Volunteer Finds Meaning by Giving Back to the Community That Supported Her
Laura Cuizara moved to Canada in 2024 from Bolivia, where she was met with support, kindness, and a community that welcomed her in. Just over a year later, she is the one offering that same welcome to others as a Global Gathering Place volunteer. “[GGP has] provided me with opportunities to learn, connect with the community, and better understand my new home. By volunteering, I hope to contribute to the well-being of others and help create positive experiences similar to those I have had,” Laura says.
Student Volunteer finds Community and Belonging at GGP
Fatima began volunteering with GGP in 2025 as a student volunteer. She initially joined us at Ride for Refuge and continued volunteering with GGP in our Computer Classes as well as in our Family Skating programs, where we take clients to the Meewasin Rink for afternoon skates.
BrightStart! Volunteer Regularly Witnesses the Patience, Endurance, and Resilience of Clients
Uchechi began volunteering with Global Gathering Place this year through our BrightStart! program that supports newcomer women and their young children. The BrightStart! program offers a welcoming environment for newcomer mothers to build community, access resources, and receive support as they adjust to life in a new country.
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 […]
Finding a True Sense of Belonging in a New Country
Bissan shares about her “beautiful experience in Canada—an experience that truly became beautiful only after joining Global Gathering Place.” Bissan arrived in Canada in September 2024 with her husband and […]
Staying Open-Minded and Resilient in a New Country
Umali was born in Sri Lanka, later moving to Doha in 2015, where she built a decade-long career with Qatar Airways. Recently, she relocated to Canada as a permanent resident, eager to bring her global experience into her new journey here.
Weaving Words: The Letter from Swift Current
Weaving Words is a creative writing workshop offered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild. Over four sessions, clients came together to learn, share, and explore their literary creativity.
Global Gathering Place Scholarship Recipient One Year Later
Our client, Daryna, shares her journey as a newcomer after leaving her home in Ukraine along with her son. Last year, Daryna was one of the first recipients of the Global Gathering Place Scholarship, and here she discusses the impact this had on her life.
Volunteer Discusses Reciprocity in the Classroom: I’m Learning as Much as I’m Hopefully Giving, if Not More
Don is a long-time volunteer currently placed at our English Language Centre and supports our clients in improving their English. In his CLB 3-4 class, Don says that he is “learning as much as [he is] hopefully giving, if not more.”
GGP Client Gives Back by Joining Our Wonderful Group of Volunteers
Akintunde shares his story as a GGP client and volunteer, highlighting the importance of passing on his knowledge to support newcomers like himself in their settlement journey.