Events Archives - Global Gathering Place

Message from our Executive Director

ggpadmin — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:20:01 +0000

Message from our Executive Director

We are each other’s strength.

As we step into a new fiscal year, Canada finds itself at a crossroads—a moment calling us to rediscover our collective strength, lean on one another, and build something new together. For those of us in the settlement sector, that call feels deeply personal.

Immigration numbers are shifting and the landscape of our work is changing. But if there’s one thing I know about this sector, and the people in it, it’s that we are adaptable. We have navigated change before. We will again.

At Global Gathering Place, our commitment remains the same: to show up for every person who walks through our doors and to help them find their footing in their new home. That work only happens because of people like you.

“Thank you for standing alongside the newcomers we serve. We are in this together—and we are not going anywhere.”

Ways to be part of what we’re building:

Support Ride for Refuge – October 3

This fall marks our fifth year hosting Ride for Refuge Saskatoon. It’s a chance to show up in solidarity, celebrate the newcomers in our community, and raise vital funds for GGP. Help us by spreading the word and connecting us with potential sponsors at your workplace.

Become a Member of GGP

Your membership directly supports GGP’s essential programs and services and is a great way to get involved and become an integral part of our community.

Donate Monthly

Your monthly gift will directly support language classes, settlement services, and programming, as well as the incredible team that newcomers rely on every day.

Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just getting to know our work, your involvement matters. This community we all call home is stronger because you are in it.

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Student Volunteers are an Integral Part of our Volunteer Force

ggpadmin — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:06:22 +0000

Student Volunteers are an Integral Part of our Volunteer Force

We are incredibly fortunate to be a part of a community that places such a strong emphasis on the importance and impact of volunteering. This fall, we are honoured to house a number of student volunteers at GGP who are assisting us in a variety of areas. These opportunities are incredibly important to both GGP and our student partnerships. We welcome enthusiastic and committed volunteers, and students gain invaluable experience, sensitivity, and competency in serving immigrants and refugees in the community.

We currently have students from the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, St. Thomas More College, and the Leslie and Irene Dubé School of Nursing completing community-based learning placements at GGP. These students support a variety of programs, including our ESL and Computer Classes, CNC (Care for Newcomer Children), the Flu Clinic, Coffee & Conversation, and Family, Fun, & Fit.

We are so lucky to also have a group of second-year law students with us each Friday this school year to assist clients with Citizenship applications through PBSC (Pro Bono Students Canada). PBSC seeks to provide free legal support to people and communities facing barriers to justice. These students are able to help our clients with the complicated terminology and legalese involved in the application forms and help organize the correct documents needed. Each of these students volunteers their time outside of their required classes and has chosen GGP as their area of interest. One of the law students attributes her interest in being placed at Global Gathering Place as she is the daughter of a refugee. She states that it is an honour for her to give back to other newcomers in this meaningful way while becoming one step closer to her career in immigration law.

We are again hosting student volunteers from the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Nursing each Thursday and Friday as part of their Community Nursing Placement. These students bring a strong focus on health and wellness to everything they do and have become a wonderful addition to our programs and daily activities. This fall, they also organized a Winter Drive throughout October, collecting much-needed winter clothing for our clients – many of whom will be experiencing their first winter in Saskatoon.

The three of them reflect on their time at GGP, noting, “we’ve really enjoyed our experience at GGP so far. There has been a plethora of opportunities for us to learn, grow, and give back to our community. The staff have been incredibly supportive, inclusive, and collaborative. One highlight of our experience was our winter clothing drive. Thanks to support from staff, generous donors from our community, and our clinical instructor Dawna, the project was a huge success. We are grateful for this community nursing experience and look forward to learning more.”

Our Volunteer Coordinator, Jasmine Shahbazi Doran, says, “student volunteers are an integral part of our volunteer force here at GGP. In many cases, student volunteers are some of our most regular and reliable volunteers. Student volunteers are particularly wonderful to work with as they are often eager to learn best practices and how they can help newcomers in practical ways.”

Throughout the year, we often have between twenty and thirty student volunteers placed at GGP. Each year, we have several student volunteers who serve above and beyond their required hours and remain as volunteers for months to years after their official placement has ended.

“I love working with student volunteers,” Jasmine says. “They have a strong sense of altruism and a keen desire to positively impact their community. I particularly enjoy seeing the growth of many students throughout their placement. Some of our student volunteers are required to complete and submit mid-point and final evaluations with me as a class requirement. Many students go from wondering how their time with us relates to their field of interest to describing the invaluable experience they gained at GGP and how it will positively influence their future practice when working with newcomers.”

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Ride for Refuge Saskatoon 2025

ggpadmin — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 21:25:58 +0000

Ride for Refuge Saskatoon 2025

Global Gathering Place is hosting Ride for Refuge in Saskatoon this year on October 4! Ride for Refuge is a nationwide family-friendly cycling and walking fundraiser event that partners with charities that take part in helping those seeking refuge from danger, abuse, and hardship.

As a drop-in centre and place of refuge, Global Gathering Place assists newcomers with unexpected needs that fall outside of our regular programs and services. Funds raised through Ride for Refuge give us much-needed financial flexibility, enabling us to provide immediate support to those who bravely walk through our doors to ask for help. The astounding $38,000 our community raised last year has supported our clients in their time of greatest need. These flexible funds have enabled us to support refugees with complex health needs, provide emergency housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence, and intervene when vulnerable newcomers are faced with choosing between feeding their families and paying rent.

The ride itself will be a fun and engaging opportunity for our community to show our support for newcomers. We will gather on October 4 to walk or cycle a loop along the river and gather to enjoy a meal, local entertainment, and family-friendly festivities.

This is a peer-to-peer fundraiser. Anyone can become a Team Captain and register a team online then recruit a fundraising team and raise money together!

How can you join in?

Sign up online at rideforrefuge.org/location/saskatoon
Gather friends, family members, coworkers, faith-groups or classmates to join your team (you can also fundraise as an individual or join an existing team)
Your team will use the tips and tools provided (or your own!) to gather donations from your community
Join us on October 4 to ride a 10k or 20k loop or walk a 2.5k or 5k loop along the South Saskatchewan River (with lots of rest stops and snacks) and then enjoy a free outdoor meal and live music at River Landing.

If you are unable to attend but would like to support the fundraiser, you can choose a team to support and donate directly through the Ride for Refuge website: rideforrefuge.org/location/saskatoon

Resources for registered participants:

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GGP Client Shares What Ramadan Means to Her

ggpadmin — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:31:24 +0000

GGP Client Shares What Ramadan Means to Her

Hiba moved to Canada in August of 2024 and was immediately fascinated by its natural beauty and vibrant colours. Hiba was born in Lebanon and is half-Syrian and half-Sudanese. Her first seven months in Canada have been smoother than she anticipated initially, despite the challenges that have occurred throughout her journey. The most significant obstacles for Hiba were adapting to cultural differences, being away from her loved ones, and starting a new life in a new location. Hiba says, “adjusting to the cold was an interesting experience; every day felt like a project, trying to figure out the right amount of layering, only to accept that no matter what I wore, I’d still be cold!”

In her first few weeks in Canada, Hiba was overwhelmed with anxiety, wondering how she would adapt to life on her own, how she would take care of her mother who does not speak English, and how she would navigate the unfamiliar Canadian system. Hiba notes, “GGP eased my worries and fears when I arrived in Saskatoon. Thankfully, I was fortunate to have one of the best counsellors, who has supported my mother and me every step of the way, guiding us and providing us with the knowledge we need. One of the things I appreciate most about GGP is the developmental opportunities it offers its people and the effort it puts into integrating them into society. Whether through training programs or other initiatives, GGP has had a significant impact on my personal growth, and I have learned a lot.”

One thing Hiba learned when coming to Canada is that this country is not how it is portrayed on television. “It comes with both positive experiences and challenges, and I’ve come to understand this through both easy and difficult lessons,” Hiba says. One piece of advice Hiba would wholeheartedly give to fellow newcomers is “to stay strong. It’s okay to fail sometimes, to feel weak, and even to start over. Through it all, be kind to yourself, hold onto hope, and set a goal to work toward. Remind yourself of it daily and stay committed to achieving it. Also, always remember that Canada is a country full of opportunities, so take advantage of every single one given to you.”

Currently, Hiba stays busy with interpretation work, volunteering with different organizations, and applying for diploma and master’s programs. She also makes time to visit with the people she and her mother have connected with since living in Saskatoon. Additionally, Hiba is “learning to appreciate winter, enjoy its beauty, and take part in both indoor and outdoor sports.”

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims observe this month with fasting, prayer, reflection, and charity. In 2025, Ramadan began on the evening of February 28 and is expected to end on the evening of March 30, depending on the sightings of the moon. The end of Ramadan marks the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, a three-day celebration.

For Hiba, Ramadan is more than just a month of fasting. “It’s a time of spiritual reflection and self-discipline. It’s about strengthening my connection with God, practicing gratitude, and being mindful of those who are less fortunate.” Beyond the personal aspect, Hiba says, “Ramadan is also about togetherness, and I’m grateful to have experienced that in Saskatoon. Sharing iftar with the family and friends we’ve met, feeling the unity within the community, and embracing acts of kindness make this time deeply meaningful to me. One reminder I hold close is to slow down, reset, and focus on what truly matters in God’s eyes, faith, compassion for myself and others, and continuous self-improvement.”

Hiba recognizes that Eid back home was and will be different from how it looks in Saskatoon. Hiba notes, however, “I believe that at its core, the joy of Eid remains the same, and even with new people we meet, it brings a unique and special feeling each year.” In Hiba’s family, “Eid begins with early morning prayers, followed by heartfelt calls and messages to loved ones back home. We dress in our best clothes, exchange warm wishes, and enjoy a festive meal together. Back home, visiting relatives and neighbours was a big part of our celebrations, but here in Saskatoon, we’ve found joy in creating new traditions, whether it’s gathering with friends, sharing meals, or participating in community events. And of course, above all, Eid is about gratitude, togetherness, and spreading happiness, no matter where we are.”

One thing that Hiba believes that people who do not observe Ramadan should know is that it is not just about abstaining from food and drink—it’s a deeply spiritual and reflective time. Hiba says, “fasting is a way to practice self-discipline, strengthen our connection with God, and develop empathy for those who struggle with hunger daily, and that is why I believe that the needy shouldn’t be in mind only but also reach them out in action.” Ramadan is “also a time of community and generosity, where families and friends come together for iftar, and acts of charity and kindness are highly encouraged. It is beautiful to always remember that Ramadan is about more than physical fasting; it’s about purifying the heart, in actions and faith.”

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Black History Month: Our Staff Member, Ines, Discusses Honouring Black History Beyond the Month of February

ggpadmin — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:01:10 +0000

Black History Month: Our Staff Member, Ines, Discusses Honouring Black History Beyond the Month of February

February marks Black History Month. This month, GGP will be spotlighting the diverse stories and experiences of our Black staff, volunteers, and clients.

Ines joined the Global Gathering Place staff as a Client Care Facilitator in 2023, the very same year she moved to Canada with her husband and three children. She was born in The Democratic Republique of Congo before she moved to Rwanda at fourteen. Ines holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and previously worked in Finance Administration and as a Case Officer at a refugee settlement agency. Ines notes that “as a daughter of a refugee, working at GGP and helping refugees and immigrants is an honour and a privilege.”

This February will mark Ines’ second celebration of Black History Month in Canada. As a Black woman, Ines sees this month as “a time to celebrate, reflect, and honour the immense contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history, with a particular focus on the resilience, strength, and impact of Black women.” Ines notes that Black History Month provides an opportunity to recognize the often-overlooked role that Black women have played in shaping societies, “whether in civil rights movements, politics, science, the arts, sports, or community leadership.”

“Black women have historically been at the forefront of change, breaking barriers despite facing both racial and gender-based discrimination,” Ines says. “From pioneers like Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, who fought for freedom and justice, to modern leaders like Michelle Obama and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Black women continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations.”

Ines sees great importance for this month to serve as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices that came before her as well as a celebration of the progress that has been made and the power of representation. “It is a time to uplift Black voices, share stories that empower, and create spaces where the contributions of Black women are acknowledged, valued, and amplified,” Ines states.

Ines believes that Black history needs to be celebrated and honoured beyond just one month. The commemoration of Black history should be “woven into everyday life, education, workplaces, and communities.” This can be observed by incorporating Black history into everyday learning through books, films, and listening to the voices of Black historians and educators. All year-round, we can support Black-owned businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs as a show of support to uplift Black communities. In schools and workplaces, we can advocate for inclusive curriculum, organize discussions, and recognize Black contributions to ensure that Black history is acknowledged beyond February. Ines highlights the importance of engaging in cultural events, volunteering, fostering partnerships, amplifying Black voices and stories, and supporting policies that address racial inequities. “By making Black history a continuous conversation and taking actionable steps, we ensure that Black contributions remain at the forefront, fostering a more inclusive and informed society.”

Canada’s theme for Black History Month 2025 is ‘Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations’. Ines notes the importance of this year’s theme and utilizes it to identify the many influential Black figures who have made significant contributions to history, culture, politics, science, and social justice. Here is a list of Black leaders that Ines recognizes as having a substantial impact on her:

Historic Leaders & Activists

Nelson Mandela (South Africa) – Anti-apartheid revolutionary, first Black president of South Africa, and a global symbol of peace and reconciliation.

Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana) – Led Ghana to independence and became its first president, advocating for Pan-Africanism.

Martin Luther King Jr. (USA) – Civil rights leader who fought for racial equality through nonviolent resistance.

Patrice Lumumba (Congo) – First Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, advocating for decolonization.

Thomas Sankara (Burkina Faso) – Revolutionary leader who promoted self-sufficiency and women’s rights in Burkina Faso.

Political & Human Rights Figures

Barack Obama (USA) – First Black president of the United States.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia) – First female president of Liberia and Africa’s first elected female head of state.

Desmond Tutu (South Africa) – Archbishop and human rights activist who fought against apartheid.

Wangari Maathai (Kenya) – Environmentalist and first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Scientists & Innovators

George Washington Carver (USA) – Agricultural scientist who developed new uses for peanuts and other crops.

Mae Jemison (USA) – First Black woman in space.

Philip Emeagwali (Nigeria) – Mathematician and computer scientist who contributed to the development of the internet.

Katherine Johnson (USA) – NASA mathematician whose calculations were crucial for space missions.

Writers & Thinkers

Chinua Achebe (Nigeria) – Renowned novelist known for Things Fall Apart.

Wole Soyinka (Nigeria) – Playwright and first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

James Baldwin (USA) – Writer and activist who explored race and identity in America.

Maya Angelou (USA) – Poet, author, and civil rights activist.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria) – Acclaimed novelist known for Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah.

Artists & Cultural Icons

Fela Kuti (Nigeria) – Afrobeat pioneer and activist.

Bob Marley (Jamaica) – Reggae legend and advocate for peace and unity.

Beyoncé (USA) – Global music icon and advocate for Black empowerment.

Lupita Nyong’o (Kenya/Mexico) – Award-winning actress and advocate for diversity in Hollywood.

Athletes & Sports Legends

Serena Williams (USA) – One of the greatest tennis players of all time.

Usain Bolt (Jamaica) – Fastest man in history, dominating Olympic sprinting.

Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) – Footballer who helped end a civil war in his country.

Muhammad Ali (USA) – Boxing legend and activist for civil rights.

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Sign Up for Ride for Refuge 2023!

ggpadmin — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 20:44:17 +0000

What is Ride for Refuge?

Ride for Refuge is a nation-wide charitable fundraising campaign that supports local organizations like Global Gathering Place

How can you join?

1. Sign up online at rideforrefuge.org/register

2. Gather friends, family members, coworkers, or classmates to join your team (you can also fundraise as an individual or join an existing team)

3. Your team will use the tips and tools FundHub provides (or your own creativity) to gather donations from your community

4. Join us on September 23rd to ride or walk a designated 5k, 10k, or 20k loop along the South Saskatchewan River (with lots of rest stops and snacks) and then enjoy a free outdoor meal (chili and bannock!) and live music at a local park. This event is family-friendly and the ride/walk portion is optional.

What are we fundraising for?

Funds raised through Saskatoon’s Ride for Refuge will support refugees and immigrants seeking support from Global Gathering Place. Global Gathering Place is a local settlement organization that offers programs and services for all newcomers, with a focus on high-needs refugees.

The $22,000+ our community raised last year has supported our clients in their time of greatest need. These flexible funds enabled us to support refugees with complex health needs, provide emergency housing for women and children fleeing domestic violence, and intervene when vulnerable newcomers are faced with choosing between feeding their family and paying rent.

If you have questions about the event or starting a fundraising team, please reach out to Maia at maia.herriot@globalgatheringplace.com

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We’re raising $5,000 to help new refugees…are you in?

ggpadmin — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 19:24:16 +0000

We’ve seen the headlines about people scrambling to get out of Afghanistan and other countries that are no longer safe to live. For those who manage to escape—often without saying goodbye and with only a few belongings—what happens when they arrive to the far-flung place that is now “home”?

Global Gathering Place has been helping refugees and immigrants successfully build new lives in Saskatoon for more than 23 years. We serve around 3,000 clients each year, and in 2021, we’ve welcomed 374 new refugee clients including 178 individuals from Afghanistan.

We’re also asking for your support to raise $5,000 for GGP’s Refugee Resettlement Fund by December 31st. If you support the work we do, please consider making a donation today.

Ways to Give

Donate via CanadaHelps
Send an e-transfer to finances@globalgatheringplace.com
Cash or cheque delivered or mailed to GGP Main Office @ 100 5th Ave. N, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2N7

Thank you so much for partnering with us to help our refugee neighbours integrate and thrive in Saskatoon!

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United Way Day of Caring brings United Way, SK Blue Cross, and GGP together

ggpadmin — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 18:41:07 +0000

On November 24, we had an amazing day collaborating with United Way of Saskatoon and Area and Saskatchewan Blue Cross for the United Way Day of Caring! It was the event’s first-ever Winter Edition and their generosity warmed our space and our hearts!

Employees from Saskatchewan Blue Cross volunteered all day in our Main Office and English Language Centre, working on a range of projects including painting classrooms and refreshing the children’s room, which will help adults and kids alike learn in a bright, inviting space. Volunteers also played holiday elves, packaging Christmas gifts for 100 children and putting up trees and decorations. It felt so good to have community partners in our space after this long pandemic period, and the festive decorations are more appreciated than ever, too!

We are so grateful to United Way of Saskatoon and Area and Saskatchewan Blue Cross for their partnership, as well as for living their values and helping us feel the local love! To hear from our partners, check out this great CTV article.

Want to support Global Gathering Place this holiday season? We’re working to raise $5,000 for our special Refugee Resettlement Fund this December. Click here for more information. Thank you very much and we wish you a safe and joyous holiday season!

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It’s time for our most popular fundraiser! Get your FundScrip gift cards now

ggpadmin — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 15:53:14 +0000

It’s hard to believe, but the holiday season is already upon us. For many of us, it’s a time in which we give to the people, organizations, and causes that enrich our lives and communities. GGP’s annual FundScrip fundraiser will help you maximize your giving for an easy and convenient win-win!

With FundScrip, you simply purchase gift cards at face value for NO extra cost through our form, and a percentage of every gift card will be given back to Global Gathering Place. It costs you nothing extra!

Use gift cards to buy the holiday gifts on your list. You can also gift the cards to others—skip shopping & wrapping, and who doesn’t love a gift card? You can also use the gift cards for things you buy everyday from places like:

Superstore, Extra Foods, Sobeys, Safeway
Esso, Mobil, Petro-Canada, Shell
Starbucks, Tim Hortons, McDonald’s
Winners, Aldo, H&M, Gap, Mark’s, lululemon, Sport Chek
Home Depot, RONA, Lowes
Uber and Uber Eats
More!

To participate, please click here for the paper order form.

Paper order forms can also be picked up at the front desk of our Main Office (100 5th Ave. N). Our group order will be placed on December 6^th and the cards will be available for pick-up from GGP the following week. Purchases can be made at the front desk by cash/cheque. For e-transfer, give us a quick call at 306-665-0268.

Everyone can participate in FundScrip so please share with your contacts who might be interested. Thank you for including GGP in your holiday giving! If you would like to make a donation to Global Gathering Place instead, please click here. THANK YOU!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our friendly staff at 306-665-0268 or check out the FundScrip website: https://www.fundscrip.com.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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Fall into Friendship with GGP Meet Up!

ggpadmin — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 20:27:21 +0000

Beginning this September, GGP starts a new program specifically aimed at connecting young newcomer adults in their 20s and 30s through fun and social networking. It’s called GGP Meet Up!

Settling in a new country isn’t easy for anyone, particularly when you come alone, so GGP is excited to offer more programming for this group of clients.

The idea behind GGP Meet Up is to create a safe and inclusive community that will provide opportunities for younger clients to feel more at home in Saskatoon and teach them new things about the city. Social connections can also go a long way to help with other settlement needs, such as job recommendations, enlarging your circle of contacts, and providing a positive peer support network.

This month, join us at Nuit Blanche, an annual outdoor art festival where the public can walk through various neighbourhoods across the city to experience and take part in interactive installations, live dance performances and immersive studios.

NUIT BLANCHE: Saturday, Sept. 25, 7pm

Email: erika.thogersen@globalgatheringplace.com or carlie.russell@globalgatheringplace.com

For a complete list of GGP programs and activities during the month of September, including who to contact to register, please visit globalgatheringplace.com/events/ or call 306-665-0268.

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