A Warm Welcome

Sabrina is finding a new community here in Canada, thanks to you!

For Sabrina, living in Canada is a dream come true.

Sabrina and her family came here two years ago to escape the growing violence and chaos in her home country of Argentina.

“It was very dangerous,” said Sabrina. “When you arrive home from work, you have to keep an eye out. You have to get inside, before someone robs you.”

Sabrina came to Kitchener with her husband and two children. As an international student, money is sometimes tight. Her family often needs food from our Neighbourhood Food Distribution at Kingsdale Community Centre.

Her first visit to receive food brought her so much more than groceries, however; it brought her a community.

While standing in line, Sabrina started talking to Fanny, a House of Friendship staff member at the food program. They soon discovered that they both spoke Spanish. It wasn’t long before Fanny connected Sabrina to other programs offered through House of Friendship, including a virtual cooking class.

“This cooking class was a great benefit for me,” said Sabrina. “I learned more English through this group, and made friends.”

She loved the cooking course so much that she changed her study program to culinary arts at Conestoga College.

Your support of our Neighbourhoods programs helps newcomers to successfully begin a new life far from home. Thank you for providing a warm welcome to people like Sabrina!

“It was very difficult for us to come here, but once we found help, all the pieces of the puzzle came together,” said Sabrina. “To be able to walk in peace and safety – that has no price.”