Kababayan Multicultural Centre Empowers Newcomers at Toronto’s Annual Event

Kababayan Multicultural Centre Empowers Newcomers at Toronto’s Annual Event

By Leny Rose Simbre

LJI Contributor

The Philippine Reporter

TORONTO — Nathan Phillips Square buzzed with excitement on May 23, 2024, as Torontonians gathered to celebrate the 10th annual Toronto Newcomer Day. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the event aimed to welcome and support newcomers to the city, featuring a variety of cultural performances, diverse foods, and informative activities. Initiated in 2015, Toronto Newcomer Day has become a cherished tradition, fostering a sense of community, and showcasing the contributions of new residents.

This year’s celebration included a special Citizenship Ceremony, where 50 new Canadians proudly received their citizenship on stage marking a significant milestone in their journey. The event featured numerous exhibitors from the City of Toronto’s services, including 311 Toronto, Access to Housing, Arts and Culture Services, and many more. These booths offered essential information and resources to help newcomers navigate their new home.

Among the many community agencies and organizations present, the Kababayan Multicultural Centre (KMC) played a crucial role in the day’s success. A not-for-profit organization dedicated to aiding the settlement of newcomers to Toronto, KMC understands the unique experiences of immigrants to Canada and provides a wide range of services and information to assist in the settlement process. Some of the services offered by KMC include:

• Online and in-person services
• Needs assessment and referral services
• One-on-one supportive counseling
• Group information sessions and workshops
• Community Connections
• Targeted programs for youth, seniors, and women

KMC participated in Toronto Newcomer Day with the primary goal of raising awareness among newcomers about the free settlement and employment support available to them. At their interactive booth, KMC hosted several engaging activities, reflecting newcomers’ experiences and helping them integrate into their new environment. Some of their engaging activities Include:

• Canadian Trivia Plinko Challenge: Participants aimed to answer questions about Canadian facts and culture by landing a ball in a numbered slot on a Plinko board.
• Global Roots Map: Newcomers marked their country of origin on a world map, celebrating Toronto’s diversity.
• Dreams for Tomorrow Board: Newcomers shared their hopes and dreams as they settled into their new country.
• Community Connections Bingo: Participants learned about organizations supporting newcomers while completing a bingo card.

Hundreds of newcomers visited the KMC booth, engaging in the interactive games and providing their contact details for further support. The activities were well-received, fostering a sense of community and connection among participants.

For more information on KMC, contact them at:

Email Address: info@kababayan.org

Phone Numbers: 416-532-3888 / 416-633-5056

Office Locations:

Bathurst-Finch Hub, Suite 117/119, 540 Finch Avenue West, Toronto, ON M2R 1N7

1313 Queen St. West, Toronto, ON, M6K 1L8

Website: www.kababayan.org

Facebook: Kababayan Community

Newcomers and residents alike visited the Kababayan Multicultural Centre booth, participating in engaging activities at the Toronto Newcomers Day celebration.