Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.
-DESMOND TUTU
During the pandemic, many people did their “little bit of good” to make a difference in the lives of others. Acts of kindness and donations big and small, conveyed an important message of care and support for our families at IRCOM:
“You are welcome here and you are going to be okay.”
IRCOM’s Values state “We are a loving, welcoming community – an extended family.” During the pandemic, IRCOM remained connected. We called hundreds of families in their first language to share information on the pandemic, started up a Tech- Lending Library, trained families in computer skills, and helped them access our newly created on-line programs and services.Now, you can help newcomer families get back on track by supporting our return to in-person services.
Jihan and Marouf are a married couple from Syria who have been learning English at IRCOM. Once their six children were back in school, they were happy to return to in-person class. Jihan and Marouf are active learners and have a strong sense of what they want for themselves as well as their kids. Jihan says, “I like to learn English for many reasons, going to the doctor, shopping and bank. I want to go with no help. Understanding English is easy for me, but spelling and speaking can be a little hard. I am afraid of making mistakes when I speak.” She added, “I like to sew and want a job sewing. Need English for good job.” Marouf says, “I need to learn English. I driver in my country. I want driver job in Canada.” He adds, “Learning English is very different. I want to learn reading and learn Canadian laws.” Jihan and Marouf are working hard to succeed in their new home.
Hasfa has seen a huge change since her son Ameer started attending the Homework and Education for Youth (HEY) Program. She says, “I really appreciate the support given to my son. There is huge improvement for him, even teachers at school, they are all happy with his improvement. This semester, no concern at all — he has been doing his work, homework and submit on time. All teachers are happy with him. All this because of HEY Program!”
With your help, our highly-trained team of settlement counsellors, social workers, youth workers, English teachers, housing assistants, and life skills workers, will help newcomer families settle successfully in their new home.
With your help, IRCOM’s program rooms will be humming with activity again with English classes and childcare during the day, followed by after school programming and homework support, financial literacy programs, settlement drop in services and more.
There are many ways your donations could help:
$7 could buy a pencil case full of supplies for a child going to school for the first time
$25 could provide healthy snacks for a week for two youth to help them stay focused while getting homework help
$100 could pay for a fresh coat of paint for a child’s bedroom
$10 could buy a calendar that our Life Skills Worker gives families to teach them the days and months in English and how to stay organized
$50 could provide booklets for five parents learning English
We also invite you to follow IRCOM on social media. It’s a wonderful way to stay connected and be a part of our community.
Thank you for your generous support. We are very fortunate to have a community that welcomes newcomer families to Winnipeg. If you can, please consider renewing or increasing your gift.
We wish you all the best over the holiday season and in the coming year.
On behalf of all of us at IRCOM,
