Chris first came to Canada on a work permit in 2012 from Jamaica to work in the agricultural sector. He was excited to arrive in late November, immediately welcomed by mountains of snow. A friend eagerly told him about Global Gathering Place (GGP), an organization assisting newcomers in adjusting to life in Saskatoon and Canada. Chris quickly registered and noted that coming to GGP was “a wonderful experience from day one.” 

Chris spent most of his time in rural Saskatchewan, living in Imperial, before his work permit expired in 2014 and he would need to return to Jamaica. During his time in Saskatoon, he immersed himself in learning at GGP. Chris participated in a variety of programs at GGP, significantly enhancing his skills and confidence. He credits our computer courses for teaching him all his computer skills and benefited greatly from our resume development workshops. Despite being from the Caribbean, Chris had never learned to swim and eagerly joined our “Swimming Without Fear” program. His favourite program, however, was “Coffee and Conversation,” where he had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. “I met people from countries I had never heard of before coming to GGP,” Chris shared. One of his favourite memories is joining the Family, Fun & Fit program to visit the Enchanted Forest. 

Learning about the shortage of semi-truck drivers in Canada, Chris immediately acquired his 1A license and applied for jobs around the province. Despite his experience in the Caribbean, he struggled to find a position in Canada as most companies required Canadian experience. Just days before he was set to return to Jamaica, Afton referred him to a company, allowing him to return to Canada to drive with Westcan Bulk Transport. Chris is now a long-haul truck driver for Tim Hortons, driving night shifts into Alberta for supplies and deliveries.  

Chris noted GGP as his steppingstone into Canada. “The informational sessions, educational programs, language classes, and referrals all make a significant difference in newcomers’ lives. They have unlimited possibilities.” Chris highlights the staff at GGP as phenomenal. “If they can help, they will, if they can’t, they direct you in the right direction,” Chris said. “GGP can help newcomers adjust in a variety of ways to familiarize them with new customs, food, language, and more.” Chris highly recommends becoming a part of GGP to all newcomers. “Everything is new to you. The geography is new to you. The rules are new to you. Your network is new. GGP is a great place to start, and they assist in every possible way,” Chris said. 

After all these years, Chris and returned to GGP in late July to take his citizenship oath, surrounded by friends. GGP is thrilled to continue following Chris’s journey and celebrating his accomplishments. “GGP is my family away from home, my extended family,” Chris said.