Author: pattitasko

 Newcomer Day at Camp is an annual celebration that brings newcomers to Canada, local supporters, and community organizations together for a free day of outdoor fun, food, and friendship. The organizers of Newcomer Day at Camp are excited to announce the event’s return on August 22, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Camp Klahanie, 33612 Blacks Point Road, Goderich.

The free event, organized by the Goderich Lions Club and the Immigrant Advisory Council of the Huron County Immigration Partnership, is an opportunity for newcomers to Canada and their supporters to spend a summer afternoon enjoying games, children’s activities, a guided hike and community barbecue.

Organized since 2019, this year’s Newcomer Day at Camp will also include a guided hike, games of soccer and volleyball, an African drumming workshop, dance workshops, children’s painting crafts, and a cricket match demonstration. Attendees will also have the chance to meet a farm animal, enjoy a barbecue with halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available, and gather around a bonfire complete with marshmallows. Participants are also encouraged to bring a dessert from their own culture to share with fellow attendees, adding a personal and delicious touch to the day’s celebrations.

“The Lions Club has always believed in service that brings people together, and Newcomer Day at Camp does exactly that. Every year we watch new friendships form over a game of soccer or a shared meal at the barbecue, and it’s a reminder of how strong our community becomes when we welcome everyone in,” said Cecilia Fulker, president of the Goderich Lions Club.

Newcomer Day at Camp offers attendees the opportunity to meet and connect with other newcomers to Canada, settlement staff from the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, volunteers from the Huron Welcome Hub for Newcomers, Huron County Library staff, community organization staff, and elected leaders.

“Newcomer Day at Camp is one of the best days of the summer, full of laughter, new friends, and a real sense of belonging. Whether you’re trying cricket for the first time, sharing a dessert from home, or just relaxing by the bonfire, it’s a chance to feel connected to this community. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone again this year,” said Pam Somers, chair of the Immigrant Advisory Council of the Huron County Immigration Partnership.

Newcomer Day at Camp is made possible through the support of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, the Goderich Lions, the Huron Welcome Hub for Newcomers and the Town of Goderich.

What: Newcomer Day at Camp

When: Saturday, August 22, 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Where: Camp Klahanie, 33612 Blacks Point Rd, Goderich, Ontario

Cost: Free, everyone is welcome

Transportation may be available for those who require it. For questions or to arrange transportation, please contact: home@huroncounty.ca

Canada is welcoming to newcomers, especially in Huron County where they are greeted with smiles and feel at home, but they still face many challenges, a panel of recent immigrants told the annual meeting of the Huron Welcome Hub.

Many of the new immigrants – from countries as diverse as Syria, Morocco and Ukraine – said learning English was the biggest hurdle when they first arrived. For others, it was “too much snow” and difficulties finding medical care, complaints many long-time Canadians also often have.

“There are many challenges, but Canada can help you achieve your dreams,” said Sonia, who was born in Syria. She said that the move has not just meant a new life for her but also for her children and grandchildren.

“I feel warm and safe here,” said Victoria, who lived in Moscow before coming to Canada. “People are so kind and willing to help. It gives you confidence.”

The panel was part of the annual meeting of Huron Welcome Hub, which helps support newcomers to Huron County, at the Huron County Museum in Goderich on April 14. Their stories on how they ended up in this part of Canada were diverse and fascinating. Several had never heard of Huron County before arriving.

Victor said he had a student friend who was in Exeter and suggested it was a good place to settle. Sonia’s brother was in the area. Jannat, from Bangladesh, first came to the Toronto area on a student visa. After graduating, she applied for and won a retail manager position in Goderich.

For most, jobs were a draw and everyone had found work at a variety of area companies, although in many cases their jobs were not the ones they had in their home countries.

“This country gives you a big, big opportunity. But you need to accept you will have to start over (in your career),” said Viktoria, who went from a cleaning job to working as a personal service worker to getting her current position in accounting.

Challenges included dealing with government paperwork and all were concerned about recent changes to immigration levels and rules that have complicated the landscape for many new arrivals.

Some of the participants also suggested that it was unfair to blame immigrants, as sometimes happens, for housing shortages or high unemployment. They suggested that the government needs to deal with these issues in ways other than limiting immigration, which has been proven to enhance and enlarge the economy.

“Canada is beautiful and rich, and it was built by the hands of immigrants,” said Sonia.

The Huron Welcome Hub, which helps support newcomers to Huron County, held its annual meeting at the Huron County Museum in Goderich on Tuesday, April 14.

President Halina Zaleski reviewed the activities of the Hub, which provides support to newcomers who need help connecting with services in the county. The Hub also provides some services directly, such as transportation, housing assistance. Its members volunteer at various events in the county aimed at newcomers. The Hub also supports conversation circles at libraries in Goderich and Exeter for those wanting to practise English skills.

The Hub’s Facebook page is an active information source that offers insight to help migrants settle in Huron County, highlighting local events, showcasing local services that support newcomers, identifying learning opportunities, detailing job fairs and more.

Jannat Naima was elected as a new member of the steering group, replacing retiring member Peter Hrudka, while Sinead Cox and Chris Mewhort were relected to new terms, joining returning members Zaleski, Moe Sabin, Nick Gelensye, Patti Tasko, Kubra Hasanoglu and Emma Hunking.

The roots of the Hub can be traced to 2022, when Ukrainian families started arriving in Canada under a special visa to escape the invasion of their country by Russia. The focus has grown to encompass all newcomers, with a goal of connecting them to the resources that can help them settle in.

Approximately 4,200 immigrants live in Huron County, with about 270 arriving in recent years. They include permanent residents, students and international temporary workers. Almost half of them work in the agriculture and health care sectors, providing essential services for the region.

Camp Klahanie

33612 Blacks Point Rd, Goderich

August 22, 2026

Free!

Newcomer Day at Camp is a chance for newcomers to Canada and their supporters to gather and experience a summer day of fun. Held annually in August, activities may include:

• A guided hike
• Games of soccer
• Scavenger hunt
• Dance workshops
• Children’s painting crafts
• Yoga
• Cricket demonstration
• Meet a farm animal
• A barbecue (with halal meat, vegetarian and gluten free options)
• A bonfire (with marshmallows, of course!)

This event is hosted by the Goderich Lions Club and the Immigrant Advisory Council of the Huron County Immigration Partnership.

Participants are invited to bring a dessert from their culture to share with others.

It is supported by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario, the County of Huron, the Municipality of Central Huron, and Town of Goderich.

Everyone is welcome.

March 2025

A volunteer association created to help support newcomers to Huron County is marking its second full year in operation with a new name, a new website and a fresh call for volunteers.

The Huron Welcome Hub for Newcomers, formerly the Huron Newcomer Support Association, is hosting a meeting on March 24 in Goderich to elect a new executive. It is inviting new volunteers who want to help build on the organization’s successes and ensure Huron County is a welcoming place.

The Hub’s mandate is to provide support to all who are immigrating to Huron County without other support. One major activity is organizing rides for newcomers who don’t have transportation. This is essential for a county with limited public transit. Records show that Hub members provided more than 70 trips and racked up more than 10,000 kilometres driving people to and from the Toronto airport, medical appointments and job sites and social events. Many more trips are occurring unofficially.

It also supports conversation circles, currently held at the Goderich and Exeter libraries, that are open to all newcomers as a forum to practise English. During each of these weekly sessions English-speaking volunteers lead conversations with newcomers on such topics as sports, community events and food and entertainment. The informal setting helps newcomers feel comfortable using English for everyday encounters. Over the past year, more than 50 newcomers practised English and developed new friendships.

The Hub’s Facebook page has 101 members with a median age range of 35 to 44. Posts average one a day and attract more than 500 views monthly. They include information on services to help immigrants settle in Huron County, multicultural events, local opportunities to socialize and improve English, job fairs and news about the Hub. A website, huronwelcome.ca, has just been created and will be a resource on services and activities as well.

The volunteer group has helped newcomers in a variety of ways.

Tanya Masanovets, a teacher from Ukraine, says that in 2022 several Ukrainian newcomers wanted their children to stay in touch with other Ukrainian children, language and culture. Some of the children and Masanovets live in Exeter and other children live in Goderich, where the library had offered them a room for classes every Saturday.

“The only problem was transportation,” said Masanovets. “But volunteers from the newcomers association solved the problem in no time. Drivers were found and a schedule was written a month ahead to make sure that Ukrainian classes were running.”

“I’m beyond thankful for their time, dedication and flexibility,” says Masanovets. This makes us so welcomed in the community. We feel loved and cared for!”

Classes are heading into their second year.

Volunteers with the group say helping newcomers settle into the county brings many rewards.

Hub president Halina Zaleski and her husband Chris have hosted four newcomer families, all from Ukraine, in the past few years.

“Having new daughters and grandchildren in our home fills it with fun and joy, especially since our own families are several hours away,” says Zaleski. “Now we can enjoy homemade dumplings and sauerkraut and many other treats, and I have someone to run with to work off all those treats.

“Our fridge is once again decorated with children’s art and our driveway is decorated with two snow cats. And we have even learned a few words of Ukrainian. Goodbye to same old, same old, and hello to feeling warmly engaged.”

The roots of the Hub can be traced to 2022, when Ukrainian families started arriving in Canada under a special visa to escape the invasion of their country by Russia. The focus has grown to encompass all newcomers, with a goal of connecting them to the resources that can help them settle in.

A total of 275 immigrants with permanent resident status moved to Huron County from 2016-2021. Another 1,550 people on temporary work and study permits arrived in 2022-2023. These newcomers are important to the future of Canada and Huron County, but they can face multiple challenges, especially in a rural area with limited transportation and housing options. Volunteers have been key in helping families get settled in homes, find jobs, learn English, enroll children in school, and generally make them feel welcome.

At the meeting on Monday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at the Mackay Centre in Goderich, the Hub will provide an update of 2024 accomplishments, solicit feedback on what can be done to make a difference for newcomers in 2025 and elect new members to its steering group. All newcomers, existing and potential volunteers and interested Huron County residents are welcome.

Monday, March 24, 2025, 7:00pm-8:05pm, at the MacKay Centre, 10 Nelson Street East, Goderich

In Attendance:

Steering Group: Halina Zaleski, Chris Mewhort, Moe Sabin, Ferne Middleton, Nick Geleynse, Sinead Cox, Patti Tasko, Peter Hrudka

LIP: Mark Nonkes, Emma Hunking

YMCA: Firas Sefian

Volunteer Members and Newcomers: Kubra Hasanoglu, Sulta Hasanoglu, Sheila Chick, Suzette Sherman, Glen Webster, Phillip Phan

Minutes: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm

1. Welcome and Introductions

a) Halina extended a heartfelt welcome to all attendees and introduced members of the Steering Group

b) Volunteer members and newcomers were called upon to introduce themselves

2. Announcements

a) The Goderich Conversation Circle will continue on Monday nights at the Goderich Library, however, the Exeter Circle is taking a break for the time being . (Update: it resumes on May 7.)

b) Mark provided information on a Community Vaisakhi Celebration to be held April 13, 2-5 p.m. at the Lakeshore United Church in Goderich. This spring tradition will provide attendees with an opportunity to enjoy Indian food, vibrant music, a Bhangra dance performance and an informative presentation. Flyers for the event were available at the meeting and a post has been added to our Facebook Group.

3. President’s Report

a) Halina provided a history of our Association, now in its second year. She described the early days in 2022 when unique support was needed by Ukrainian newcomers. From there, The Huron Newcomer Support Association was formed in 2024 and will continue in 2025 with a new name: Huron Welcome Hub for Newcomers. Halina went on to describe challenges faced by newcomers from all parts of the world and that our assistance will be extended to newcomers who have immigrated to Canada within the last five years.

Halina acknowledged that over the past three years, increasing numbers of the community members h:ave shown interest in providing welcome opportunities for newcomers. As an example, she described a tour arranged by Robinson Maple Products for Conversation Circle participants.

4. Treasurer’s Report

Chris reported that there are enough funds in the bank to meet the needs of the association for 2025 which include:

1. Liability Insurance

2. Communication Materials

3. Gas gift cards to recognize drivers

i. Chris explained that all funds are raised via donation. He acknowledged the generosity of the Christian Reformed Church and Rotary Club who helped us meet our financial needs

ii. A funding request has been submitted to the United Way which we hope will assist with expenses for the next three years. In addition to current financial needs, we are seeking funds to recognize volunteers who are assisting with our website design.

5. How Can We Make a Difference to Newcomers

Halina introduced a social activity for all attendees, while enjoying refreshments. The goal was to obtain feedback from our meeting attendees which may be used by the Steering Group to set goals and action plans for 2025. Positioned around the room were flipchart pages with the headings: “How Can the Newcomer Welcome Hub Make a Difference?”, “Transportation”, “Housing”, and “Communications”. Each attendee was given post-it notes and a pen and asked to write their ideas and post on the applicable flipchart page.

Following the refreshment break, the Steering Group Leads read the ideas provided. These are recorded below:

a) Transportation

i. Set up local tours of the area, to include facilities of use to all residents

ii. Set up tours of local employers, farms, manufacturing facilities

iii. Arrange transportation for “fun” activities

iv. Arrange for speakers to attend Steering Group meetings and community events to learn about local transportation options such as Huron County Buses, OneEX Bus Lines

v. Uber needed in Goderich – provide information to newcomers on taxi services

b) Housing

i. Compile a contact list of friendly landlords and realtors

ii. Provide guidance on where to find information on rights

iii. Speak to seniors who may have room in their homes to take in newcomers iv. We need a YMCA rooming house like old times

v. We need a registry of available housing

vi. An ongoing housing scout who creates and maintains rentals database that can be accessed by newcomers

vii. Is it true that MacDonalds in Goderich bought a house for their workers?

viii. Central list of people needing housing and list of possible

ix. How can we get Huron County real estate more directly involved?

c) Communication

i. Develop clear referral pathways/processes to be posted publicly on website. For example: “To request a ride, email __, then this happens, then this happens.

ii. Develop and share profiles of newcomers – those who are willing to gain attention

iii. Positive stories and celebrating newcomers

iv. Expand and build a website to include volunteer contributions and their stories

v. Hub for information and guidance for navigating settling in Huron

vi. Maybe flyers about newcomer handbook, conversation circles, transportation hub to be distributed at restaurants where newcomers currently work

vii. Specific local information

viii. Advocacy

ix. Establish connection with Service Ontario and Service Canada and encourage them to share Huron Welcome Hub web connect

d) How Can the Newcomer Welcome Hub Make a Difference?

i. Organize local response to new waves of immigration or crisis

ii. Encourage volunteering (networking)

iii. More engagement with Faith Communities iv. Run tours of nearby sites, even walking tours, i.e G2G trail system

v. Introduce Community to newcomers WELCOME

vi. Help navigate SIN, OHIP, etc

vii. Partner with MacKay Centre where there are lots of seniors who might be willing to help newcomers in many ways

viii. Partner with the Legion who may wish to become active with newcomers

ix. Have newcomers articulated needs besides affordable housing, transportation, etc?

x. Try to have more activities for kids – camp, skating, hockey, gym

6. Steering Group Election

Halina explained that our Steering Group consists of nine members. Six will be returning for the 2025 term, leaving three openings. Halina asked for three volunteers and Maureen Sabin, Emma Hunking and Kubra Hasanoglu agreed to join the group. Welcome to the Steering Group! Specific positions within the Steering Group will be determined at the next meeting

7. Next Meeting:

Halina will contact all Steering Group members to arrange a time and location for the next meeting.

8. Adjourn:

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.