New Canadians Centre Seeking Two New Board Members
/The New Canadians Centre (NCC) is looking for two board members to join the governance team that shapes the core priorities and advises on the strategic direction of the organization.
file photo.
Peterborough Blogs
New Canadians Centre Appoint New Executive Director
/The New Canadians Centre (NCC) has appointed Jeeniraj “JJ” Thevasagayam as its new executive director, effective Sept. 2.
NCC receieved 300 applicants for the executive director position. Photo courtesy of the New Canadians Centre.
He takes over the role left by former executive director Andy Cragg, who stepped down from the position at the end of last month, following an announcement made in late March. Cragg held the position for six years.
According to the NCC, he brings a wealth of experience in organizational leadership and a deep personal commitment to community development and supporting the successful settlement of immigrants and refugees.
“We are thrilled to welcome JJ as our new Executive Director,” said Kim Blackwell NCC Board Chair. “His extensive experience, commitment, and knowledge of the community and the NCC community make him the perfect fit for this role.”
After fleeing the civil war in Sri Lanka with his family, Thevasagayam grew up in the Regent Park community in downtown Toronto. As a newcomer refugee, he faced numerous challenges, including homelessness and precarious housing situations. NCC says while non-profit organizations with similar missions supported his journey, he recognizes and celebrates the vital role that organizations play in helping newcomers build a sense of home and belonging in Canada.
Before joining NCC, Thevasagayam held significant positions in various organizations, including most recently as Manager of Housing for the City of Peterborough. JJ has also served on many boards and committees, including locally for the YMCA and NCC.
“I am truly honoured to step into this role with the New Canadians Centre. As someone whose journey as a newcomer was shaped by the kind of support NCC provides, this opportunity holds deep personal meaning,” said Thevasagayam. “I understand the challenges many newcomers face and the difference that a warm welcome, meaningful support, and strong community connections can make. I am committed to building on NCC’s strong foundation and expanding its impact across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and Northumberland County. With the support of staff, the board, volunteers, and our community partners, I look forward to working together to build inclusive and vibrant communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the fabric of Canadian society.”
Marisa Kaczmarczyk, NCC’s director of client services, serves as the interim executive director.
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New Canadians Centre Seeking New Board Members
/The New Canadians Centre (NCC) is looking for board directors to join the governance team to fill three positions.
NCC began in 1979 when a group of volunteers committed to supporting refugees fleeing Vietnam. The NCC serves more than 2,000 newcomer clients annually. File Photo.
The positions are for two-year terms and board members may serve three consecutive two-year terms.
The NCC is asking that community members give five to ten hours per month to apply. They are looking for those with well-rounded governance experience and with a specific background in facilities management, capital campaigns, and/or IT/cybersecurity.
The information package and application form can be found online. The deadline for applications is at 5 p.m. on Feb. 23.
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New Canadians Centre Release "Our Neighbourhood" Video Series Highlighting New Immigrant Stories
/The New Canadians Centre is introducing stories of six newcomers who have made Nogojiwanong-Peterborough their home with its ‘Our Neighbourhood’ video series launched on Monday.
The videos delve into newcomers' unique stories and journeys.
“We’re also addressing the challenges and barriers that exist in our society,” said Mauricio Interiano, NCC community engagement officer. “We are diving deeper, confronting and shedding light on discrimination and racism. We can’t ignore these issues. We have to work together to make our neighbourhood a better place for all".”
The six participants of the video series share experiences of discrimination, micro-aggressions and systemic challenges that serve as barriers in their settlement journey and how they have navigated these challenges according to NCC.
After watching the videos, NCC asks viewers to reflect on what it means to be a good neighbour, welcome people who are new to Canada, and build a more diverse and just society for everyone.
The participants in this video series include:
Tim Nguyen, a high school student from Vietnam, a musician, and a young leader who explores the challenges of starting over in a new country with an accent.
Tashvi Menghi, a teenager from India who settled in Canada one year ago. An artist and youth activist, they want to be a support for others struggling in their settlement.
Miguel Hernandez, a Venezuelan artist who has called Canada home for nearly 10 years, and who says that art was the bright light through the challenges of immigration and settlement.
Fatma Al Ahmed, a high-school student from Syria who explores the challenges and barriers that exist for young Muslim hijabi girls like herself.
Bhisham K. Ramoutar, a newcomer from Trinidad & Tobago who highlights the value of representation in traditionally-marginalized fields and spaces.
Samantha Banton, a Jamaican poet and entrepreneur who wants to see more diverse spaces and representation, and who has taken steps to fill those gaps.
Lessons from the Land Event Aims to Build Bridges Towards Reconciliation in Nogojiwanong
/The New Canadians Centre is organizing a Multicultural Canada Day ‘Lessons from the Land’ at Beavermead Pavilion (2011 Ashburnham Drive) on July 1, a celebration of the rich diversity of culture in Canada and locally in Peterborough.
file photo.
As an organization, the New Canadians Centre said they have reflected on the important work of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada and their role in helping more people settle on lands stewarded by Indigenous Peoples.
“The New Canadians Centre is committed to walking alongside Indigenous peoples, to celebrate Indigenous culture and knowledge, and to help heal and grow relationships between Indigenous Peoples and settlers,” said Mauricio Interiano, NCC’s community engagement officer.
Celebrating the richness of multiculturalism and our clients’ pride in being Canadian remains a cornerstone of NCC’s work. Please join us in our week-long celebration of the Canadian Multicultural Festival from June 23 to June 30 in addition to our month-long Multicultural Food Crawl.
Program:
Free Plants (9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Pick up a free sweetgrass or white sage plant sourced from the GreenUp Ecology Park Native Plant nursery (while supplies last).
Welcome (9:30 a.m.)
Janet McCue is the lead singer of Wishkiigomang Hand Drummers from Curve Lake. She will be joined by her sister Linda McCue.
Guided Nature Walk (9:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.)
Join Patricia Wilson for a guided nature walk through Beavermead Park. Patricia is the founder of Diverse Nature Collective – a grassroots organization that works to empower, mobilize and create space for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour within the environmental movement and reduce barriers in accessing nature.
Morning Activities (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
TRACKS Program: Join Kelsey Roote and Ziigwan LaPointe from TRACKS Youth Program for an engaging River Race game! This game explores the journey of different fish in the Trent-Severn Waterway and the challenges they have getting to their spawning grounds.
Quilt Stories of Reconciliation: Join Pam Hart from Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group (KTRSG) and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of a group quilt project that delves into the legacy of residential schools.
Community Lunch catered by Thomas Olszewski's Grandfather’s Kitchen (12 p.m. - 1 p.m.) – please bring your own dishes (bowls, plates, utensils) where possible
Dance & Drum Circle (12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.) led by Janet McCue
Afternoon Activities (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
Quilt Stories of Reconciliation: Join Pam Hart from Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group (KTRSG) and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of a group quilt project that delves into the legacy of residential schools.
Beading Circle: The Orange Shirt serves as a powerful symbol, representing the legacy of residential schools and reminding us of the profound impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities. Pick up a free Orange Shirt beading kit from Cedarlilie Bead Shop at the NCC office (221 Romaine St) or at Lessons from the Land. Join the beading circle at Lessons from the Land led by Susan Byrne, She Gathers Flowers by the Water. You can also follow Cedarlilie’s tutorial online.
Closing led by Janet and Linda McCue
‘Lessons from the Land’ is organized by the New Canadians Centre and supported by Canadian Heritage, United Way of Peterborough & District, TRACKS Youth Program, Community Race Relations Committee, Diverse Nature Collective, and the Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group.
The New Canadians Centre Peterborough is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil and Georgina Island First Nations.
New Canadians Centre Seeking Volunteer Board Members
/The New Canadians Centre is looking for board directors to support newcomers and refugees by joining the governance team that shapes and advises the organization’s priorities.
photo by david tuan bui.
Since 1979, when a dedicated group of volunteers committed to supporting refugees fleeing Vietnam, the New Canadians Centre has grown to provide a wide range of programs and services that support the empowerment and inclusion of people who are new to Canada.
The NCC also takes an active role in community development and is one of the founding organizations of the Peterborough Immigration Partnership which mobilizes the community to implement a 5-year community immigrant integration strategy.
They serve more than 1,000 newcomer clients annually, who can access a variety of programs and services such as settlement counselling, employment counselling, language assessment, transitional support, workshops (taxes, citizenship), English conversation groups, women’s group, skills training, youth programming/activities and recreational outings.
The NCC encourages community members with diverse backgrounds to apply; those who are able and willing to give 5 to 10 hours per month of their time for this valuable work. They are also looking for volunteers with experience relevant to NCC’s programs and services, and with an interest in governance and leadership.
If you are interested in this opportunity, visit the website to access the information package and application form. Applications to join the board will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Feb. 26.
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"Stand With Tim" Campaign Raises Over $14,000 For Non-Profit Organizations to Benefit Children
/Community organization Peterborough Cares’ “Stand With Tim” campaign raised $14,270.59 for the New Canadians Centre (NCC) and United Way Peterborough & District’s "Backpacks for Success" program.
Backpacks are being stuffed at Kenner Collegiate Vocational Institute on Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.
The funds were received by both organizations at the Peterborough Police station on Saturday with Mayor Diane Therrien and Coun. Lesley Parnell in attendance.
The one-day fundraising event began on Aug. 19 on the corner of King and George Street where local musicians performed a free concert while volunteers collected donations. Musicians included SJ Riley, Shawn Hully, Cole LeBlanc, Baz Littlerock, Ariel Riley, High Waters and Joe McCulley.
There was $2,000 from the Peterborough Police Service to kickstart the fundraiser. The police service board gave $1,000, the police senior team gave $500 and the police board chair gave $500.
A GoFundMe was set up to aid in the fundraising efforts for those who could not attend the event.
Proceeds were split between the NCC and United Way. The latter’s campaign was using the proceeds to fill 690 backpacks with school supplies for children returning to class in September. They needed $15,000 to complete their goal since the demand for school supplies increased by 90 per cent according to the United Way.
During the last three years, proceeds went to homeless shelters. Acting police chief Tim Farquharson took a preventive approach this year by using the proceeds for children’s education. He says prison incarceration rates, crime and imprisonment correlate with the number of kids who fail to graduate high school.
“Anything we can do to encourage that chance to reach a potential by staying in school as long as possible, the better,” he said in a prior interview with PTBOCanada.
"Stand With Tim" Campaign Raising Money For "Backpacks for Success" Program and New Canadians Centre
/Community organization Peterborough Cares hosted its fourth annual “Stand With Tim” fundraiser to aid the New Canadians Centre (NCC) and United Way Peterborough & District’s "Backpacks for Success" to give backpacks to needing children on Friday.
Jamie Emos (pictured) collecting donations from the corner of King and George Street in front of The Venue. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
In years past, proceeds typically go towards homeless shelters. This time, acting Peterborough Police chief Tim Farquharson is taking a preventive approach with this year’s fundraiser. He says prison incarceration rates, crime and imprisonment correlate with the number of kids who fail to graduate high school.
“Anything we can do to encourage that chance to reach a potential by staying in school as long as possible, the better,” he said.
Funds are shared between the United Way and the NCC with none going towards administrative costs. Roughly 690 backpacks with school supplies are needed for the former to get to schools in time for September.
The charity is gathering volunteers to stuff the backpacks on Aug. 30 to be available for pickup from schools the following day. No generic donor funds go towards the campaign but are collected separately.
United Way requires $15,000 to complete its goal since the demand for school supplies increased by 90 per cent according to Sara Mountenay, United Way communications officer.
“There are a lot of students whose parents simply can't afford to purchase the school supplies that everyone else has and take for granted because they're too focused on, let's face it, putting a roof over their head or paying for groceries so the demand this year was unprecedented,” she said.
NCC was chosen as the fundraiser beneficiary as the organization is in need of funding. He says he wants those families including the children to get off on the right foot and in a new country.
“We want new Canadians to come here and feel comfortable and reduce any challenges we can and set them up for success,” explained Farquharson.
The police service board gave $1,000, the police senior team gave $500 and the police board chair gave $500, totalling $2,000 to kick off the fundraiser.
A GoFundMe has been set up to aid in the fundraising efforts for those who could not attend the event.
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New Canadians Centre Launches Inaugural Week-Long Canadian Multiculturalism Festival
/In honour of Canadian Multiculturalism Day on June 27, the New Canadians Centre (NCC) is organizing a week-long inaugural Canadian Multiculturalism Festival in Peterborough beginning Monday to June 27 announced Wednesday morning.
(from left to right) Andy Cragg, NCC executive director; Zebiba Sultan; Brisham Ramoutar, NCC communications and community engagement specialist and Hilary Flood, DBIA communications and marketing manager. Flood samples Ethiopian cuisine made by Sultan. The vegetarian dish contains red lentils, split peas, beets and a salad atop a large piece of injera (Ethiopian sour flatbread).
The festival aims to display multiculturalism within Peterborough through performance, storytelling, film and food.
“Celebrating multiculturalism in Peterborough creates community and helps people to feel like they belong,” says Andy Cragg, Executive Director. “We are proud to showcase the richness of experience in our community. It’s an underappreciated and unrecognized day in Canada.”
A food crawl with six downtown restaurants can earn you tickets towards Boro gift cards. Every $10 you spent from June 20 - July 1, gets anyone a stamp towards a Multicultural Food Passport. Collecting six earns a draw for the gift cards and participants do not have to visit all six restaurants to earn an entry.
Stamps and passports are available at the NCC or the following restaurants:
Curry Mantra
Levantine Grill
Hanoi House
Real Thai Cuisine
Dirty Burger
Milk + Tea
“Downtown Peterborough is a culinary hotspot for multicultural cuisine in the region,” said Hillary Flood, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area communications and marketing manager. “We are so excited to be partnering with the New Canadians Centre for the Canadian Multiculturalism Festival to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions of our international cuisine and newcomer-owned restaurants and how they have shaped our culinary fabric downtown."
The following is a list of events occurring throughout the week:
Flavours of the World Sampling Day
All six restaurant will offer free samples of their food on June 25 between noon and 7 p.m.
Try It Series
The community can get their feet wet and participate in music, dance, cooking and sports from across the world:
Indian Spices - Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the NCC
Peruvian Flower Making - Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the NCC
Taekwondo - Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at King Edward Park
Ethiopian Cooking - June 23, 6 p.m. via Zoom with Zebiba Sultan (ingredient kits can be obtained at the NCC from Monday to next Wednesday)
Zumba - June 24, 6 p.m. at the Silver Bean Patio (Millennium Park) by Dianely Hernandez
Anyone can register online at the NCC website to participate.
Cultural Fusions Video Series
Films are showcased to Dancers and musicians’ craft and culture with two films, “The Story Won’t Die + The Magic of Beginnings” and The Magic of Beginnings.
The former is about a Syrian rapper, tortured by Bashar Al-Assad for his lyrics, who uses his music to survive one of our century's deadliest wars.
The story of revolution and exile in a new documentary reflects a global battle for peace, justice and freedom of expression.
The Magic of Beginnings is about a local English-as-a-second-language teacher that learns Arabic to make the newcomers in her class feel at home.
Anyone can register online from the NCC’s website for a link to view the films online for free between Monday and June 27.
Building A Home Book Reading & Activities
On June 26 at 2 p.m., author & illustrator Casandra Lee will read her children’s book “Building A Home” followed by some creative art-based activities for children and families.
The book is about six children from Syria, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and Pakistan who are now living, playing, and going to school in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough. The book was commissioned and published by the New Canadians Centre.
Multiculturalism Panel
The final da features a Canadian Multiculturalism Festival event at a panel discussion with Trent Professors Mohmin Rahman and Feyzi Baban and Cragg.
Discussions include immigration in Canada, local responses to immigration and perspectives on multiculturalism in Canada and Europe.
Each year, the NCC supports over 1000 clients hailing from over 100 countries and speaking more than 70 different languages. In 2021, the NCC saw a record-breaking number of immigrants come to their facility according to Cragg.
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St. John's School Holds Ukraine Fundraiser With City-Wide Badminton Tournament
/St. John’s Catholic Elementary School grade 7 and 8 students used their racquets and birdies to raise money for their “United for Ukraine” two-day badminton tournament held on Wednesday and Thursday.
St. Anne’s grade 8 student, Clara Murison (pictured), 13, serving against Monsignor O’Donoghue (MOD) at St. John’s gymnasium. Murison and her teammate Sequoia Soubliere, 14, defeated MOD in their round-robin matchup. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Nine other schools within the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board were invited to participate and contribute to the cause.
The money is going towards the New Canadians Centre Welcome Fund which aids refugees and immigrants with mental health services, employment opportunities and other services.
"The kids have been working on this for a couple of months now as a 'deep learning' project," said Stacy Higgins, St. John's grade 8 teacher. "They learned about what was going on in Ukraine and wanted to help."
"We did a little bit of research on Ukraine and we were talking about it a lot in class,” said Jayden Hopkins, 14, St. John's grade 8 student. “We haven't really haven't had any schools come over in a long time because of COVID so we thought this would be a great way to help our community and help the refugees but also have a fun time."
St Anne’s grade 8 student Sequoia Soubliere (pictured), 14, was one of the finalists for the girls’ tournament. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
St John’s students were responsible for contacting other schools to get them involved, reach out to sponsors and organize the event.
"It took a lot of effort, we had to call a lot of places and we're so thankful for our sponsors to help donate food, drinks and flowers, said Hopkins. “It was a lot of hard work to make those signs, and call the different places, it was a lot of work but it was worth it."
All the awards were designed by a St. John’s student while Holy Cross Secondary School created them. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
