over 800 newcomers from across the world each year. The holiday season can be a tough time for new families as they adjust to their new surroundings, language, and even climate. To help welcome newcomers this season, Grade 9 students of Ecole…
Read MoreFor the first time in her life, Charlotte can see the future. It’s here, in Peterborough
We are inspired every day by the people we work with and the community we live in. This is Charlotte’s story. “My name is Imaniragena Charlotte Nzabondera. I was five years old when the civil war in Rwanda broke out. Soldiers stormed my family’s home. We were forced to leave our house. We had no…
Read MoreWith your help, newcomers are building their lives and skills in PTBO
Your Generous Support Builds a Diverse & Welcoming Peterborough, Thank You! Thank You for supporting the work of the New Canadians Centre as donors, funders, volunteers, and partners. We couldn’t do it without you! Would You like to make a tax-deductible gift before the end of 2018? You can make a secure on-line…
Read MoreKhidir’s Story: From Leaving School Because of the War to Studying to be an Accountant at Fleming College
Life changed for 24-year-old Khidir Bkdach when he started volunteering at the New Canadians Centre. “One day, Khidir walked into my office and told me he wanted to improve his English. I believed the best way for Khidir to not only develop his English but start to feel connected to the community that was…
Read MoreYour Generosity Gives Ahmad the Chance to Fulfill his Goal of Becoming an Electrician in Canada
32-year-old Ahmad Lalou knows the importance of living in a welcoming community. “When I’m at the grocery store, people smile at me. I don’t feel alone. I feel like we belong here.” Having made the journey from Syria with his young family, Ahmad remembers meeting Salwa Mirgani, his Transition Settlement Worker from the…
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