Toronto Star Article - They got their COVID vaccines. Now, in their own languages, they want to tell you how it felt - and why it matters.
Please click here or on the link below, to see videos of people talking about the COVID-19 vaccination in different languages. Many of these people are nurses and doctors, and they talk about getting the vaccine and what it means. If you have any questions about COVID-19, or the vaccines, we are happy to help you, so call to talk to your settlement facilitator at any of our locations.Toronto Star article: https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/03/16/they-got-their-covid-19-vaccines-now-in-their-own-languages-they-want-to-tell-you-how-it-felt-and-why-it-matters.html
Posted by Westman Immigrant Services March 28, 2021
National Volunteer Week - Volunteer of the Day - Friday, April 23 - Julia Hamel
Pictured: Volunteer of the Day: Julia Hamel with: Carly Gasparini, Executive Director (left), Angela Mowbray, Language Programs Manager (center) and Anita Allan, Volunteer Coordinator (right). Posted by Westman Immigrant Services April 23, 2021
National Volunteer Week - Volunteer of the Day - Thursday, April 22 - Judi Carroll
Judi has been a classroom volunteer at WIS since 2014. She has volunteered more than 500 hours and was volunteering with us right up to the suspension of classes this fall. She has been a very valuable volunteer in our Level 2 and Literacy classes. We really appreciate all that you do, Judi!
Pictured: Volunteer of the Day: Judi Carroll with: Angela Mowbray, Language Programs Manager (left), Carly Gasparini, Executive Director (center) and Anita Allan, Volunteer Coordinator (right).
Posted by Westman Immigrant Services April 22, 2021
National Volunteer Week - Volunteer of the Day - Wednesday, April 21 - Judy Masters
Judy came up with a plan to telephone students who could use some words of encouragement during the upheaval of in-person ESL classes. She has been matched with six students whom she phones regularly. She has been a valuable outreach volunteer and we truly thank her for the difference she is making for our students. Thanks a lot, Judy!
Posted by Westman Immigrant Services April 21, 2021 Despite all the program closures here at WIS, Diana was able to volunteer the most hours this year. She started by volunteering in summer camp in July, then assisted with child-minding for our kindergarten orientation program. She was actively participating in our Welcome Here program when it was forced to close in late October. Diana has since become a permanent resident. She was enrolled in our Bridging to Employment program and entered the workforce last week. All the best for the future, Diana. You have been a valuable asset to our organization!
Pictured: Volunteer of the Day: Diana Demchenko with: Angela Mowbray, Language Programs Manager (left), and Anita Allan, Volunteer Coordinator (right).
Posted by Westman Immigrant Services April 20, 2021
National Volunteer Week - Volunteer(s) of the Day - Monday, April 19 - Alicia Gabriele Milla Ramos and Rory Pugh-Thompson
These two girls have been volunteers at our Summer Camps for three years. Their combined volunteer hours are just under 200 hours! They are very capable, helpful, patient and kind. They work extremely well with young children and are always willing to help with any tasks. They are always eager, punctual, and reliable. Volunteering at Westman Immigrant Services has a very bright future with these two on board.
Pictured: Volunteers of the Day: Rory Pugh-Thompson (left) and Alicia Gabriela Milla Ramos (right) with: Angela Mowbray, Language Programs Manager (left), Carly Gasparini, Executive Director (center) and Anita Allan, Volunteer Coordinator (right - touchless hugging).
Posted by Westman Immigrant Services April 19, 2021
April 18 - 24 is recognized as National Volunteer Week, a time for recognizing the contributions of volunteers across the nation.
At Westman Immigrant Services, we have over 100 willing volunteers who assist as settlement partners, family settlement partners, English classroom assistants, computer classroom assistants, classroom conversation circle faciliatators, youth program assistants, sports program assistants, child minders and casual support. This year was extremely challenging, and there were not many opportunities for volunteers in our organisation. We are hopeful that this situation will soon change.
We are thnakful to all of our volunteers but chose si volunteers to honour as Volunteer of the Day this year and will be posting photos and information about these volunteers throughout the week.
Posted by Westman Immigrant Services April 19, 2021
Seeking New Board Members
Westman Immigrant Services is currently seeking Board Members who are committed to assisting the organization in meeting our mission by providing settlement, language, and employment services while welcoming and helping newcomers create connections and become successful community members. The time commitment is approximately 3-5 hours per month and preference will be given to those willing to share their experience in finance, non-profit management, and their newcomer experience.
For more information, contact Carly Gasparini, Executive Director 204-761-6962 or carlyg@westmanimmigrantservices.ca
Posted by Westman Immigrant Services April 8, 2021
