Pickering residents joined more than 400 people from across Durham Region on September 26 for the region's first-ever Newcomer Day, a free family event held at Regional Headquarters in Whitby.
The Region of Durham hosted the event in partnership with the Durham Employment and Newcomer Centre (DENC), with Team Kartik serving as title sponsor, according to a Region of Durham news release.
More than 80 community organizations, local businesses, vendors and exhibitors took part, giving attendees the chance to learn about programs, services and opportunities available throughout the region. The day included cultural performances, a vendor marketplace and children's programming.
Durham Region continues to grow and evolve, and newcomers are an important part of that story.", said Allison Hector-Alexander, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Region of Durham, in a Region of Durham news release. "Newcomer Day was an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions that newcomers make, while also helping people link with the services, supports and opportunities that can help them thrive.
The event also featured a milestone for the region: a citizenship ceremony held in Council Chambers, the first in Durham Region since the COVID-19 pandemic. The ceremony was organized in co-operation with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. 45 individuals from 14 countries recited the citizenship oath, surrounded by family and friends.
Hector-Alexander said the event was about more than sharing information.
"It is also about creating a sense of belonging. When people feel valued and connected, they are better able to build relationships, contribute their skills and talents, and fully participate in their community," she said in the news release.
DENC, which works with newcomers on settlement and employment, called the day a reflection of what new residents bring to the region.
At DENC, we believe that when newcomers succeed, our entire community benefits," said Lina Zakaria, Executive Director of DENC. "Newcomer Day highlighted the strength, resilience and talent that newcomers bring to Durham Region, while connecting them with the services and networks that support their settlement and integration.
The event was supported by several sponsors and partners from across the region, including gold sponsors the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and the Royal Bank of Canada, as well as in-kind support from Lakeridge Health, the Municipality of Clarington, Ontario Power Generation, the Town of Ajax and Trent University.
Organizers framed the inaugural event around a simple message for residents of Pickering and neighbouring communities: everyone belongs in Durham Region.
