NEWS RELEASE
YMCA OF SIMCOE/MUSKOKA
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The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s immigrant services will be hosting a free Immigration Lunch and Learn event in partnership with the County of Simcoe, the City of Orillia, and the Orillia Public Library.
This event will take place at the Orillia Public Library on Tuesday, Sept. 13 between 12 and 1 p.m. It is open to newcomers and members of the public interested in learning about immigration assistance and hearing first-hand experiences from newcomers in the Orillia area. Please register in advance if you wish to attend.
This event will include a panel discussion led by newcomers in Orillia, an Immigration 101 presentation from the County of Simcoe, networking opportunities, and a free multicultural lunch sponsored by TD Bank. In addition to providing a space for newcomers to connect and share their experiences with each other and the Orillia community, this event aims to bring awareness to immigration supports available in Orillia and the surrounding areas.
“We are excited to host this important event with our partners to educate newcomers on the supports available to them in the Orillia area, and to provide them with a welcoming space for networking, and to hear other newcomers’ stories and experiences,” said Dave Hamilton, team leader, YMCA immigrant services. "The YMCA provides many supports to newcomers in our region to assist them in integrating into their new lives and communities.”
Providing newcomers with free immigration support is essential to their success in their new communities, according to Hamilton: “It is important that newcomers have access to immigration services and supports — such as those provided by the YMCA, the county, and the City of Orillia — to make the transition easier and to make them feel welcome.”
“The County of Simcoe is proud of all newcomer residents and what they accomplish within our communities,” said Warden George Cornell, County of Simcoe. “That is why it is so important to us to ensure we are providing the support they need when it is most helpful. Our Local Immigration Partnership is pleased to work with YMCA immigrant services, the City of Orillia, and the Orillia Public Library on this fantastic opportunity.”
To register for the Immigration Lunch and Learn event, visit www.ymcasm.ca/ImmigrationEvent. Individuals wanting to learn more about this event can contact YMCA immigrant services at 705-241- 2501 or [email protected].
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