Numerous events held over next two months for Red Deer’s first Welcoming Week for newcomers

This year will be the first Welcoming Week in Red Deer; however, due to staffing shortages, the RDLIP has decided to expand their free events over a longer period.

“We decided to adopt this and extend these events from October to December, basically, and have different kinds of things that people can connect with and address the challenges they face,” said Gordana Jovanovic, Outreach and Communications Coordinator with RDLIP.

In partnership with the Central Alberta Crime Prevention Centre (CACPC), the RDLIP kicked off their Welcoming Week celebrations on October 12 with a gathering at the Snell Auditorium in the downtown Red Deer Public Library (4818 49 St.).

This Saturday, the group will be hosting a Community Resource Fair from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the G.H. Dawe Centre (6175 67 St.) for newcomers and longtime Red Deer residents alike, to learn about access to various community services. With 10 local organizations participating, there will also be snacks and several activities on October 21 at the Centre, including interactive walk-up art, a sledge hockey tournament open for the public to watch, prizes to win, and more.

On October 25, the CACPC will be providing a presentation at Care for Newcomers (5000 Gaetz Ave.) on how not to be a target of fraud and scams. The informative session will share tips and tricks to protect yourself from online and offline scams.

Denise Rambow, Program & Services Coordinator for the CACPC, says they hope to reach as many people as possible as it’s important to be able to identify the different types of fraud, which can vary between countries.

“The biggest tip is keeping up on the current trends so that you’re aware of what’s going on and just being aware that you can say no to requests that come by phone call or online. Just being aware that you have tools you can use to prevent yourself from being a victim,” she said.

Rambow will also discuss volunteer opportunities available at the CACPC. Guests can register on the Eventbrite website.

In November, Jovanovic says they will be hosting “people-to-people gatherings” of newcomers and long-time residents to connect around common issues, create friends and welcome new faces. As well, there will be an anti-racism lunch n’ learn during the month.

She adds they are also planning a small Health Fair where the public will be invited to learn about where to find vaccination clinics, how to sign children up for doctors’ visits, accessing pharmaceutical care, and other related health topics.

Finally, on November 7, the RDLIP will be partnering with the Red Deer Native Friendship Society to host a blanket exercise, connecting newcomers with local Indigenous peoples to learn about their history on the land while having a hands-on experience.

Jovanovic anticipates the events will draw around 500 people in total.

She says she hopes Welcome Week will become an annual event in Red Deer to be celebrated in September with other communities worldwide.

by Alessia Proietti

Numerous events held over next two months for Red Deer’s first Welcoming Week for newcomers

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