The Saint John Newcomers Centre celebrated its first anniversary on December 12, 2023, marking a year of exceptional growth and success. The anniversary event served as the launch of the “You Belong Here” campaign, aimed at welcoming and supporting newcomers to the Greater Saint John area. During the event, the RBC made a significant donation to the Centre, reinforcing its invaluable support for the Centre’s mission.
Lori Carle, Manager of Marketing, Public and Corporate Relations at the Saint John Airport (YSJ), emphasized the significant role of the Saint John airport in welcoming newcomers to the Saint John region during the first-anniversary celebration of the Saint John Newcomers Centre on December 12, 2023. Carle highlighted the airport as a gateway for newcomers, vital in facilitating their arrival and integration into the local community. She underscored the airport’s commitment to ensuring a warm and welcoming experience for all newcomers, reflecting the community’s dedication to embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity.
The “You Belong Here” campaign was unveiled by Emin Civi, the Chairperson of the SJNC Board, emphasizing the importance of belonging and inclusivity and sending a powerful message that everyone should feel valued and accepted in the community. Mohamed Bagha, the Managing Director of the Centre, expressed the campaign’s embodiment of the Centre’s central role in Greater Saint John and encouraged the celebration of unity and diversity.
The Saint John Newcomers Centre, founded in 2009, has been a pillar of support for newcomers in the community, offering a wide range of services, including settlement support, orientation sessions, language conversation groups, and social events. The Centre’s mandate is to improve the cultural, social, and economic well-being of the Saint John region through supporting newcomer settlement and integration.
The 1st Anniversary event, held at the Centre’s location, was a momentous occasion, celebrating the past year’s achievements and reaffirming the Centre’s dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for all newcomers. The event, hosted by Nissrine Niazi as compere, reflected the Centre’s journey and is a testament to the ongoing commitment to supporting and embracing the diversity of the Greater Saint John area.
